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Key information
Award:
MPhil
PhD
Study mode:
Distance Learning
Full time
Part time
Campus:
Strand Campus
Duration:
MPhil two years full-time (four years part-time); PhD expected three years full-time (six years part-time).
Overview
The Defence Studies Department’s unique position as an academic department based at the UK’s Defence Academy in Oxfordshire heavily influences its research. Sitting at the heart of security and defence education in the United Kingdom, it can draw on the experiences and knowledge of not only UK military officers and civil servants, but officers from a wide range of allied nations. The Department’s research is therefore able to benefit from and influence defence thinking and policymaking not just in the UK, but across the world.
Research in the Department is reflective of the diverse interests of our staff members and postgraduate community. It covers military, naval, diplomatic and imperial history, international relations, defence and regional security studies, strategic studies, and the ethics of conflict. This wide range of topics is united by their relation and relevance to contemporary security and defence issues. Researchers from the Department have played an important role in past UK security and defence reviews and continue to influence future reviews. Staff members are regularly consulted by national and international media on contemporary and past events, and they are actively engaged in public engagement with the heritage sector. Research projects in the Department have been supported by a variety of funding bodies, including the Leverhulme Trust, the British Academy, the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the MacArthur Foundation, the British Council, the European Commission, the US Army War College, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the US Department of Defense.
Since 2011, the Department has run its own postgraduate research programme. We attract studentships from a variety of sources, including the ESRC and the AHRC. Nearly 120 students are currently undertaking doctoral research in the Department. Every year, approximately 30 students join our MPhil/PhD programme.
The Department is especially interested in receiving applications from students planning research projects in fields that enhance the strength of the Department’s research groups and centres. Details of these can be found on the Defence Studies website, as well as a full list of staff and their research interests. The Department assumes that research students will normally be attached to one or more of these groups and centres, which in all cases will enhance research culture and be consistent with Defence Studies’ research strategy.
Course Detail
Defence Studies Research MPhil/PhD candidates join a thriving interdisciplinary research community, connecting with world-leading scholars and practitioners. Postgraduate students will work with at least one supervisor from within the Defence Studies Department and at least one other supervisor either from the Department or elsewhere in the College. The Department has a close relationship with the Department of War Studies, often working closely in MPhil/PhD supervision. For a full staff list and their research interests please access the Department of War Studies website.
During the first year of study, it is College policy that both full and part time students will have their progress reviewed within 3 months of initial registration and again after a period of nine months registration. Thereafter, the progress of all students will be reviewed at every six months.
Students receive support from their supervisors in the following areas relating to their research programme:
· Structure & Planning
· Research Design & Training
· Progress Monitoring
· Advice & Guidance
· Pastoral Care
· Career guidance
All MPhil/PhD candidates undertake a tailored programme of individual researcher training and development across all years of study. A comprehensive programme of individual research training ensures that students develop the skills necessary to complete their research programme and fulfil their career goals. In Year One, students will draw up a programme of research training and personal development in consultation with their supervisors. Throughout their programme, students have access to extensive research methods, skills, and career training via the King’s Doctoral College, London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP), and the London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP)
Contact for Information
PGR Admissions Tutor for Defence Studies: Dr David Roberts
Contact email: david.b.roberts@kcl.ac.uk
For general enquiries, please contact: pgr-securitystudies@kcl.ac.uk
UK Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees:
£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
Part time tuition fees:
£3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
International Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees:
£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
Part time tuition fees:
£13,035 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£13,035 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
UK Tuition Fees 2025/26
Full time tuition fees:
£7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
Part time tuition fees:
£3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
International Tuition Fees 2025/26
Full time tuition fees:
£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
Part time tuition fees:
£14,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£14,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Study Environment
MPhil/PhD students are allocated a primary and secondary supervisor. Students have access to workspaces with computers and printers, either located in the Department of War Studies on the Strand Campus or at the Library at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, subject to security clearance. Students are encouraged to take part in the lively research culture of the Defence Studies Department, attending research seminars, student-organised research workshops, or the regular seminars, visiting lectures, and conferences that are held either in London or at the JSCSC in Shrivenham. They are also expected to participate in one or more of the School of Security Studies’ research themes and groups which organise their own programmes of events.
Postgraduate Training
Students will have their training and development needs assessed and will, with their supervisor, draw up a personalised programme of training that will both allow them to complete their research project and also provide the skills they will need in their subsequent career. Ongoing research training needs are assessed throughout the programme. This training will include courses provided by the Department, the School of Security Studies, the King's Doctoral College, or the LISS-DTP.
Our professional network
Hear from 2020 graduate, John A. Mauk (Adjunct Faculty and Program Manager at U.S. Army War College)
What my career is like: In this role I manage a contract to provide adjunct faculty to expand the scope of resident faculty expertise, impacting the continuing education and professional development of military leaders serving at the most senior levels of the Department of Defense and impacting national security policy and strategy formulation.
How King's helped me: KCL's research faculty was exactly the right avenue to study the US national security policy making apparatus from a perspective largely eschewed by US academic institutions. The result of my research opened doors to supporting national security policy making and influence senior military leader's perspective on policy and strategy issues.
