International Conflict Studies

Overview

The  MA International Conflict Studies course at King's College London aims to combine theory and practice, providing advanced engagement with the theoretical and philosophical aspects of the subject as well as training in the investigation and analysis of specific cases of conflict, violence and security. 

It enables you to engage critically with the application of social and political theory in developing an understanding of the origins, dynamics and governance of international and transnational conflict and political violence. 

Key benefits

• Our department has an excellent reputation as a graduate training institution and is recognised by the British Academy, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Economic and Social Research council as a training institution for research in international conflict and security.

• The course is run by leading scholars in International Relations, specialising in critical conflict and security studies.

• This unique Master’s course provides you with the intellectual tools and research skills necessary for career advancement. These include a capacity for advanced critical engagement with research in international conflict and security studies, the ability to analyse complex socio-political contexts of conflict and security, and a knowledge of qualitative research methodologies.

• You will gain analytical research experience and the capacity to conduct your own research, working individually and as part of a team.

• Assignments are designed to strengthen your written, oral, and visual presentation and debating skills.

• You have access to visiting lectures and seminars provided by academics and practitioners in the fields of security, migration, human rights, humanitarian law, diplomacy, and surveillance practices, to name but a few.

Career prospects

War Studies Graduates go on to work for NGOs, the FCO, the MOD, the Home Office, NATO, the UN or pursue careers in journalism, finance, academia, the diplomatic services, the armed forces and more. Recent posts held by our alumni include Threat Analyst, Director of Political Violence Forecasting, Research Advisor at NATO Defence College, Foreign Policy Fellow.