Undergraduate FAQs
What are your entrance requirements?
Our standard offer is AAA at A2 level with an AS level pass in a fourth subject, excluding General Studies. For full details of our entry requirements, see the entry in the online prospectus.
Do you interview all applicants?
The department may interview some applicants (for example, mature students) but the majority of offers will be made based upon UCAS forms alone.
Does the Department accept mature students?
The department welcomes applications from mature students, who form a valuable part of our undergraduate community. Mature applicants may need to take an Access course to prepare them for their degree; those mature applicants not already taking an Access course are strongly advised to consult the Department’s Admissions Office or Admissions Tutor about their application.
Do I need to have studied any particular subjects at A-level?
No. Because War Studies combines a range of subjects from the Humanities and Social Sciences, some academic background in these areas is useful; applicants who are not taking A-levels or equivalents in any Humanities or Social Science subject are likely to find the degree more difficult. Applicants for the Joint Honours degrees may be required by partner departments to have A levels or equivalent qualifications in particular subjects – for example, applicants for War Studies and History should have or be taking an A2 or equivalent in History. Remember that any offer we make you will not include General Studies A level.
Is it easier to be accepted onto a Joint Honours programme than Single Honours War Studies?
No! This is a common misconception. The entrance requirements are the same as for Single Honours War Studies and the competition for Joint Honours places is at least as intense as for Single Honours. Only apply for a programme you are genuinely interested in.
Should I send the department supplementary information (e.g. a letter) in support of my application?
No. Your reasons for applying should be clear from your UCAS form; if we require further information of any kind we will ask for it. We do not wish to receive any unsolicited supporting communications.
I want to apply but I don't have the right grades. Do you accept retakes?
The Department of War Studies normally expects applicants to complete their A/AS examinations within the standard two year period (for example, years 12 and 13). Within this period, applicants can re-sit units within qualifications; however, at the end of the period applicants must have completed the appropriate full examinations and achieved our minimum entrance requirement. Re-sit applicants (i.e. those who take longer to achieve the appropriate grades) will be considered if extenuating circumstances, as judged by the Department of War Studies, contributed to an unexpected, poor academic performance.
I applied last year and was rejected but still want to do a War Studies degree; should I reapply?
Yes, providing you have the right grades. The department's admissions process doesn't discriminate against previously unsuccessful applicants, so it's worth reapplying if you want to do so. Remember, though, that admission to the course is extremely competitive and that even an excellent set of A level grades doesn't guarantee applicants an offer.
Can I visit the Department?
King’s organises open days, details of which are available on the Open days and study fairs page. In addition, you are also welcome to make a self-guided tour of the College, including the Department of War Studies. Please start at Reception on the Strand, where you can pick up maps and information.