Program Overview

---

International Conflict Studies MA

Key Information

Study mode: Full time, Part time Duration: One year FT, two years PT, September to September Application status: Open Start date: September 2025

Course Essentials

You will begin this International Conflict Studies MA with the core module on critical approaches towards the study of conflict and security. It is a research-led module that is taught by academics who are actively researching in this field and will give you a foundational understanding of this topic. You can hone your expertise when you select your optional modules. For example, you could study the international politics of the Middle East, participate in a negotiations and peacebuilding module, or choose to learn about the relationship between race, colonialism and conflict. You will then write a dissertation on the topic of your choice. This will enable you to deepen your analytical and research skills and also to develop your expertise in your chosen domain. Throughout your studies, you will be approaching the topic of conflict and security from a diversity of perspectives. This could be applying lenses such as feminism, anti-racism, materialism, post-colonialism and more, to shine a light on conflict and understand it from different contexts. This will help you to gain a deeper understanding of how different communities are impacted by conflict and the innovative ways to deal with it. During this International Conflict Studies MA, you will be based in the Department of War Studies. It is one of the only multidisciplinary academic departments in the world to focus solely on the complexities of conflict and security. This means that all War Studies students benefit from research-led teaching in such subjects as the history and evolution of war and grand strategy, arms control and non-proliferation, migration, strategic thought, cyber, conflict and the environment, the influence of science and technology on international security, along with regional specialisms covering Africa, Asia (East and South), Russia and elsewhere.

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

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating Bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements: Undergraduate degree with 2:1 honours 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 the equivalent 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. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Teaching & Structure

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Self-Study

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

Location

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses.

Assessment

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

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include assessed essays, individual and group presentations, exercises and/or exams.

Structure

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

Required Modules

• Dissertation (60 credits)
• Critical Approaches to Conflict and Security (45 credits)

Optional Modules

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

• Race, Colonialism and Conflict
• Climate and Energy Security (15 credits)
• Negotiation, Mediation and Dialogue (30 credits)
• International Politics of the Middle East (30 credits)
• Gender in International Politics and Security (15 credits)
• Technology, Security and Global Politics (15 credits)
• Political Violence, Counterterrorism & Human Rights (30 credits)
• East Asian Security (30 credits)

Careers

MA ICS Graduates go on to work for NGOs and think tanks in human rights, gender, conflict resolution, war crimes and other areas, Government departments such as the FCO and the MOD, and international organisations such as the UN or NATO. They also 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

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

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.