Leadership Studies with reference to Security & Development, option of joint PhD with University of Pretoria
Program Overview
Leadership Studies with reference to Security & Development, option of joint PhD with University of Pretoria
Key information
Award: PhD Study mode: Full time, Part time Campus: Strand Campus Duration: 3-4 years f/t or 6-7 years p/t
Overview
Leadership plays a significant role in both development and security processes and outcomes. The Leadership Studies with reference to Security & Development PhD offers the opportunity to delve into the interaction between the leadership and security-development nexus, with a focus on developing countries.
This programme, through the African Leadership Centre, provides the academic space, support and training to interrogate leadership, security and development, particularly at the conceptual level. Students can draw on academic expertise in a range of disciplines, and supervision may be provided from within the African Leadership Centre or jointly with other faculty within King's.
Graduates are well-suited for academic employment, in addition to private sector consulting organisations, NGOs and government employment in the UK, Africa and internationally.
Course Detail
The Leadership Studies with reference to Security & Development is delivered through the African Leadership Centre (ALC). Below is a snapshot of our research and partnerships:
Recent publications
- Security Sector Transformation in Africa
- Mugabe and the Politics of Security in Zimbabwe
- Women, Peace and Security: Translating Policy into Practice
- Deep History and International Security: Social Conditions and Competition, Militancy and Violence in West Africa
- The Development Planning Era and Developmental Statehood: The Pursuit of Structural Transformation in Nigeria
- Islamic Radicalization and Political Violence in Nigeria
- The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission: Problems and Prospects
- Security in Post-Civil War Democratic Transitions in Africa
- Natural Resource Management and Human Security in Africa
- BRICS and African International Organisations
Current research areas and topics:
- Leadership and peacebuilding: conceptual relationships and the role of outliers
- The political economy of peacebuilding in Africa
- Reframing narratives of peace and statebuilding in Africa: The role of political settlements [case studies: Ethiopia, Rwanda, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Sierra Leone]
- China’s Role in African Development: transforming development lessons into development catalysts
- The practice of leadership: analysing practitioners’ reflections on peacebuilding – action research project with leading peacemakers in African conflicts
- Leadership and security in Nigeria
- Resilience innovation: studying resilience to violence and insecurity in Africa
Partner organisations:
- The ALC has a longstanding partnership with the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
- The institute has partnered with the Social Science Research Council of New York, University of Pretoria South Africa and the University of Yaounde, Cameroon.
- The ALC also has long-term collaborations with:
- African Gender Institute, University of Cape Town
- African Security Sector Network (ASSN)
- African Women's Development Fund
- African Union
- Carnegie Corporation of New York
- Centre for Policy Research and Dialogue in Ethiopia
- Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS)
- East African Community (EAC)
- Geneva Centre for Security Policy
- International Institute for Strategic Studies
- International Peace Institute, New York
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
- Open Society Institute, New York
- Organisation for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA)
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations
How to apply
1. Application Procedure
The heart of your application is your research proposal. This proposal should be a document of no more than 4-5 pages. Applicants should also submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for pursuing further research.
We encourage you to contact the African Leadership Centre with a draft research proposal before submitting a complete application through the online system. Find out more about our research interests and ensure your research topic falls within one of these areas.
2. Joint PhD: application advice
Applicants for the Joint PhD programme must contact the relevant departments at both universities before submitting an application in order to discuss the suitability of their topic for the joint programme and to locate potential supervisors. Applications should initially be submitted to the proposed home institution only (i.e. where the student will start and finish their programme). Students should note that acceptance into the programme may take slightly longer than for single-institution PhDs because of the additional steps involved.
Applicants who choose King’s as their home institution should apply through the online system, selecting the appropriate joint PhD option from the drop-down list. In addition to the standard supporting documentation, applicants should submit a Travel Plan form indicating how they intend to divide their time between the two partner institutions. Students must spend a specified amount of time in each institution, details of which can be found in the ‘Notes’ section of the Travel Plan form.
Fees or Funding
UK Tuition Fees 2023/24
- Full time tuition fees: £6,540 per year
- Part time tuition fees: £3,270 per year
International Tuition Fees 2023/24
- Full time tuition fees: £24,360 per year
- Part time tuition fees: £12,180 per year
UK Tuition Fees 2024/25
- Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year
- Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year
International Tuition Fees 2024/25
- Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year
- Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year
For those undertaking the joint PhD with Pretoria option, if selected your home institution at King's College London, the above full-time fee arrangements remain the same throughout the course of the programme. Please note that the part-time option is not available for the joint PhD, it is a full-time only programme.
Study environment
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Postgraduate training
Our scholars have access to the following:
- Regular seminar events
- Regular methodology seminars
- Opportunities to audit relevant MA modules at the ALC and across King's
- Opportunities to take dedicated doctoral training courses run by the KISS-DTC
Entry requirements
UK requirements
A master's degree (or international equivalent) is usually required. In exceptional circumstances only a bachelor's degree with 1st class or high 2:1 honours (or international equivalent) is accepted.
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.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
Research groups
Urbanisation, Rural Development and Social Transformations research group
A research group examining urban-rural development and its effect on the developing world.
Knowledge Production in Lusophone and Francophone Countries: exploring the epistemic terrain of peace and Security in Burundi, Cameroon, Mozambique and Senegal
A research group examining knowledge production in Lusophone and Francophone countries.
