Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Global Affairs MSc
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
The MSc Global Affairs examines the politics, society, economics and history of the world’s non-western, regional and rising powers, and their role within a changing world order.
Key benefits
- The MSc Global Affairs is a unique programme that looks at the world from the perspective of non-western regions, and critically examines the connections between the local and the global.
- You will develop an in-depth and multi-disciplinary understanding of the politics, society, economics and history of at least two of the following countries and/or world regions: Brazil, China, India, Russia, Africa and the Middle East.
- You will gain hands-on experience of designing and executing an independent research project on a global subject – either a dissertation with research methods training, or capstone project alongside specialised policy-oriented micro-modules
- With a flexible curriculum, the programme allows you to develop the kinds of specialist regional knowledge (including the possibility of learning a language), research skills and awareness of yourself as a global citizen that are valued by employers, policymakers and scholars in a fast-changing world.
Our programme is designed to enable you to develop an advanced understanding of the politics, society, economy and history of non-western countries, regions and rising powers, including through comparative analysis. The programme allows you to build regional specialisation, alongside a consideration of cross-cutting and transnational issues in global affairs. With a firm focus on regions beyond Western Europe and North America, this programme offers a truly global perspective on our changing world.
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.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Minimum Upper Second (2.1) in, but not confined to, Politics, IR, Area Studies, History, Geography, Anthropology, Liberal Arts, PPE or Modern Languages.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
Self-Study
Check out further information about our Global Affairs course including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
We use lectures, seminars and group workshops to deliver most of the modules on the programme. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
A typical 15 credit module involves 15-20 hours of lectures and/or seminars, plus 130-135 hours of self study to prepare for classes and assignments. A typical 30 credit module involves 20-30 hours of lectures/seminars plus 270-280 hours of self-guided or group-based learning/project work. The dissertation module typically involves five hours of dissertation supervision and approximately 595 hours of self-guided learning while researching and writing the dissertation. The capstone project will involve 16 hours of lectures and supervision, 18 hours of group workshops, and 566 hours of self-guided or group-based work.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
This programme is currently primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary.
Assessment
- Essays
- Oral Presentations
- Written Examinations
- Dissertation
- Group research report
- Individual policy paper
- Individual action appeal
- Multi-media presentation
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of assessment methods. Assessment methods will depend on the modules selected. Forms of assessment may typically include:
- A combination of essay(s) and other written or oral exercises such as policy papers, multimedia presentations and writing/data based exercises. Some may involve exams.
- The Global Affairs Dissertation will be assessed solely on the basis of the dissertation (12,000 words).
- One assessment for the module Introduction to Research Methods (Global Institutes) will involve writing a research proposal.
- The Global Affairs Capstone Project will be assessed on the basis of a group research report, individual policy paper and an individual action appeal.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Programmes are divided into modules, and students on this programme take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take the following module:
Introduction to Global Affairs (30 credits)
You are also required to take either:
Global Affairs Dissertation (60 credits)
plus
Introduction to Research Methods (Global Institutes) (15 credits)
Or
Global Affairs Capstone Project (60 credits)
15 credits of online micro-modules from the International School for Government (ISfG) – these may typically include Approaches to Policy Making; International Conflict Analysis and Resolution; and/or Embracing uncertainty: Policymaking in turbulent times (total: Capstone Project plus 15 credits of online modules = 75 credits)
Furthermore, you are required to take 30 credits from a range of regional introductory modules that may typically include the following:
Contemporary Brazilian Politics and Society (15 credits)
Contemporary India (15 credits)
China and the Age of Globalisation (15 credits)
Russia and the European Union (15 credits)
African Issues in Global Affairs (15 credits)
Politics and Economics of the Middle East (15 credits)
Part-time students have some flexibility in the way they divide their modules but must take Introduction to Global Affairs and up to three optional modules (ideally including both regional introductory modules) in their first year (75 credits in total in year 1). The remainder of optional modules (45 credits) plus the Global Affairs Dissertation or Global Affairs Capstone Project (both 60 credits) should be completed in the second year. For those doing the dissertation, Introduction to Research Methods (Global Institutes) can be taken in the first or second year. Part-time students opting for the Global Affairs Capstone Project may choose to take the ISfG credits in their first or second year, or spread them out if possible.
