Addictions

Jonathan
UK
International Addiction Studies MSc
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!