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Intelligence & International Security MA

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Our MA Intelligence & International Security examines the trends that continue to shape intelligence and international security developments in the 21st century. You will develop an awareness of the ways in which intelligence issues manifest themselves in security issues in peace and war in historical and contemporary perspectives. You will also gain an understanding of ethical dilemmas associated with intelligence activity, including the challenges posed by digitisation.


Key benefits

  • Our MA Intelligence & International Security is excellent preparation for employment in government service or in commercial risk management and open-source intelligence providers.
  • You will be taught by visiting academics, serving and former officials and other intelligence experts who give regular public lectures and seminars.
  • Enables you to examine the nature, processes, roles and case studies of intelligence and their interaction with developments in international security.
  • You have the advantage of attending events run by the King's Intelligence and International Security Group which provides a platform for sharing ideas.

Key information

Application status Open

Duration 1 year FT / 2 years PT, September to September

Study mode Full-time, Part-time

Credit value UK 180 / ECTS 90

Course intake Circa 60

Course leaders Professor Joe Maiolo and Dr Huw Dylan

Further details

Course contact for further information

Postgraduate Admissions Team, Admissions Office
tel: +44 (0)20 7848 7000
fax: +44 (0)20 7848 7200

 

Course contact form Postgraduate admissions

Awarding institution King's College London

Faculty Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy

Department Department of War Studies

Locations

 

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Course detail

Description

Our course will enable you to examine the origins, nature, processes, roles and case studies of intelligence and their interaction with developments in international security. In examining the trends that continue to shape intelligence and international security in the 21st century our course offers a unique multidisciplinary approach based on the strengths of the department. We aim to provide a framework in which to understand the nature and role of intelligence in its relationship to wider issues in war and international security; an understanding of the processes, practices and institutions that have characterised intelligence in the modern era; an understanding of the problems connected with intelligence collection,assessment and ability to predict events in world affairs; and an appreciation of the particular ethical and political concerns generated by intelligence.

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 interdisciplinary 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.

Further literature

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/enquiry-form.aspx

Course format and assessment

Teaching

The following table will give you an idea of what a typical academic workload might look like as you progress through your studies:

ModuleLectures, seminars and feedbackSelf-study
 Per 40-credit module  40 hours  360 hours
 Dissertation module  12 hours of training workshops and supervision  588 hours

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

  • Most 20 to 40-credit modules are assessed through a combination of essays (3000-6000 words), presentation, oral vivas, and/or exams.
  • The dissertation module assessment will be based on a 100% dissertation assignment (up to 15,000 words).

Regulating Body 

King's College London is regulated by the Office for Students. 

Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules, and students on this course take modules totalling 180 credits.

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. Optional modules are therefore only made accessible to enrolled students during the module allocation process.

 

Required Modules
You are required to take the following modules:
Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take 80 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include

If you are studying part-time, in your first year you will take 40 credits of required taught modules and 40 credits of optional modules. In your second year you will take your dissertation (60 credits) and a further 40 credits of optional modules.

Entry requirements & how to apply

IIS Entry Requirements
Minimum requirements

High 2:1

(67%)

Undergraduate degree with high 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 67% across all years of study) in history, international relations, political science, economics or other appropriate subject.

In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum high 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 67% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 67% or above in the UK marking scheme. 
International requirements   Visit our admissions webpages to view our International entry requirements.
English Language requirements Band B Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements.

 

Application procedure

Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £70 applies. All applications are assessed by a committee of academic tutors. This process takes on average eight weeks.

Personal statement and supporting information

Please provide a personal statement explaining why you are interested in this particular programme, and outlining any relevant experience you have. If there are any anomalies in your academic record, please use the personal statement to explain related extenuating circumstances.

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 Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
 Other Optional Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application

 

 

Application closing date

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Our first application deadline is the 31 March 2020. After this date, applications will remain open if places are available, but programmes will be closed as soon as they are full. For programmes with spaces remaining, no further applications will be accepted from non-EU (Overseas) nationals after 31July 2020 or from UK/EU nationals after 28 August 2020.

Please note you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline and places are filled before the final deadlines above and we are unable to process more offers.

Help and support

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.

Preparation courses

Fees and funding

  • Full time Home/EU fees: £14,700 per year (2020/21)
  • Full time overseas fees: £26,550 per year (2020/21)
  • Part time Home/EU fees: £7,350 per year (2020/21)
  • Part time overseas fees: £13,275 per year (2020/21)

Students starting their programme in 2020/21 who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2021/22.

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

When you receive an offer for this course you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. The deposit will be credited towards your total fee payment.

The UK/EU deposit is £500.

The INTERNATIONAL deposit is £2,000. 

  • If you receive an offer before 1 June 2020, payment is due by 30 June 2020.

  • If you receive an offer between 1 June 2020 and 30 June 2020, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.

  • If you receive an offer between 1 July 2020 and 31 July 2020, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.

  • If you receive an offer on or after 1 August 2020, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.

  • If you receive an offer in late August, payment is due within 2 days of receiving the offer.

    If you are a current King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary 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.

Additional costs/expenses

In addition to the costs above, you can also expect to pay for: 

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies 
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions 
  • Library fees and fines 
  • Personal photocopies 
  • Printing course handouts 
  • Society membership fees 
  • Stationery 
  • Graduation costs
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses 

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Career prospects

War Studies Graduates go on to work for NGOs, the FCO, the MOD, the Home Office, NATO, the UN or pursue careers in journalism, finance, academia, the diplomatic services, the armed forces and more. Recent posts held by our alumni include Threat Analyst, Director of Political Violence Forecasting, Research Advisor at NATO Defence College, Foreign Policy Fellow.

Testimonials

Carlos

Carlos

"The War Studies Department at King’s was the ideal platform to pursue my goals. The expertise obtained from this challenging and unique programme has without a doubt been a fundamental asset."

Valon

Valon

"The teaching arrangements combined with student seminars enable students to get their outmost of education, as well as King's relationship with external organizations such as IISS, Chatham House and RUSI make this experience inclusive."

Next steps

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