Provides a structured pathway for international students into all master’s level programmes connected to international studies taught in the departments of Geography, War Studies & Political Economy. Combines study of international studies topics with the development of academic English and critical thinking skills.
KEY BENEFITS
- A unique blend of International Studies tuition and academic English instruction
- Gives you the subject knowledge and English skills required to succeed on your chosen MA programme
- A unique pathway into all master's programmes delivered by one of the world's leading Social Sciences & Public Policy faculties
- Guaranteed progression on to your chosen MA or PhD programme for all successful students.
- Located in the heart of London
- The English Language Centre is accredited by the British Council
Please note the change in name of this programme, which was formerly known as the Graduate Diploma in Social Science & Academic English.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Master's programme within the School of Social Science & Public Policy, typically in the Departments of War Studies, Geography or Political Economy.
Programme leader/s
Dr Petra Dolata-Kreutzkamp (SSPP); Dr Tracey Costley (ELC)
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 120/60 ECTS
Duration
Grad Dip one year FT, September to June.
Location
Strand and Waterloo Campuses
Year of entry 2012
Offered by
English Language Centre
School of Social Science and Public Policy
Department of Political Economy
Closing date
All applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications by the end of July to ensure you have time to apply for accommodation and/or visas.
Intake
Approximately 15 FT
Fees
FT Home: £12800 (2012)
FT Overseas: £12800 (2012)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Officer, Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 7207
fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Email
Website
PURPOSE
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.
DESCRIPTION
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.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
All students take the following three compulsory modules in semester 1:
- International Studies & Integrated Study Skills
- Individual Research Project
- Academic English Skills
Students then choose from a range of optional modules for the second semester of the first year.
In semester 2, students continue with the Individual Research Project and Academic English modules. Students progressing onto MA/MSc programmes run by the Department of War Studies or Department of Political Economy take the following optional module:
- Issues in International Politics
Students progressing onto MA/MSc or PhD programmes run by the Department of Geography take two additional optional modules from the following:
- Third World Political Ecology
- Tropical Forests in a Changing Environment
- Landscape Ecology
- Japanese Environments
- Global Environmental Problems & Policies
- Urban Governance & Regeneration
- Gendered Geographies of Development & Globalisation
- Environmental Risk, Governance & Society
- Social Theory & the Environment
- Advanced Natural Hazards
Indicative non-core content
Please refer to
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/sspp/ws/grad/programmes/int/content.html
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Lecture and seminar classes, supported by integrated academic English tutorials in semester 1; individual supervision for the research project; assessment by dissertation, coursework essays, oral presentations and unseen examinations.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 4LEC1234
Credit level: 4
Credit value: 30
Semester:
Full-year
Module description not yet available
Module code: 6SSW3015
Credit level: 6
This module allows students to research a topic of their choice within the field of their specialist MA, and to present their findings within an extended essay. This allows students to tailor the programme to their individual specialism and provides invaluable experience that will assist with the research and writing of the MA dissertation in the second year.
Students receive generic classes in associated research skills, such as interview techniques, as well as individual supervision by an appropriate academic from the School of Social Sciences & Public Policy. The projects are used as the basis for formal oral presentations and students are given dedicated academic English and skills support to improve their ability and confidence in these areas.
The principal aims of this module are to:
- Allow students to undertake in-depth independent research on a chosen aspect of War Studies, Geography or Public Policy, depending on which MA programme they have been provisionally accepted for the following year;
- Improve students’ understanding of, and ability to use, academic English appropriately and effectively within a research context;
- Ensure students have the appropriate range of language and academic skills (especially research and independent writing skills) required for successful MA study in the departments of War Studies, Geography or Public Policy (KISPP).
The module will be taught through three parallel methods:
- a weekly one hour class run by appropriate staff from War Studies, Geography, Public Policy or the English Language Centre
- an online dissertation training course
- one-to-one supervision by an appropriate academic from War Studies, Geography or Public Policy.
Module code: 6SSW3016
Credit level: 6
This module introduces students to key academic areas associated with the fields of international relations and social policy. This allows students to gain a broad preliminary and multidisciplinary understanding of the fields of War Studies, Geography and Public Policy.
It looks at the major issues connected to international studies from a variety of different perspectives, such as international relations, geography, environmental studies, globalisation, political economy, military history, strategic theory, policy analysis, risk analysis, disaster management, urban studies, political ecology , literary and philosophical approaches, and scientific viewpoints.
As well as encouraging a broad understanding of these very diverse approaches to the central theme of international studies, the module aims to foster and develop academic English skills and critical thinking and debate in line with Western academic tradition. To achieve this, the weekly lecture and seminar are supported by wrap-round study skills support, delivered by the English Language Centre. These sessions focus on improving your ability to engage effectively in debate, to absorb specialist literature, to use information and communication technologies, and to construct fluent and well structured essays.
For more detailed module content, please see the programme's homepage
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/sspp/ws/grad/programmes/int/
Module code: TBC
Credit level: 7
This module allows students to gain a more specific understanding of the issues in War Studies and Political Economy while familiarizing students with the British academic approach. Assessment is by one 4,000 word assessed essay (60%), and by an unseen examination (40%)
The principal aims of this module are to:
- Provide students with an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of a range of War Studies and Political Economy issues;
- Ensure students have the appropriate range of academic skills (especially critical analysis) required for successful MA study in the departments of War Studies and Political Economy.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Applicants must possess a first or upper second class honours degree or overseas equivalent. We are looking for a background which demonstrates excellent academic potential and will consider applications from students with a non social science background. You should have a GPA of 3.25 or above and will also need to show that you have the minimum standard of English for this programme, which is currently an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5), or TOEFL equivalencies of a minimum of 18 in Reading, Listening and Writing, and 20 in Speaking with an overall minimum score of 80. All language qualifications are valid for 2 years only. Direct progression to the second year for those who meet the required standard.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applications are assessed by a committee of academic tutors. This process takes on average five weeks. On very rare occasions, applicants may be invited to interview.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
If there are any anomalies in your academic record, please use the personal statement to explain related extenuating circumstances.
FUNDING
Students are generally self-funded.
Student profiles
International Studies & Academic English Grad Dip
When I arrived to study in the UK last year, college life was a big challenge. I had little knowledge about war studies and my English wasn’t good. However, this programme helped me improve through its customised classes. As time went by, I became more and more interested in the programme and I could attend classes with pleasure and confidence. During the course, I developed and improved various skills which are essential to me in my MA.