MA, PG Dip, PG Cert, 100% Online
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges and the threats they pose to individual states and the international community.
- Duration
- PG Cert: 8 months – 3 years
- PG Dip: 16 months – 4 years
- MA: 2 years – 6 years
- Fees
- £1,544 per module (2023/24)
- Location
- Online
- Start Dates
- January, March, May, June, September, October
- Application Deadlines
- Request information for all deadline details
Entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree (or above) is normally required. Applicants with a 2:2 (or overseas equivalent) will be considered where significant work experience has been undertaken in a related field.
Benefit from a fully online, ground-breaking curriculum led by world-leading academics and develop the knowledge and skills needed to tackle some of the world’s most pressing security challenges.
- Gain cutting-edge knowledge in the contemporary world of international relations and politics.
- Draw upon knowledge and research from the Defence Studies Department, the School of Security Studies and the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy.
- Learn from high-profile academics in the field of security and defence.
- Choose your path with our specialisms – Cyber Security Studies, Espionage & Surveillance Studies or Strategic Studies.
- Study at one of the top 10 UK universities in the world.
June deadline – register now
The next application deadline is 4 June 2024– complete the form today to receive more information about the programme.
Key highlights
*Tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase (capped at 5%) each academic year in line with King’s College London’s terms and conditions. Each increase comes into effect for the September teaching period each year. From September 2024 the module fee will be £1,622. Depending on your country of residence, you may also have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to your tuition fees. Please find further information here.
Top 10 UK university
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2023
7th in the UK for Graduate Employability
The Times Higher Education Global Employability Rankings, 2022
3rd among multi-faculty universities for research impact
Research Excellence Framework, 2021
Why study International Affairs?
We live in demanding times, facing unprecedented challenges around the world. The study of international affairs allows you to deepen your understanding of economics, culture, politics and security, and determine their impact on society.
Professionals in this sector can make a real difference with involvement in global issues which affect us all. As a student on this course, you’ll benefit from the academic’s unique connections to security organisations worldwide.
Who is this course for?
The course presents you with advanced knowledge in international, diplomatic and security strategies. The course content aims to advance students to leadership-level positions in these fields.
International Affairs is ideal if you’re hoping to progress in your existing career or change careers into a profession within international or conflict politics. Past students have pursued careers in journalism, finance, academia and the diplomatic services.
What will you learn?
Learn the history, international relations, strategic and political theory surrounding the world’s most intricate security challenges. The course has a multidisciplinary approach, with modules such as International Relations, Conflict in International History and Deterrence Strategy. Alongside core subject areas, you’ll transform your research capabilities and skills, including critical thinking and evidence evaluation.
You can choose your pathway based on your interests or career aspirations with our three options: Cyber Security Studies; Espionage & Surveillance Studies; and Strategic Studies.
Why online?
Designed specifically for an online audience, this course uses a range of activities to support learning, including discussion forums, online reading and interactive lectures. The flexible nature of the course allows you to study part-time, alongside your career and life commitments.
Our online students are based around the world, each ready to bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to your online discussions. You’ll also be able to make use of King’s online services, including the careers service, the online library and wellness/disability services.
Your career
This course is ideal for anyone seeking to pursue an advanced career in any industry addressing defence and security. This may include working for NGOs, the FCO, the MOD, the Home Office, the European Union, NATO, the UN and other international organisations.
Recent posts held by our alumni include Threat Analyst, Director of Political Violence Forecasting, Research Advisor at NATO Defence College, and Researcher in NGOs, such as Amnesty International and Oxfam.
Application deadlines
There are six intakes per year: January, March, May, June, September and October.
For application deadlines, please complete the ‘Request for information’ form on this page and an Enrolment Advisor will get back to you.
The online programme was outstanding. During the programme, I was living in Singapore, and travelling almost every week to various parts of South East Asia and I very rarely had any issues engaging with the course content.
International Affairs MA Graduate, Tim, Senior Security Advisor, Chevron