Program Overview

Key Information

Program Overview

The Global Security MA, PG Dip, PG Cert (online) is a postgraduate program offered by King's College London. The program is designed to equip students with the skills to think about security issues holistically and find practical solutions to the dilemmas they pose.

Delivery Mode and Study Mode

The program is delivered online, with a study mode of Distance Learning by eLearning.

Duration and Credit Value

The program duration varies depending on the award:

• MA: Two years
• PG Dip: 16 months
• PG Cert: Eight months

The credit value is 60/120/180 (UK/ECTS equivalent).

Application Status and Deadlines

The application status is open, with the following deadlines:

• 10 June 2025
• 12 August 2025
• 7 October 2025
• 25 November 2025
• 10 February 2026
• 14 April 2026

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor's (honours) degree.
• Non-standard requirements:
  • Candidates with a 2:2 honours degree and relevant professional or voluntary experience may be considered.
  • Candidates without a degree but with significant work experience in a related area may also be considered.

International Applicants

• Equivalent international qualifications are accepted.
• English language requirements: English language band B.
• Personal statement and supporting information: A 500-word written statement addressing the question "What are the key global security issues facing the world today? How might they be studied in a rigorous fashion?" is required for non-standard applicants.

Teaching and Structure

The program is delivered entirely online, with video lectures, coursework, and self-directed learning activities. The program is flexible, and three levels of postgraduate qualification are offered:

• Achieve a postgraduate certificate after completing 60 credits, a postgraduate diploma after 120 credits, and a master's degree after completing all 180 credits.
• Complete the four foundation modules to earn your PG Cert.
• Complete the four foundation modules and four of the optional modules to earn your PG Dip.
• Complete four foundation modules, four optional modules, the two research modules, and your dissertation to earn your MA.

Required Modules

• Security Studies Theories and Approaches (15 credits)
• Security Structures and Processes (15 credits)
• Human Security: Intersections and Inequalities (15 credits)
• Science and Security (15 credits)

MA students are also required to take the following three modules:

• Introduction to Critical Research Methodologies (15 credits)
• Critical Engagement with Literature (15 credits)
• Dissertation (30 credits)

Optional Modules

PG Dip students can choose to take four of the following modules:

• Global Challenges: Ecology, Health, and Migration (15 credits)
• Geopolitics and Rising Powers (15 credits)
• Community, Conflict, and Justice (15 credits)
• Law, Ethics, and Human Rights (15 credits)
• Introduction to Critical Research Methodologies (15 credits)
• Critical Engagement with Literature (15 credits)

MA students can choose to take the following four modules:

• Global Challenges: Ecology, Health, and Migration (15 credits)
• Geopolitics and Rising Powers (15 credits)
• Community, Conflict, and Justice (15 credits)
• Law, Ethics, and Human Rights (15 credits)

Optional International Affairs modules:

• Cyber Security in the Information Age (15 credits)
• Understanding Deterrence in Theory and Practice (15 credits)
• International Political Economy (15 credits)
• Proxy Warfare and Hybrid Warfare (15 credits)
• Women, Peace & Security (15 credits)

Assessment

You'll be assessed using both formative and summative methods. Formative assessments are provided informally, through verbal feedback from tutors on your contributions in online seminars and unassessed presentations.

Summative assessments are designed to evaluate and provide feedback on coursework assignments submitted formally as a requirement for completing each module.

Employability

King's is ranked sixth in the UK for graduate employability (Times Higher Education's Global Employability Ranking 2022). Career paths may include roles in Civil Service, NGOs, local or national government, armed forces, ministries of foreign affairs and development, policy think tanks, or private sector organisations such as risk assessment companies.

Tuition Fees

Your fees will be charged per module as you progress through the course. In the 2024/25 Academic Year, modules will be charged at £1,622 per module. In the 2025/26 Academic Year, modules will be charged at £1,702.

The number of modules you take will be determined by your chosen award:

• Postgraduate Certificate: 4 modules
• Postgraduate Diploma: 8 modules
• Master of Arts: 12 modules

Tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase (capped at 6%) each academic year in line with King's College London's terms and conditions. Depending on your country of residence, you may also have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to your tuition fees.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's, please visit the Fees and Funding section.