Department of War Studies
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate
- Short courses
- Staff research interests
- Programmes
Staff/student profiles
American
Department of War Studies
As a junior U.S. naval officer, the Department of War Studies at King's College London was a natural fit. After reading an MA in the Department in 2010-2011, I chose to stay on for an MRes in 2011-2012.
Studying the strategic environment in which I will soon operate in an international, non-military classroom has been an excellent complement to my professional training. The professors bring a broad range of experiences to the classroom, yielding a strong balance between theory and practice.
Learning does not stop there, though. I've gained tremendous insight from additional lectures – both at King's and around London – and from discussions with classmates in cozy London pubs. Furthermore, in addition to funding my studies, the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission has been particularly helpful in ensuring I personally experience the special relationship between the US and UK, from defence and security to art and culture. I look forward to staying involved with the War Studies Department for many years, including pursuing a PhD later in my career.
British/Egyptian
War Studies BA
I chose King’s because it is the only university to offer a War Studies course; the department is the leader in its field. The staff are world experts in their specialist fields and are at the forefront of research. It is a unique course that is very well respected all around the world and is extremely engaging and relevant in the world that we now live in.
King’s location is unrivalled, being right at the heart of London. This offers a whole array of opportunities for work and internships and use of world-class resources and libraries. Socially, it couldn’t be better placed and you can never run out of things to do in London! There are also so many free events as well as discounts for students to you can enjoy yourself even on a tight budget.
The English Language Centre helped me a lot when I first joined university by offering skills workshops to help me with the transition from A-levels, so I felt like I was supported and ready to take on university work.
I’m based at the Strand, which is an amazing location and is a beautiful campus with a lot of heart. Despite the building's historical feel, the classrooms inside are very modern and are fitted with the latest technology. The students' union services have also been refurbished this year and they’re a great place to hang out with your friends or get some work done.
I lived in intercollegiate halls which is one of the advantages of going to a University of London college, as I was able not only to meet people from King’s but students from all the other institutions in London.
King’s offers a lot of part-time work for its students, on and off-campus. You can work in the students' union or you can take part in the Student Ambassador Scheme. I’m a Student Ambassador and I love it, not only is it well-paid and flexible but also gives you an opportunity to represent your university. King’s Careers Service have also teamed up with a temping agency which offers jobs and so there are always opportunities for part-time work available to help you fund living in London and improve your CV.
Germany
War Studies BA
'King's was my first choice because its War Studies programme is one of the top programmes of this kind worldwide. Having been involved in journalism and intelligence history research before, King's was already well known to me as an important international focal point of history and conflict studies.
The War Studies programme is unique in its range of subjects, as well as in the outlook it provides on issues of history, international conflict and security. Students in the Department of War Studies have easy access to professors and lecturers, many of whom are international academic leaders in their field of research.
The study environment is an ideal networking platform, enabling the build-up of invaluable contacts between fellow students and staff alike. Through contacts made at King's, I have even been able to get work experience as a political analyst. The BA degree sets the stage for graduate studies in related areas, and will assist me in going on to work in the field of intelligence analysis.'
Israel
War Studies Research MPhil/PhD, option of joint PhD with HKU/NUS
After completing a master's degree in International Relations, I was looking for a prestigious doctoral programme with specific expertise in security and terrorism. The Department of War Studies at King's was both an ideal and natural choice. The main reason for choosing the Department of War Studies at King's was the remarkable combination of leading scholars and London's world-renowned political, financial and cultural experiences.
I particularly remember the Model UN Conference that took place at King's in June 2007. I was asked to head the Counter-Terrorism Committee and had the privilege not only to meet and work with outstanding young Londoners but also to be part of a wider educational effort to promote the UN and its multilateral approach.
British
War Studies Research MPhil/PhD, option of joint PhD with HKU/NUS
Choosing King's as the place to undertake my PhD was probably one of the most straightforward choices that I had to undertake in my life, for many reasons. As a starting point, it has a reputation as one of the finest places to undertake research not only in the UK, but internationally.
