Program Overview

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Intelligence & International Security MA

Key information

Study mode: Full time, Part time Duration: One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180 / ECTS 90 Application status: Open Start date: September 2025

Course essentials

Our course offers students an in-depth, unique perspective on intelligence and its role in statecraft. Students will examine the nature of intelligence, the practice and process of intelligence agencies, and the interaction between intelligence agencies, the wider machinery of government, and society. Building upon a foundation of historical research and practical experience, the course uses a multidisciplinary perspective to explore the issues and trends that continue to shape intelligence and international security in the 21st century.

Base campuses

• Strand Campus: Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
• Waterloo Campus: Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above
• Programme-Specific Requirements: Undergraduate degree with high 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 65% across all years of study) in International Relations, War Studies, History, Political Science, Strategic Studies, Criminology, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, Psychiatry, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Theology. Applications from students with first degree in other areas, including science, language, and journalism, are also welcome.

International applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent international qualifications
• English language requirements: English language band B. To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment.

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Self-Study

Location

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary.

Assessment

• Essays
• Individual & Group Presentations
• Exercises
• Seminar participation
• Exams
• Dissertation

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will take modules totalling 180 credits.

Required modules

• Dissertation (60 credits)
• Intelligence in Peace & War (45 credits)

Optional modules

In addition, you are required to take 75 credits from a range of optional modules offered by the Department of War Studies, which may typically include:

• Past and Present of British Intelligence (15 credits)
• Influence: Covert Action, Active Measures, and Deception (15 credits)
• Diplomacy & Foreign Policy (30 Credits)
• National Security Studies (45 credits)
• Technology, Security and Global Politics (15 Credits)
• Armchair Intelligence- Open Sources & Online Investigation (15 credits)
• Homegrown Radicalisation & Counter-Radicalisation in Western Europe & North America (30 credits)
• Political Violence, Counterterrorism and Human Rights (30 credits)

Careers

Employability

War Studies Graduates go on to work for NGOs, many British governmental departments, including the FCO, the MOD, and the Home Office. Many Graduates also go on to work for the equivalent institutions in their home governments. More generally, many Graduates go on to work for NATO, and the UN, or pursue careers in journalism, finance, academia, the diplomatic services, the armed forces and more.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK: Full time: £19,550 per year (2025/26), Part time: £9,775 per year (2025/26)
• International: Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26), Part time: £17,900 per year (2025/26)

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

• Home deposit: £500
• International deposit: £2000

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• Library fees and fines
• Personal photocopies
• Printing course handouts
• Society membership fees
• Stationery
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
• Graduation costs

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.