Program Overview

International Relations & War MA

Key information

Delivery mode: Online Study mode: Part time Distance Learning Duration: Two years Application status: Open Start date: September 2025

Course essentials

Our International Relations & War MA will give you an advanced and comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution of the international system, its relationship to conflict, how to understand it, the leading ideas that underpin it, how it is evolving, and the current challenges it faces. Processes of globalisation, including the movement of monies and peoples, the impact of new technologies, the rise of identity politics, the rise of transnational or non-state actors and transformations in the character of contemporary war all pose direct challenges to the state, the international system and global politics. These themes are considered in depth. The course is structured so that you will firstly develop an understanding of international relations, ways of thinking about its structures, concepts, and issues of conflict and security. You can then choose optional modules and write your dissertation on a subject of your choice, giving you the opportunity to concentrate on those aspects of war and international relations that interest you most. This MA is based at the Department of War Studies, one of the few academic departments in the world to focus solely on the complexities of conflict and security. War Studies is an interdisciplinary department, and this programme is designed to empower you to think independently, across traditional disciplines, and to provide you with the knowledge and the tools necessary to analyse, evaluate and understand international politics, policy-making, war, peace, and diplomatic practices. All War Studies students benefit from research-led teaching in a broad range of subjects, such as theories of international relations, strategic studies, the history of war, international law and ethics, specific aspects of modern warfare (e.g., intelligence, seapower, insurgency), future war studies, and regional specialisms (e.g. Russia, the Middle East).

Entry requirements

UK applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements: 2:1 undergraduate honours degree 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.
• Strong references and personal statements are an important part of the application, as is relevant working experience. An alternative professional or other qualification obtained by a formal examination may be approved. Prior experiential learning can also be taken into consideration by the admissions panel. Where alternative professional or other qualifications are not available, evidence will be required that you can undertake academic study to the level required. If necessary, you will be asked to submit a sample of written work.
• You will also require regular access to a high-specification computer with unbroken broadband internet connection, good time-management skills and confidence in using computers.

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: Online Learning - Distance Learning. The course is delivered online, via the King’s College London Virtual Learning Environment (KEATS). You will study through lively online seminars, where everyone will participate in their own time, guided by one of our expert staff.
• Location: This course is taught online. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start supported with innovative technology. If your own circumstances (time commitments, visa, accommodation etc) allow, you may choose, for one term only, to study in campus in London and take one or two residential modules. We will not be able to sponsor a visa or provide you with accommodation as this is only a flexible option within a distance learning programme.
• Assessment: Distance Learning Modules are usually assessed by written assignments. Residential modules may have exams. The dissertation module assessment will be based on a 100% dissertation assignment.
• Structure: Courses are divided into modules. Over two years, you will take modules totalling 180 credits.

Required modules

• All Year 1 students are required to participate in the online induction course. You are required to take the following modules:
  • International Relations & Contemporary War 1: Theories & Concepts (15 credits)
  • International Relations & Contemporary War 2: Problems & Issues (15 credits)
  • Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional modules

• In addition, you are required to take 90 credits from a range of optional modules offered by the Department of War Studies, which may typically include:
  • Conflict in Russia & the Post-Soviet Space (15 credits)
  • Conflict, Rights and Justice (15 credits)
  • The Future of War (15 credits)
  • History of Contemporary Warfare 1: The Early Cold War, (15 credits)
  • History of Contemporary Warfare 2: from Cold War to War on Terror, 1975–2011 (15 credits)
  • Insurgency & Counter-Insurgency (15 credits)
  • Intelligence in War & Peace (15 credits)
  • International Law & the Use of Force (15 credits)
  • Middle Eastern Security (15 credits)
  • Spacepower and War (15 credits)
  • Strategic Dimensions of Contemporary Warfare (15 credits)

Careers

• Past students from this course have gone on to build careers in NGOs, civil services, NATO, the UN, media and publishing, finance and investment and teaching, as well as in the armed forces. A number of our students have had articles published in peer-reviewed journals and undertaken further academic research. Several students have gone on to complete a PhD.

Fees & Funding

• Tuition Fees:
  • UK: Part time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
  • International: Part time: £13,500 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 and International deposit is £1000.
• Additional Costs: In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for books, library fees and fines, personal photocopies, printing course handouts, society membership fees, stationary, travel and accommodation, should you visit, and graduation costs.