However, this does not stop there – I've only been here for 3 months, I can already see why it withholds such a fantastic reputation: the conditions for studying are ideal, the expertise within the Department and/or School are of the highest order, whether in terms of dynamism, knowledge or guidance. The library resources are not only wide-ranging but are kept within an ideal setting; the recurring high-profile events and speakers provide students with the opportunity to broaden their horizons by networking or engaging with high caliber practitioners – all this within the focal-point that is the city of London.
It is thus the perfect environment within which to develop your personal, academic and social skills all whilst benefitting from the joys of studying within such a vibrant environment that is King's, in the heart of London.
German
War Studies Research MPhil/PhD, option of joint PhD with HKU/NUS
I have previously studied on three continents but my initial time at King's was by far the most remarkable. I did my MA in International Peace and Security in 2008/09 and immensely enjoyed the year both academically and socially. I quite liked the Department's interdisciplinary, yet practice-oriented approach to international security. Thus, returning to King's to pursue a PhD in War Studies seemed like a natural progression.
The Department of War Studies is at the forefront of research both nationally and internationally and I can benefit greatly from the Department's expertise and its excellent institutional links. Especially in my area of research - cyber security - King's offers a unique network of researchers. This network is complemented by an array of think-tanks active in the area of cyber security, as well as relevant government institutions tasked with policy-making in this field.
I was fortunate enough to secure funding from the Graduate School and the ESRC which was among other things a result of the dedicated support I have received from professors and other staff at King's.
King´s location, and in particular the Strand campus, is excellent in terms of centrality and access to other research facilities. Located in the heart of London, the Strand Campus is a stone´s throw away from other libraries such as the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS) as well as think-tanks and institutes. In addition to facilities on campus there are numerous shops and cafes in the Strand area. It has everything to offer in terms of infrastructure and provides a student experience in the heart of London.
Being a student in London gives you access to all the things a vibrant, cosmopolitan city has to offer – ranging from theatres and museums, bars and cafes, great shopping, to major political and financial institutions. I like London's diversity and anonymity. With a little experience and knowledge of London's neighbourhoods one can have a great time even with a limited budget. The fantastic thing about London is that it has a lot to offer - in every price range.
UK
War Studies Research MPhil/PhD, option of joint PhD with HKU/NUS
The advantages of King's for my PhD are obvious, aside from having the leading academics in my particular field (naval history, especially the Laughton Naval History Unit), the War Studies Department has an unrivalled UK and global reputation. It provides the opportunity to interact with students and experts in a wide variety of fields both within and outside of the department. Having read for my MA at King's during 2003-04 I was fortunate enough to obtain an AHRC funded research grant for a PhD here. Although it's far from assured, there is a variety of options for funding available from sources at King's and beyond. My advice would be to apply well in advance as the application process takes far longer than you might anticipate.
Being in London makes life incredibly easy as it gives such easy access to a wealth of libraries, institutions and, vitally for a historian, most of the major archives - not to mention the social life it offers. In my case, an unlimited variety of theatres, galleries, museums and markets.
Although only in my first year, I'm ultimately hoping to pursue a career in academic or research-based work. I'm aiming to get some teaching assistant experience during my next two years here, and the department is very proactive about encouraging students to undertake training courses. When it comes to applying for jobs I feel, based on the experience of peers from my MA course, that the King's College London War Studies name on my CV definitely opens doors in the areas that I'm interested in. Lastly, our newly refurbished department has hugely improved the 'quality of life', and students and staff now rub shoulders much more freely. The excellent views, from the research students' room, of the Thames from Westminster down to HMS Belfast and the City constantly remind me what I'm here to study!
American
Department of War Studies
As a junior U.S. naval officer, the Department of War Studies at King's College London was a natural fit. After reading an MA in the Department in 2010-2011, I chose to stay on for an MRes in 2011-2012.
Studying the strategic environment in which I will soon operate in an international, non-military classroom has been an excellent complement to my professional training. The professors bring a broad range of experiences to the classroom, yielding a strong balance between theory and practice.
