International Studies & Academic English

Inter-disciplinary programme aimed at international students from a range of academic backgrounds who wish to study at MA or PhD level in the School of Social Science & Public Policy but who do not yet qualify for direct entry into the department/School. It ensures students achieve and master the skills required for the successful completion of their chosen graduate degree. By integrating International Studies and academic English tuition, students master their chosen subject at a more measured pace and do full justice to their intellect and experience. This unique pathway forms the first year of a two year master's programme, with successful students progressing onto their chosen graduate degree in the second year.

The Graduate Diploma in International Studies & Academic English forms the first year (pre-master's year) of a two year MA. It can also provide a route through to PhD study. It supports international students in achieving the academic and linguistic skills required for the intensive pace of study at graduate level in the Departments of War Studies, Geography, Political Economy and other departments within the School of Social Science & Public Policy.

The programme combines study of key social science and international studies  theories with the development of academic English, study skills and critical thinking skills. By the end of the programme, students will have improved their overall language and academic skills and have a more detailed understanding of their chosen academic discipline. All successful students progress directly onto their chosen graduate degree.

The programme aims to:

• Provide students with the opportunity to focus on their chosen academic area and develop their academic knowledge within this area;
• Ensure that support mechanisms enhance students' engagement with their academic field and develop their capacity to engage in critical analysis;
• Provide students with a broad and critical understanding of a range of key theories and approaches that fall within the fields of International Studies, International Relations, Geography, Political Economy, War Studies and/or Social Policy, one of which they will be able to research in depth;
• Improve students' ability to use academic English appropriately and effectively at graduate level;
• Ensure students have the appropriate range of skills required for successful graduate study at King’s;
• Provide clear routes into designated graduate programmes.

Students who achieve a Merit in the Graduate Diploma programme can progress onto a wide range of graduate programmes in the School of Social Science & Public Policy as follows:

• MA International Relations
• MA War Studies
• MA Intelligence & International Security
• MA Conflict, Security & Development
• MA International Conflict Studies
• MA History of Warfare
• MA Science & Security
• MA Terrorism, Security & Society
• MA Proliferation & International Security
• MA Public Policy
• MA Public Policy & Ageing
• MA European Public Policy
• MSc Aquatic Resource Management
• MSc Carbon: Science, Society & Change
• MA/MSc Cities
• MA/MSc Disasters, Adaptation and Development
• MA/MSc Environment and Development
• MA/MSc Environment, Politics and Globalisation
• MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Management
• MA/MSc Geography
• MA Geopolitics, Territory and Security
• MSc Global Environmental Change
• MA Latin American Studies
• MSc Risk Analysis
• MSc Sustainable Cities
• MA Tourism, Environment and Development
• MSc Water, Science and Governance
• MPhil/PhD Programme in Geography

 

Applicants must identify which programme they wish to take in the second year when they apply for the Graduate Diploma.