The modern world has largely been shaped by centuries of warfare and by the prospect of future wars. Understanding the history of war is, therefore, essential to understanding the world we live in today. You will be studying the many cultural, social, economic, and strategic changes in warfare over time, working with a huge range of professional historians within the multi-disciplinary environment of the Department of War Studies. They will explore with you the many conceptual, practical, and methodological challenges of studying the past which will allow you to develop your own expertise and to write a substantial dissertation on any subject of your own choosing. This will provide you with a number of skills that are transferable to the workplace or which will permit you to go to doctoral study.
This MA is based in the Department of War Studies, one of the only academic departments in the world to focus solely on the complexities of conflict and security. War Studies is an multidisciplinary department and all War Studies students benefit from research-led teaching in such subjects as the history and evolution of war and grand strategy, arms control and non-proliferation, migration, strategic thought, cyber, conflict and the environment, the influence of science and technology on international security, along with regional specialisms covering Africa, Asia (East and South), Russia and elsewhere.
Teaching
The following table will give you an idea of what a typical academic workload might look like as you progress through your studies:
| Module | Lectures, seminars and feedback | Self-study |
|---|
| Per 30-credit module |
40 hours of teaching. Typically, 2 hours per week over two 10 week terms. This can be split into lectures and seminars, and online flexible delivery teaching options available. A 15 credit module will be half of this.
|
260 hours. |
| Dissertation module (60 credits) |
Up to 12 hours of online guidance, training workshops and personal supervision. |
588 hours for dissertation. |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours work.
Assessment
The primary methods of assessment for this course are assessed essays, individual and group presentations, seminar participation, exercises, and/or exams.
The dissertation module assessment will be based on a 100% dissertation assignment (up to 12,000 words).
Location:
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses with options of learning online and flexibly.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary. 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.
Regulating Body
King's College London is regulated by the Office for Students.