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King's College London
You are viewing a course in < Conflict and security
Undergraduate degree

War Studies & History BA

UCAS code: LV91

Key information

Course type:
Joint honours
Delivery mode:
Classroom
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-level:
AAA
Duration:
Three years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2023
Application deadline:
25 January 2023
Optional study abroad
Apply via UCAS

The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in War Studies & History offers a flexible way to study war, conflict and their histories from an incomparably broad perspective. Led by the Department of War Studies, our BA is enriched by the breadth and knowledge of the UK’s most global History departments. Many War Studies and History students find that the combination of war studies and history allows them to develop a deeper, more complex understanding of conflict and international relations, which provides a superb basis for a range of career choices. You will approach the subjects from a variety of unique angles including politics, international relations, sociology and strategic studies. Thanks to the range of subjects on offer, you can choose a diverse variety of modules to create an exciting programme of study. The course will enable you to develop the ability to handle a broad range of evidence, analyse complex issues and present arguments in a clear, concise and effective manner, both orally and in writing.

Key benefits

  • King's is amongst the world's leading universities for the study of war, conflict and their histories, with close relations between the two departments teaching the course.
  • Teaching is by leading international experts who work in close collaboration with governments, armed forces and NGOs across the world.
  • Frequent guest lectures throughout the year by high-profile international speakers. These have previously included former diplomats, military leaders and government ministers.
  • Located in the heart of London, giving unparalleled access to government, the media, museums, and major libraries and research institutes.
  • We offer a dedicated focus on employability skills, assisting you to pursue careers in defence, foreign affairs, humanitarian aid, risk analysis, journalism, and banking.
  • Outstanding flexibility, allowing you to focus on your fundamental interests of war and conflicts in addition to covering key historical events from medieval Europe to modern India.
  • Our alumni have gone on to work for the UK government, the United Nations, the EU, NATO, for consultancy firms and in charities such as Oxfam
Rodolphe

“I chose King's College London because I wanted to study at a top university. It offers a world-class education as you are taught by renowned teachers.”

Rodolphe, War Studies & History

In your first year, you will be introduced to a period of medieval, early modern or modern world history, and study a combination of required and optional modules which will introduce you to the study of history and war in a historical context. In Year 2, you will need to study either Intelligence in War Studies, War in International Order or World War II in Global Perspective as part of your module choices. Your final year will involve you writing a 10,000-word dissertation in either subject area. This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand & Waterloo campuses. Our Department is located at the Strand Campus, in the heart of central London close to the seat of government, the City, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Inns of Court, the Imperial War Museum and the National Maritime Museum; providing interaction between the study and practice of security and foreign policy

Base campuses

strand-quad
Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

waterloo-banner
Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Special features

Optional study abroad

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Subject requirements

Required subjects:
None.
Preferred subjects:
History A-Level (or equivalent) is generally expected. Applications from those without such a qualification can be considered, where the application clearly demonstrates interest in and engagement with History as an academic subject.

A-Levels

Required grades:
AAA

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.

Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level information

ABB Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate

35 points including 666 at Higher Level.

Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.

Contextual International Baccalaureate information

34 points including 655 at Higher Level. Notes: The total point score of 34 includes TOK/EE.

Alternative accepted qualifications

Standard requirements

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English language requirements

English language band: B

Selection process

Application deadline: 25th January 2023 - 18:00 (UK time)

 

Contextual consideration

We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.

Deferrals

Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.

Foundation courses

Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.

The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.

Graduates

Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

Reference

We are able to accept a military reference for all programmes within the Department of War Studies.

Resits

We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.

Transfers

Transfers into this programme are not permitted.

Help for international applicants

International Foundation Year

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.

Pre-sessional courses

If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
Independent Study

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.

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 tutorials to teach most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will provide pastoral support during your studies.  

Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity to periodically take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.

In Year 1 and Year 2, you will spend 15% of time in scheduled learning and teaching activities and 85% of time in guided independent study. in Year 3, this will be 9% in scheduled learning and teaching activities and 91% in guided independent study. 