Optional modules
Students would normally take a further 45 credits of level 7 optional modules offered in the Africa, Brazil, China, India, Middle East or Russia Institutes. The choice of optional modules may include 15 credits from any other level 7 module offered in KCL Departments outside of these institutes (subject to the Programme Convenor’s email approval and the agreement of the external department). This may also include a 15-credit language module offered by the King’s Language Centre, e.g., Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian. Proposed optional modules may include:
African Issues in Global Affairs (15 credits)
Building Gender-Inclusive Organisations and Outcomes (15 credits)
China and the Age of Globalisation (15 credits)
China and the Global South (15 credits)
China's International Relations, 1949-Present (15 credits)
Chinese International Investments (15 credits)
Citizenship and Democracy (15 credits)
Contemporary Brazilian Politics and Society (15 credits)
Contemporary Chinese Politics (15 credits)
Contemporary Chinese Society: Change and Transformation (15 credits)
Contemporary India (15 credits)
Contemporary Ukrainian Politics and Society (15 credits)
Doing Business in China (15 credits)
Economic Policies and Development in Contemporary China (15 credits)
Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change in China (15 credits)
Gender, Leadership and Society (15 credits)
Global Welfare Politics (15 credits)
Governance and Economic Growth in Transition (15 credits)
Infrastructure, Technology, and Power in the Age of Global China (15 credits)
Islam, Politics and Society (15 credits)
Modern Chinese Political Thought: Ideology, Language and Practice (15 credits)
New & Emerging Security Threats in Post-Soviet Eurasia (15 credits)
Oil, Gas and Modernisation in Russia (15 credits)
People, Protest and Mobilisation: Exploring Social Movement Theory (15 credits)
President’s Global Leadership Award (PGLA)
The Political Economy of Authoritarianism in the Middle East (15 credits)
The Politics of Energy Security in Eurasia (15 credits)
Religion & Politics in India and Pakistan (15 credits)
The Comparative Politics of Latin America (15 credits)
The State and Development in Africa and Asia (15 credits)
The War in Ukraine and the Global Future
Youth and Society in the Developing World (15 credits)
Students also have the opportunity to take an additional 15 credits of optional modules in language courses offered by the King’s Language Centre, totalling 195 credits across the MSc programme.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
MSc Global Affairs graduates will have a wide range of career options, including further academic research, consultancy, NGOs, government and international organisations, media and publishing, business, finance and investment.
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
Our professional network
Where can a degree like this take you? Hear from 2023 graduate Ashwin Patel:
Role: Events & Communications Officer at King's College London
My role includes organising events for the various institutes and departments in the School of Global Affairs. I write and create features, news content, videos and podcasts. The diversity of the school opportunities offered by studying at King's gave me the space to try new things. Communications is a fascinating and diverse field. It offers a great opportunity to reach new and different audiences.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing programme handouts.
- Society membership fees.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Our programme is designed to enable you to develop an advanced understanding of the politics, society, economy and history of non-western countries, regions and rising powers, including through comparative analysis. The programme allows you to build regional specialisation, alongside a consideration of cross-cutting and transnational issues in global affairs. With a firm focus on regions beyond Western Europe and North America, this programme offers a truly global perspective on our changing world.
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.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Minimum Upper Second (2.1) in, but not confined to, Politics, IR, Area Studies, History, Geography, Anthropology, Liberal Arts, PPE or Modern Languages.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
Self-Study
Check out further information about our Global Affairs course including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
We use lectures, seminars and group workshops to deliver most of the modules on the programme. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
A typical 15 credit module involves 15-20 hours of lectures and/or seminars, plus 130-135 hours of self study to prepare for classes and assignments. A typical 30 credit module involves 20-30 hours of lectures/seminars plus 270-280 hours of self-guided or group-based learning/project work. The dissertation module typically involves five hours of dissertation supervision and approximately 595 hours of self-guided learning while researching and writing the dissertation. The capstone project will involve 16 hours of lectures and supervision, 18 hours of group workshops, and 566 hours of self-guided or group-based work.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
This programme is currently primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary.
Assessment
- Essays
- Oral Presentations
- Written Examinations
- Dissertation
- Group research report
- Individual policy paper
- Individual action appeal
- Multi-media presentation
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of assessment methods. Assessment methods will depend on the modules selected. Forms of assessment may typically include:
- A combination of essay(s) and other written or oral exercises such as policy papers, multimedia presentations and writing/data based exercises. Some may involve exams.
- The Global Affairs Dissertation will be assessed solely on the basis of the dissertation (12,000 words).
- One assessment for the module Introduction to Research Methods (Global Institutes) will involve writing a research proposal.