Learning does not stop there, though. I've gained tremendous insight from additional lectures – both at King's and around London – and from discussions with classmates in cozy London pubs. Furthermore, in addition to funding my studies, the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission has been particularly helpful in ensuring I personally experience the special relationship between the US and UK, from defence and security to art and culture. I look forward to staying involved with the War Studies Department for many years, including pursuing a PhD later in my career.
Air Power in the Modern World MA/PG Dip
The early part of the course focuses on the recent history and development of warfare, namely the Cold War. This ensures we have a grounding in all aspects of modern warfare, providing a solid context for our future study of Air Power. The support system on the course is excellent; students are split into small tutor groups and each tutor provides very hands-on guidance, support and instruction. The online, networked nature of the course means that interaction with other students and your tutor can take place at any time of day at the touch of the button - there is no need to wait for a group tutorial. I have found the discussions generated by the course material extremely stimulating and thought-provoking. They are a valuable means of learning and provide a great opportunity to benefit from fellow students' own experience and expertise.
Canada
Conflict, Security & Development MA
Moving across the world to continue my studies at graduate level wasn't an easy decision for me. However, once I arrived at King's I knew that I had made the right choice. Studying under some of the top academics in the field of War Studies has been a very exciting opportunity, one that has opened my mind and expanded my knowledge in a subject of great interest to me.
It was the unique nature of the programmes offered at King's which initially inspired me to apply, but it was the friendly, professional atmosphere that compelled me to stay on as a member of staff at the Centre of Science and Security following my graduation. My time as an employee at King's has proven extremely beneficial as it not only expanded my knowledge in yet another unique area of study, but has also armed me with a number of skills and experiences that will help me meet my future professional goals when I return home to Canada. I have enjoyed my time at King's immensely and will cherish all that I have learned, both academic and professional, for years to come.
Kenya
Conflict, Security & Development MA
I chose King's due to its reputation as a leading university around the world and also after watching and listening to professors from King's on programmes such as in the National Geographic and BBC, as they gave their expert view on diverse topics.
Being at King's has so far been better than any job I ever had or other schools I ever went to. It is an all round experience where I am learning, socializing, networking with professionals in my areas of interest and meeting potential employers.
Alongside King's, I am also involved with the African Leadership Centre. Being one of the fellows at the centre is an experience that cannot be traded; the brilliant mentorship and the tools that we continue to receive prepare us to take up leadership positions upon our return home.
I was lucky enough to receive funding from King's under the auspices of the King's International Graduate Scholarship; this has come a long way in making my studies and stay in London enjoyable.
My advice to prospective students is that they are looking in the right direction to be seeking for a place at King's. Once you are a student here the future is at your disposal and you have nothing to be afraid of after your studies. King's location in the heart of London makes it the ideal place to be as I enjoy living in cities. There is nowhere else I would rather be.
Albania
Intelligence & International Security MA
King's environment, its location in the heart of London, international exchange and diversity make the experience at the College unique. The teaching arrangements combined with student seminars enable students to get their outmost of education, as well as King's relationship with external organizations such as IISS, Chatham House and RUSI make this experience inclusive.
South Africa
International Peace & Security MA
I chose to do my postgraduate studies at King’s due to the outstanding international reputation, and high graduate employability. Not only is my course unique to King’s, so is its War Studies Department; and this along with it being located in the centre of London (which offers so many opportunities complimentary to my studies) attracted me to the College.
Studying at King’s and living in London has also given me the chance to meet so many different people from across the globe and get involved in a range of activities, and this really serves to broaden my horizons. I have observed Parliament from the Strangers Gallery, and have attended a public lecture by the Chilean President. I have even secured an internship with the type of company I would like to work for after my studies.
All these factors combine to give me such a well-rounded and fulfilling educational experience, which I could not receive at home in South Africa. It is for these reasons that I would recommend King’s to anyone.
China
International Relations MA
I chose King's College London as the institution for my graduate studies in MA International Relations based on two considerations:
Firstly, studying in London is exciting. It offers opportunities to meet people from any corner of the world, and to make connections with a number of well-known academic institutions and famous companies. King's enables you to touch the whole of society through its location and study connections!
