Program Overview

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War Studies 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

The MA in War Studies is the oldest degree programme in the Department of War Studies, stretching back some 60 years. A central objective of the MA from its beginnings has been to offer a thorough, state-of-the art introduction to the major issues and debates concerning war and its impact on the world.

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

International Applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications
• English language requirements: English language band B

Teaching & Structure

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Self-Study

Location

The majority of learning for this course takes place at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses.

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

• Theory & Practice of War (45 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules

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

• Contemporary War & Warfare (30 credits)
• Diplomacy & Foreign Policy (30 Credits)
• Negotiation, Mediation and Dialogue (30 credits)
• Post-Conflict Peacekeeping (30 credits)
• Comparative Civil Wars (30 credits)
• Strategic Thought (30 credits)
• Cyber Security (15 credits)
• Armchair Intelligence- Open Sources & Online Investigation (15 credits)
• Dirty Wars Covert Wars, Political Warfare, and National Security (30 credits)

Employability

War Studies Graduates go on to work for NGOs, the FCO, the MOD, the Home Office, NATO, the UN or pursue careers in journalism, finance, academia, the diplomatic services, the armed forces and more.

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.

• The Home deposit is £500.
• The International deposit is £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.
• Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
• 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.