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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.

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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.

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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.

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The application deadline for the next intake is 10 February 2026. Complete the form today to receive more information about the programme.

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*Tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase (capped at 7%) 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 2025 the module fee will be £1,702. 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.

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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.

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When you study with King’s School of Security Studies, you’ll be taught by leading academics in their field.

Members of the school include award-winning military historians, Professor Nick Lloyd, who recently published a trilogy of WWI, and Professor Jonathan Fennell, who is currently working on a WWII trilogy.

Other members engage directly with Defence Futures, a military doctrine centre in the UK, and the Defence Studies Department, which has a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence to provide teaching to high ranked military officers from Major to two-star general from all over the world.

Dr Zeno Leoni, Programme Director for International Affairs, has delivered oral parliamentary evidence to the UK Parliament, demonstrating the level of expertise you will have regular access to as a student.

Learn more about the programme directors:

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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.

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Each module carries 15 credits. MA students will complete 12 modules in total, PG Dip students will complete 8 modules, and PG Cert students will complete 4 modules.

Please note that you can study up to 6 modules per academic year.

Students participate in three live webinars led by an academic tutor and have access to learning materials and reading via our online platform KEATS.

In the final assessment phase, students complete an essay or equivalent assignment. Throughout the module, students engage in online forums where they debate conceptual and empirical issues with academic tutors and peers.

Most assessments currently take the form of traditional essays, although some modules include policy papers and video presentations.

Students also have the opportunity to submit a formative assignment midway through each module for feedback. This is an important step of the learning journey, enabling students to put their best foot forward for their final assessment.

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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.

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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.

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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.