Global (Anti)corruption Studies research group
A research group examining corruption and anticorruption in the Global South.
Cities, Climate and Capital in the Greater Indian Ocean World
A research group examining cities, climate, and capital in the Greater Indian Ocean world.
Authoritarianism and populism research group
Examining the rise and effects of authoritarianism and populism.
Indo-Pacific research group
Examining the geo-political strategy of the Indo-Pacific and its relationship with other states.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Leadership Studies with reference to Security & Development PhD program delves into the dynamic interactions between leadership, security, and development, focusing on developing countries. Students can draw on the expertise of academics from diverse disciplines and receive supervision from faculty within the African Leadership Centre (ALC) or jointly with other King's College London departments.
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to critically analyze the complex relationship between leadership, security, and development.
- Develop strong research skills and the ability to conduct independent research in this field.
- Prepare graduates for careers in academic research, consulting, NGOs, and government positions addressing security and development issues.
Program Description:
- Full-time or part-time study options available.
- Duration: 3-4 years for full-time, 6-7 years for part-time.
- Offered through the African Leadership Centre (ALC).
- Emphasizes a conceptual approach to understanding leadership, security, and development.
- Interdisciplinary program drawing on expertise from various King's College London departments.
- Provides opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers and practitioners in the field.
- Strong focus on developing research skills and conducting independent research.
- Prepares graduates for diverse career paths in academia, consulting, NGOs, and government positions.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics related to leadership, security, and development, including:
- Leadership theories and practices
- Security studies
- Development studies
- Conflict resolution
- Peacebuilding
- Governance
- International relations
- Gender and development
- The role of technology in development
- Case studies of specific countries and regions
Structure:
The program consists of a combination of taught modules, independent research, and workshops. Students typically complete:
- 180 credits of taught modules
- 60 credits of independent research
- A doctoral thesis of 80,000 words
Course Schedule:
The specific course schedule can vary depending on the academic year and the student's chosen modules. However, a typical schedule might include:
- Semester 1:
- Theories of Leadership
- Security Studies
- Development Studies
- Research Methods
- Semester 2:
- Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
- Governance and Development
- International Relations
- Case Studies in Leadership and Development
Individual Modules:
Each module typically involves a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study. Some modules may also include field trips, guest lectures, or other forms of experiential learning.
Examples of modules:
- Leadership and Peacebuilding: This module explores the role of leadership in peacebuilding processes, focusing on different leadership styles, approaches, and challenges.
- The Political Economy of Peacebuilding in Africa: This module examines the economic and political factors that influence peacebuilding efforts in Africa.
- Reframing Narratives of Peace and Statebuilding in Africa: This module analyzes the role of narratives in shaping perceptions of peace and statebuilding in Africa.
- China's Role in African Development: This module explores the growing influence of China in Africa and its implications for development.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Essays
- Research papers
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Portfolios
- Doctoral thesis
Assessment Criteria:
Assessments are typically graded based on the following criteria:
- Clarity of argument
- Depth of analysis
- Use of evidence
- Critical thinking
- Originality
- Writing and presentation skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Guest lectures
- Field trips
- Independent study
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced academics from the African Leadership Centre and other King's College London departments. The faculty has expertise in various fields, including leadership studies, security studies, development studies, international relations, and gender studies.
Unique Approaches:
The program utilizes a unique approach that emphasizes:
- Conceptual focus: Encouraging students to think critically about the concepts of leadership, security, and development rather than focusing solely on specific case studies.
- Real-world engagement: Providing opportunities for students to interact with practitioners and policymakers in the field.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers in the following areas:
- Academia: Research positions, teaching positions, and university administration roles.
- Consulting: Working with international organizations, NGOs, and government agencies on development and security issues.
- NGOs: Working with NGOs to implement development and peacebuilding programs.
- Government: Working in government agencies focused on foreign policy, development, or security.
- Private sector: Working with businesses with interests in developing countries.
Career Opportunities:
Specific career opportunities for graduates include:
- Research Fellow
- Policy Analyst
- Development Consultant
- Peacebuilding Officer
- Project Manager
- Lecturer
- Professor
- Diplomat
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are well-prepared to make significant contributions to the field of leadership, security, and development. They possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to:
- Conduct rigorous research
- Develop and implement effective policies
- Manage complex projects
- Lead and inspire others
- Make a positive impact on the world
Other:
Research and Partnerships:
The ALC has a strong research focus and maintains partnerships with several institutions, including:
- Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
- Social Science Research Council of New York
- University of Pretoria, South Africa
- University of Yaounde, Cameroon
- African Gender Institute, University of Cape Town
- African Security Sector Network (ASSN)
- African Women's Development Fund
- African Union
- Carnegie Corporation of New York
- Centre for Policy Research and Dialogue in Ethiopia
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
- East African Community (EAC)
- Geneva Centre for Security Policy
- International Institute for Strategic Studies
- International Peace Institute, New York
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
- Open Society Institute, New York
- Organisation for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA)
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations
Head of Group/Division:
Wale Ismail, Global Institutes Lead
Professor Christophe Jaffrelot
UK Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £6,540 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,270 per year International Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £24,360 per year Part time tuition fees: £12,180 per year UK Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year International Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year
