The MA International Security and Policy is a distinctive, fully online postgraduate programme offered by the Defence Studies Department within the School of Security Studies at King’s College London.
Developed as part of the Security & Defence PLuS partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), this programme brings together global academic expertise to address the challenges of contemporary international security.
The programme adopts an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approach, integrating insights from security studies, international relations, public policy, and systems thinking. It is designed to equip students with the tools needed to understand and respond to increasingly complex global threats, including geopolitical competition, regional security dynamics, emerging technologies, and transnational risks.
This programme is characterised by its focus on:
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The interaction between security, technology, and policy
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Strategic decision-making under uncertainty
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The application of systems thinking to complex global challenges
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The integration of academic theory and methodology with professional practice
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The development of professionals operating across security-related sectors
Students engage critically with contemporary debates in security and policy, while developing the ability to analyse and respond to real-world challenges across diverse operational environments.A defining feature of the programme is its collaborative delivery model.
Students will study modules delivered by:
- King’s College London
- Arizona State University (USA)
- University of New South Wales (Australia)
This approach enables students to benefit from diverse educational cultures and multiple international perspectives, reflecting the global nature of modern security challenges. With three annual intakes and a flexible part-time format, students can pursue their ambitions without disrupting their careers.