Situated within the School of Security Studies, this versatile course is informed by innovative academic theory and the practical experience of our esteemed teaching team. The Defence Studies Department works closely with high-ranking UK institutions to provide expert advice and policy studies on matters of public security. This puts the course leaders in a unique position to provide the highest level of research-driven thinking to students with support from over 50 academics and defence professionals.

As a graduate from our International Affairs MA, you’ll be perfectly placed to progress your career within a range of industries with strong government ties, including defence establishments, NGOs, private intelligence, public think tanks, and security companies.

Enhance your career with a master’s from King’s College London

Aimed at aspiring graduates and professionals looking to change or augment their career, the International Affairs programme was built to provide unique learning outcomes in the fields of international affairs and security.

You will be taught by some of the very best academics in the field. Our department staff publish world-leading research and are committed to offering outstanding researchled teaching and training.

Career Outcomes

The course is ideal for anyone seeking to pursue an advanced career in any industry addressing concerns over 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 or pursue careers in journalism, finance, academia and the diplomatic services 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.

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.

Through our Virtual Learning Platform (KEATS), the University provides a personalised environment for you to learn, engage, and network with industry-leading professionals and academic peers. You’ll have the opportunity to maintain working relationships with teachers and students as you build a thriving peer-learning community side by side. Access lectures, reading materials, discussion boards, research, writing tasks and group projects all from your own workspace. The King’s Library Service is also available to all students - including online and distance learners - and offers online services and support.

Time commitment

Whilst your academic background and familiarity with the topic of each module will have a bearing on your total study time, you should expect to commit roughly 21-25 hours a week to your studies. Throughout the duration of your studies, you will be assigned a designated Teaching Fellow who will support you through the academic work and assessments associated with each module.

Cyber Security is a complex and increasingly pressing issue in today’s digitised world. The definition of the term itself is broad, covering both an understanding of what constitutes a cyber ‘attack’ as well as defence apparatus, surveillance architectures, data management and information campaigns. The advent of artificial intelligence adds even greater levels of risk to an already intricate digital landscape. The Cyber Security pathway helps students to grasp the theory behind this complex world, investigating different aspects of the industry with the goal of offering a practical understanding of security strategies and approaches

The Espionage & Surveillance pathway explores the history of intelligence organisation over the past 60 years as a foundation for understanding the theory and strategies involved in intelligence gathering and analysis. This fascinating field takes on a new aspect in the 21st century when digital technologies and artificial intelligence are redefining our understanding of the nature of information. ES is at once practical, historical and theoretical, laying the groundwork for flourishing intelligence-related careers.

The Strategic Studies pathway builds on the Introduction to Strategy core module of the course. This pathway encourages students to look at the modern-day implementation of deterrence before studying in-depth the topics of sanctions, strategy and statecraft. Students get to grips with the complexity of strategy in the modern world, which has implications not only for international affairs but also for business and organisational development.

Module content is driven by the most contemporary research available. For this reason, they are liable to change at any time.

Students can complete all their online modules in two years.

The faculty is willing to consider extensions in cases of extenuating personal circumstances.

• Assistance with connecting you to specialist services and the Student Union
• Navigation around the learning platform
• Assessment deadline reminders
• Access to careers and employability advice
• Connection with teaching fellow

• Enrolment and progression to the next module
• Fee payment
• Interruption to study
• Administration
• Gaining a King’s Student Card

Standard requirements

A 2:1 honours degree (or above) in any subject area or international equivalent. Degree certificates or transcripts will be required when submitting the application.

Non-standard requirements

Applications for candidates who fall outside of the standard entry requirements are still considered and are assessed on a case-by-case basis – this includes candidates applying based on professional experience/qualifications.

Non-standard applications will need to be supported by degree certificates or transcripts (where relevant), as well as a CV and a 500-word written statement.

The faculty is prepared to consider nonstandard entry where alternative professional qualifications or relevant professional experience may stand in lieu. Students will need to provide evidence that they can undertake academic study to the level required.

Please speak with an Enrolment Advisor for further information.

Application process & fees

Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a fee applies. You will need to submit degree certificates and all other documents required for your application before we can process it. International education documents will need to be translated into English by an official translator before submission. Please speak with an Enrolment Advisor for further information.

Disability support

At King’s, our Disability Support Team offers information, advice and guidance to prospective and current students with disabilities. When we refer to the term ‘disability’, we also include long-term medical or mental health conditions and Specific Learning Difficulties. If you require disability support, please email us as soon as possible. Further information can be found on our website