Secondly, the academic reputation of the Department of War Studies is also attractive. As a student who aims to pursue an academic career after this graduate programme, my experience in the department has given me a unique and valuable academic record for my future. Empirically, studying in this world-class department has brought me top level academic training, from lectures and seminars to individual tuition with a series of well-known experts. Doing this programme at King's is a good preparation for my prospective academic career and it will bridge the gap between my current student life and my future.
UK
International Relations MA
The War Studies department has an excellent relationship with the world of international relations. This means that there are many opportunities to hear influential speakers on a whole variety of issues, whatever the area of focus there's always something applicable. There is also information about important conferences and talks taking place in London. These links to other organisations gave me the opportunity to complete valuable work experience.
Singaporean
International Relations MA
What sets a university apart from others, aside from its top-notch facilities, are students and professors of outstanding calibre and King’s College London certainly has that. The academic staff at King’s have shown professionalism and knowledge of their fields and, as a student, they have certainly inspired and enlightened me.
The professors, especially at the War Studies Department, have encouraged students to be critical thinkers as they challenge our views and offer different perspectives on issues. I could not have chosen a better university because the Master ‘s in International Relations programme is of a world-class standard and is internationally renowned. The various options within the course have not only equipped me with new knowledge but have given me the chance to explore subjects outside of my field. The international mix of students also helps spur lively and intellectual debates. King’s College London has truly given me an enriching and memorable experience.
One of the key attractions of King’s College London is undoubtedly its location. Being in central London allows you to soak up the energy and excitement that surrounds you. Its convenient location, at the Strand Campus, offers you easy access to museums, galleries, theatres and historical iconic landmarks such as Trafalgar Square. London’s central location is also ideal for one to explore other parts of UK via a short flight or train ride. If you’re planning to kick start a career or explore new employment options, London is renowned for its business environment and is home to many international and reputable corporations. Overall, my experience in London has been most enjoyable, fulfilling and unforgettable.
UK
Science & Security MA
The Department of War Studies at King's is world class, highly respected and well known, which gives the student all the advantages of studying under the leading scholars in the field of international relations, taking unique programmes and accessing the considerable resources of the department.
Its reputation attracts leading figures in military and foreign policy circles to deliver guest lectures and seminars which gives students the opportunity to interact with some of the key players in their field of study. Leading NGO, private, governmental and international organisations in security, development and defence areas have links with the department and circulate employment, work experience and visiting opportunities among its students.
Situated at the Strand Campus in the heart of London, you have access not only to the excellent resources of the King's libraries but also the LSE library, the British Library and the British Museum, all valuable resources close by. Living in London as a student is exciting and rarely dull. The opportunities for part-time work are many, and money-saving activities such as cycling are well-provided for.
War in the Modern World MA/PG Dip
War in the Modern World is a mind-opening course. This is not only due to the excellent teaching, or the material provided, but also to the wide range of participating students. Some of my classmates – for the majority of them, British citizens, both military and civilian – participated from their postings in the Middle East, others from ships on the high seas, others yet from their offices and homes in Berlin, California, or Singapore and some even from their barracks in Iraq or Afghanistan. You can imagine how interesting every single discussion unit has been! The success of distance learning depends very much on every single student's capacity for self-motivation. The constant challenge of new inputs from such a diversity of backgrounds and experiences significantly helped stay the course over a stretch of three years. But all was not "must read faster - must write quicker" as one would expect from an MA course at such a renowned university as King's College, London. It was also fun, even if most members of our cohort only met for the first time at the graduation ceremony.
History of Warfare MA
The new MA in the History of Warfare offers students a rare opportunity to specialise in military history. This works because the different disciplinary approaches we adopt in the Department of War Studies, along with the range of subject expertise from ancient warfare to contemporary conflicts and crises facing the world today, means that students have their interest in history broadened and challenged. As a member of the Laughton Naval History Unit, I know this is the country's centre of excellence with a proud history of teaching naval and maritime history. We are leading a rapidly growing academic and popular interest in the subject, which is typical of the dynamism of the department as a whole. Naval history represents just one of the opportunities open to students to develop their specific interest in the past under the direction of world-leading experts.
