Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in War Studies & History offers a flexible way to study war, conflict and their histories from an incomparably broad perspective. Led by the Department of War Studies, the BA is enriched by the breadth and knowledge of one of the UK’s most global History departments. Many War Studies and History students find that the combination of war studies and history allows them to develop a deeper, more complex understanding of conflict and international relations, which provides a superb basis for a range of career choices.
You will approach the subjects from a variety of unique angles including politics, international relations, history, philosophy, sociology, diplomacy, and strategic studies. Thanks to the range of subjects on offer, you can choose from a diverse variety of modules to create an exciting programme of study. The course will enable you to develop the ability to collect and evaluate a broad range of evidence, analyse complex issues and present arguments in a clear, concise and effective manner, both orally and in writing.
Key benefits
- King’s is amongst the world’s leading universities for the study of war, conflict and their histories, with close relations between the two departments teaching the course. We rank 5th in the UK for International Relations (The Guardian University Guide per Subject 2025).
- You will be taught by leading international experts who work in close collaboration with governments, armed forces and NGOs across the world.
- Outstanding flexibility, allowing you to develop and then focus on specialist interests, of war and conflicts in addition to covering key historical events from medieval Europe to modern India.
- Frequent guest lectures throughout the year by high-profile international speakers, including former diplomats, military leaders and government ministers.
- We offer a dedicated focus on employability skills, assisting you to pursue careers in defence, foreign affairs, humanitarian aid, risk analysis, journalism and banking.
- Our alumni have gone on to work for the UK government, the United Nations, the EU, NATO, as well as for consultancy firms and charities such as Oxfam.
- Our central London location means that our campus is just ten minutes walk from Westminster. It facilitates our close relationship with major London institutions such as Chatham House, IISS, RUSI and Janes Defence. It also allows a diverse group of alumni and employers to interact with students, whether they are supporting the development of employability skills or helping students to discover and explore different careers.
By combining War Studies and History, my course has pushed me to think outside of the box. Overall, King’s College London has offered me more than an academic programme; it has given me the opportunity to thrive.
Course essentials
• In your first year, you will be introduced to a period of medieval, early modern or modern world history, and study a combination of required and optional modules which will introduce you to the study of history and war in a historical context.
• In Year 2, you will study 'Global Cold War', 'Research Methods in War Studies and International Relations' and a combination of optional modules from the War Studies and History Departments.
• Your final year will involve you writing a dissertation in either subject area.
Special features
Optional study abroad
Key Information
Course type:
Joint honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-Levels:
AAA
Duration:
Three years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Application deadline:
17 September 2025
Administrative bodies
Regulating body
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Strand Campus feels like the heart of London—historic yet buzzing with energy. Nestled by the Thames, it offers world-class academics, vibrant student life, and endless inspiration from the city’s culture and diversity.
Waterloo Campus
Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.