My top career tip: Like any other endeavor, the goal you envision at the start may very likely change by the time you complete the degree. Enter with an open mind and broaden your aperture. Keep your eye on the prize but, change is constant, embrace it.
Hear from 2021 graduate, P. Michael Phillips (Independent Researcher)
What my career is like: I pursued my PhD towards the end of a 30-year career in the military, which I concluded by teaching strategy and policy at the U.S. Army War College. My top achievements included engaging for almost a decade in policy activities with U.S. embassies in remote or austere locations.
How King's helped me: My King's experiences encouraged me to explore my interests more deeply; to refine my analysis and arguments more precisely; to write more accurately and concisely; and to place my observations and conclusions more succinctly within a broader academic field of discovery.
My top career tip: First, I encourage prospective students to play to their interests and talents. Second, practice self-reflection and humility, and seek out the company of those who do likewise. We all are in need of constant improvement, so surround yourself with good people. Third, be charitable in deed and spirit.
Hear from 2022 graduate, Whitney Grespin (Africa Regional Program Lead at the Institute for Security Governance, US Department of Defense, Defense Security Agency)
What my career is like: As sa US citizen, completing my PhD at the Defence Studies Department at the Joint Services Command and Staff College gave me unique insight into professional military education and invaluable experience working with a foreign military and government.
How King's helped me: I didn't realise the opportunities I would have outside of academia with a PhD but my program/supervisor helped me explore broader career paths.
My top career tip: Network and publish
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UK Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees:
£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
Part time tuition fees:
£3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
International Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees:
£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
Part time tuition fees:
£13,035 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£13,035 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
UK Tuition Fees 2025/26
Full time tuition fees:
£7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
Part time tuition fees:
£3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
International Tuition Fees 2025/26
Full time tuition fees:
£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
Part time tuition fees:
£14,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies)
£14,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Defence Studies via Distance Learning)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Study Environment
MPhil/PhD students are allocated a primary and secondary supervisor. Students have access to workspaces with computers and printers, either located in the Department of War Studies on the Strand Campus or at the Library at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, subject to security clearance. Students are encouraged to take part in the lively research culture of the Defence Studies Department, attending research seminars, student-organised research workshops, or the regular seminars, visiting lectures, and conferences that are held either in London or at the JSCSC in Shrivenham. They are also expected to participate in one or more of the School of Security Studies’ research themes and groups which organise their own programmes of events.
Postgraduate Training
Students will have their training and development needs assessed and will, with their supervisor, draw up a personalised programme of training that will both allow them to complete their research project and also provide the skills they will need in their subsequent career. Ongoing research training needs are assessed throughout the programme. This training will include courses provided by the Department, the School of Security Studies, the King's Doctoral College, or the LISS-DTP.
Our professional network
Hear from 2020 graduate, John A. Mauk (Adjunct Faculty and Program Manager at U.S. Army War College)
What my career is like: In this role I manage a contract to provide adjunct faculty to expand the scope of resident faculty expertise, impacting the continuing education and professional development of military leaders serving at the most senior levels of the Department of Defense and impacting national security policy and strategy formulation.
How King's helped me: KCL's research faculty was exactly the right avenue to study the US national security policy making apparatus from a perspective largely eschewed by US academic institutions. The result of my research opened doors to supporting national security policy making and influence senior military leader's perspective on policy and strategy issues.
My top career tip: Like any other endeavor, the goal you envision at the start may very likely change by the time you complete the degree. Enter with an open mind and broaden your aperture. Keep your eye on the prize but, change is constant, embrace it.
Hear from 2021 graduate, P. Michael Phillips (Independent Researcher)
What my career is like: I pursued my PhD towards the end of a 30-year career in the military, which I concluded by teaching strategy and policy at the U.S. Army War College. My top achievements included engaging for almost a decade in policy activities with U.S. embassies in remote or austere locations.
How King's helped me: My King's experiences encouraged me to explore my interests more deeply; to refine my analysis and arguments more precisely; to write more accurately and concisely; and to place my observations and conclusions more succinctly within a broader academic field of discovery.
My top career tip: First, I encourage prospective students to play to their interests and talents. Second, practice self-reflection and humility, and seek out the company of those who do likewise. We all are in need of constant improvement, so surround yourself with good people. Third, be charitable in deed and spirit.
Hear from 2022 graduate, Whitney Grespin (Africa Regional Program Lead at the Institute for Security Governance, US Department of Defense, Defense Security Agency)
What my career is like: As sa US citizen, completing my PhD at the Defence Studies Department at the Joint Services Command and Staff College gave me unique insight into professional military education and invaluable experience working with a foreign military and government.
How King's helped me: I didn't realise the opportunities I would have outside of academia with a PhD but my program/supervisor helped me explore broader career paths.
My top career tip: Network and publish
Loading...
Key information
Award:
MPhil
PhD
Study mode:
Distance Learning
Full time
Part time
Campus:
Strand Campus
Duration:
MPhil two years full-time (four years part-time); PhD expected three years full-time (six years part-time).
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