International Peace & Security MA
Dr Kuhrt is acting director of the IPS programme for Professor James Gow.
Dr Kuhrt has a BA in Russian and German, an MA in Soviet Studies, and a PhD (2000) in Russian Foreign and Security Policy. Current research interests include Russian and post-Soviet foreign and security policies; post-Soviet debates on international relations; regional security complexes, especially in Central Asia and the Asia-Pacific; the persistence of nationalism; issues of sovereignty and debates on intervention/human rights; dimensions of Russian Great-Powerness and Russia and humanitarian intervention. Dr Kuhrt is a member of the Post-Soviet Space research group. I She recently published 'nternational Law, Security and Ethics: Policy Challenges in the Post 9/11 World' by Routledge. Co-edited by Aidan Hehir, and Andrew Mumford. (May 2011)
Dr Kuhrt teaches the MA International Peace and Security core course, 'Contemporary Security Issues'. She also runs the optional postgraduate module 'Nationalism and Security'.
The Co-Director of the Programme is Dr Guigelmo Verdirame whose expertise cover a wide range of areas within the field of public international law. He holds a Laurea in Giurisprudenza (University of Bologna), an LLM (London), an MA (Oxon), and PhD (London School of Economics)and is Fellow of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law. As a practising barrister since 2006 and, before that as a consultant, he has advised governments, companies and non-governmental organisations on public international law.
International Relations MA
I am Professor of International Relations and Head of the Department of War Studies. I convene one of the core modules on the MA in International Relations. This master's programme provides students with tools for understanding the dramatic changes taking place in the contemporary world. These include globalisation and the changing nature of warfare in the wake of 9/11, Madrid and 7/7 in London. We also tackle the problem of resurgent nationalist and ethnic conflict. There are difficult problems to do with massive refugee flows and international criminal syndicates. In order to grapple with these problems we make use of an array of sophisticated theoretical tools which include the theories of traditional international relations together with those of critical theory, poststructuralist theory, constitutive theory, and post-modern approaches.
What is of most interest to me is how the ethical issues that are prevalent in contemporary world politics relate to human rights in the global domain, constructing democratic forms of international governance, asking hard questions about the appropriate means to be used against 'global terror' and facing the ongoing problem of determining what would constitute a just world order. Much of my teaching revolves around issues which have arisen in my books Ethics in International Relations (Cambridge University Press, 1996) and Constituting Human Rights (Routledge, 2003).
What makes this department such a vibrant academic environment is that we have a critical mass of people working on issues to do with ethics in international relations. We have ongoing research focusing on new forms of citizenship, war crimes, human rights, development issues, the changing nature of security, and reconstruction and development.
On graduating our students generally find challenging jobs in diplomatic services (including the intelligence services), the governance of the EU, working in the field for non-governmental organisations, for other international organisations such as the United Nations, or as journalists. Others have found their niches working as consultants.
War in the Modern World MA/PG Dip
The Department of War Studies at King’s is a unique institution. There really is no place like it, or even close to it, when it comes to the academic study of war in all its dimensions in a civilian university of the top rank.
There is a greater concentration here of expertise and experience, both in the faculty and the student body, and resources, both online and physical, than any other place I can think of.
My research is on strategy, in particular British strategy, the adaptation of armed forces to the contemporary operating environment, and insurgency and counterinsurgency. I have a major interest in cyber warfare and I’m currently writing a book Power in Cyberspace in Theory and Practice which is out in 2011. I also head the Insurgency Research Group at King’s which has been involved in doctrinal work for the British Army, most recently on JDP 3-40 Stabilisation.
Most of my students are mid-career professionals working for their national military, or in some aspect of defence administration and policy, other government agency (foreign service or intelligence), international organisation (such as the UN or NATO), an NGO, or defence journalism. Anyone with a deep professional or personal interest in the study of war at an advanced level would find this an intellectually rewarding and challenging place to be.