- The Global Affairs Capstone Project will be assessed on the basis of a group research report, individual policy paper and an individual action appeal.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Programmes are divided into modules, and students on this programme take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take the following module:
Introduction to Global Affairs (30 credits)
You are also required to take either:
Global Affairs Dissertation (60 credits)
plus
Introduction to Research Methods (Global Institutes) (15 credits)
Or
Global Affairs Capstone Project (60 credits)
15 credits of online micro-modules from the International School for Government (ISfG) – these may typically include Approaches to Policy Making; International Conflict Analysis and Resolution; and/or Embracing uncertainty: Policymaking in turbulent times (total: Capstone Project plus 15 credits of online modules = 75 credits)
Furthermore, you are required to take 30 credits from a range of regional introductory modules that may typically include the following:
Contemporary Brazilian Politics and Society (15 credits)
Contemporary India (15 credits)
China and the Age of Globalisation (15 credits)
Russia and the European Union (15 credits)
African Issues in Global Affairs (15 credits)
Politics and Economics of the Middle East (15 credits)
Part-time students have some flexibility in the way they divide their modules but must take Introduction to Global Affairs and up to three optional modules (ideally including both regional introductory modules) in their first year (75 credits in total in year 1). The remainder of optional modules (45 credits) plus the Global Affairs Dissertation or Global Affairs Capstone Project (both 60 credits) should be completed in the second year. For those doing the dissertation, Introduction to Research Methods (Global Institutes) can be taken in the first or second year. Part-time students opting for the Global Affairs Capstone Project may choose to take the ISfG credits in their first or second year, or spread them out if possible.
Optional modules
Students would normally take a further 45 credits of level 7 optional modules offered in the Africa, Brazil, China, India, Middle East or Russia Institutes. The choice of optional modules may include 15 credits from any other level 7 module offered in KCL Departments outside of these institutes (subject to the Programme Convenor’s email approval and the agreement of the external department). This may also include a 15-credit language module offered by the King’s Language Centre, e.g., Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian. Proposed optional modules may include:
African Issues in Global Affairs (15 credits)
Building Gender-Inclusive Organisations and Outcomes (15 credits)
China and the Age of Globalisation (15 credits)
China and the Global South (15 credits)
China's International Relations, 1949-Present (15 credits)
Chinese International Investments (15 credits)
Citizenship and Democracy (15 credits)
Contemporary Brazilian Politics and Society (15 credits)
Contemporary Chinese Politics (15 credits)
Contemporary Chinese Society: Change and Transformation (15 credits)
Contemporary India (15 credits)
Contemporary Ukrainian Politics and Society (15 credits)
Doing Business in China (15 credits)
Economic Policies and Development in Contemporary China (15 credits)
Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change in China (15 credits)
Gender, Leadership and Society (15 credits)
Global Welfare Politics (15 credits)
Governance and Economic Growth in Transition (15 credits)
Infrastructure, Technology, and Power in the Age of Global China (15 credits)
Islam, Politics and Society (15 credits)
Modern Chinese Political Thought: Ideology, Language and Practice (15 credits)
New & Emerging Security Threats in Post-Soviet Eurasia (15 credits)
Oil, Gas and Modernisation in Russia (15 credits)
People, Protest and Mobilisation: Exploring Social Movement Theory (15 credits)
President’s Global Leadership Award (PGLA)
The Political Economy of Authoritarianism in the Middle East (15 credits)
The Politics of Energy Security in Eurasia (15 credits)
Religion & Politics in India and Pakistan (15 credits)
The Comparative Politics of Latin America (15 credits)
The State and Development in Africa and Asia (15 credits)
The War in Ukraine and the Global Future
Youth and Society in the Developing World (15 credits)
Students also have the opportunity to take an additional 15 credits of optional modules in language courses offered by the King’s Language Centre, totalling 195 credits across the MSc programme.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
MSc Global Affairs graduates will have a wide range of career options, including further academic research, consultancy, NGOs, government and international organisations, media and publishing, business, finance and investment.
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
Our professional network
Where can a degree like this take you? Hear from 2023 graduate Ashwin Patel:
Role: Events & Communications Officer at King's College London
My role includes organising events for the various institutes and departments in the School of Global Affairs. I write and create features, news content, videos and podcasts. The diversity of the school opportunities offered by studying at King's gave me the space to try new things. Communications is a fascinating and diverse field. It offers a great opportunity to reach new and different audiences.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing programme handouts.
- Society membership fees.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Related courses including study abroad
Double Masters in Asian & International Affairs MAKey information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
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