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Different course options

Study mode

Online

Duration

16 months

Start date

SEP-25

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

Postgraduate Diploma

Subject areas

International Politics

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Overview

The international political system is now experiencing its most momentous period of upheaval since the end of the Cold War. Our International Affairs MA/PG Dip/PG Cert, with specialisms in Cyber Security, Espionage & Surveillance Studies, and now Strategic Studies engages with the world’s international security issues with the goal of educating the next generation of leaders in the industry. If security is of concern to you, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Our International Affairs MA will provide you with an advanced and comprehensive understanding of the complex world of contemporary international relations and politics. With a ground-breaking, flexible curriculum, King’s equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, and the threats they pose both to individual states and to the international community. Delivered by the Defence Studies Department and drawing its content from our School of Security Studies, the largest academic community of its kind in the world, the course makes use of our teaching team’s deep connections to security organisations worldwide to provide the highest tier of research and experience-led learning outcomes. This complete master’s course is taught 100% online, meaning you can progress your education alongside your career from anywhere in the world, without needing a career break. The flexible two-to-six year curriculum fits around your existing work and life commitments.

Course detail

International Affairs is a ground-breaking course that combines international relations, military history, strategic studies and regional security studies to educate students in the fundamental issues surrounding international security and conflict politics. With modules covering international relations, strategy and conflict history, modern implementation of deterrence strategy, cyber security, intelligence and future conflict, the course’s multidisciplinary approach enables you to gain a holistic understanding of the global security industry and the challenges it faces. As well as its core subject areas, the course seeks to transform your research capabilities, with skills modules focussed on critical thinking and evidence evaluation. You will need to complete a self-directed research dissertation that will inaugurate you into the academic conversation surrounding international affairs.

Teaching and assessment

This programme has been designed specifically for an online audience. It uses a range of interactive activities to support learning including discussion forums, online readings, interactive lectures, videos and online tutorials. Students are expected to undertake approximately 22 hours of study per week. In addition to the online learning resources designed specifically for this programme, students will have access to King’s College Library’s electronic resources and supportive online tutors.

Career prospects

The course is ideal for anyone seeking to pursue a career in any industries addressing concerns over international affairs. This may include roles in Civil Service, NGOs, local or national government, armed forces, the Home Office, policy think tanks, or private intelligence and security companies. It may also be suitable for journalists or parliamentary advisers reporting on international issues. The course presents students with advanced knowledge in international diplomatic and security strategies with the goal of advancing them to leadership-level positions in these fields. This makes it ideal for professionals hoping to advance their existing careers or change careers into a profession within international or conflict politics.

Modules

Deterrence
Seapower & National Strategy
International Relations
Introduction to Critical Research Methodologies
Proxy Wars & Hybrid Wars
Cyber Security in the Information Age
Intelligence, Espionage & Surveillance

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£9,732

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£9,732

Entry requirements

2:1 honours undergraduate degree in any subject. Candidates who achieve 2:2 honours but have relevant professional or voluntary experience may be considered. A CV and reference will be required at the point of application. Candidates without a degree but presenting with demonstrable significant work experience in a related area may also be considered. A CV, reference and 500 word written statement addressing the question “What are the key global security issues facing the world today? How might they be studied in a rigorous fashion?” will be required at the point of application.