Assessment

  • Assessed Essays
  • Written Examinations
  • Individual & Group Presentations
  • Written Dissertation

Assessment methods will depend on the modules you have selected to study. The primary methods of assessment for this course are assessed essays, written examinations, individual and group presentations and a written dissertation.

In Year 1, 30% of assessment is by written exams and 70% of assessment is coursework. In Year 2, 53% of assessment is by written exams and 47% coursework. In year 3 this is 38% by written exams and 62% coursework.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 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. 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

Our graduates go on to work in a range of fields including government (most commonly in Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs in the UK and abroad), academia, journalism, banking (often in emerging markets or risk analysis), research and policy think-tanks, humanitarian organisations and international organisations.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

  • Accounts assistant, IJS Global
  • Army officer, British Army
  • Consultant, Ernst & Young
  • Creative writer, Groupon
  • Defence analyst, Vision Gain
  • Parliamentary assistant, House of Commons
  • Special constable, London Metropolitan Police
  • Trainee accountant, a legal practice

Tuition Fees

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2023-2024 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees International:

The International tuition fee for the 2023-2024 academic year is £23,160 per year.

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 against their first year’s tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King’s.

If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling.   Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, 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
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
  • Graduation costs
  • Alternative venue examination fees

Funding

In your first year, you will be introduced to a period of medieval, early modern or modern world history, and study a combination of required and optional modules which will introduce you to the study of history and war in a historical context. In Year 2, you will need to study either Intelligence in War Studies, War in International Order or World War II in Global Perspective as part of your module choices. Your final year will involve you writing a 10,000-word dissertation in either subject area. This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand & Waterloo campuses. Our Department is located at the Strand Campus, in the heart of central London close to the seat of government, the City, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Inns of Court, the Imperial War Museum and the National Maritime Museum; providing interaction between the study and practice of security and foreign policy

Base campuses

strand-quad
Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

waterloo-banner
Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Special features

Optional study abroad

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Subject requirements

Required subjects:
None.
Preferred subjects:
History A-Level (or equivalent) is generally expected. Applications from those without such a qualification can be considered, where the application clearly demonstrates interest in and engagement with History as an academic subject.

A-Levels

Required grades:
AAA

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.

Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level information

ABB Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate

35 points including 666 at Higher Level.

Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.

Contextual International Baccalaureate information

34 points including 655 at Higher Level. Notes: The total point score of 34 includes TOK/EE.

Alternative accepted qualifications

Standard requirements

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English language requirements

English language band: B

Selection process

Application deadline: 25th January 2023 - 18:00 (UK time)

 

Contextual consideration

We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.

Deferrals

Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.

Foundation courses

Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.

The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.

Graduates

Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

Reference

We are able to accept a military reference for all programmes within the Department of War Studies.

Resits

We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.

Transfers

Transfers into this programme are not permitted.

Help for international applicants

International Foundation Year

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.

Pre-sessional courses

If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
Independent Study

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.

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 tutorials to teach most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will provide pastoral support during your studies.  

Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity to periodically take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.

In Year 1 and Year 2, you will spend 15% of time in scheduled learning and teaching activities and 85% of time in guided independent study. in Year 3, this will be 9% in scheduled learning and teaching activities and 91% in guided independent study. 

Assessment

  • Assessed Essays
  • Written Examinations
  • Individual & Group Presentations
  • Written Dissertation

Assessment methods will depend on the modules you have selected to study. The primary methods of assessment for this course are assessed essays, written examinations, individual and group presentations and a written dissertation.

In Year 1, 30% of assessment is by written exams and 70% of assessment is coursework. In Year 2, 53% of assessment is by written exams and 47% coursework. In year 3 this is 38% by written exams and 62% coursework.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 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. 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

Our graduates go on to work in a range of fields including government (most commonly in Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs in the UK and abroad), academia, journalism, banking (often in emerging markets or risk analysis), research and policy think-tanks, humanitarian organisations and international organisations.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

  • Accounts assistant, IJS Global
  • Army officer, British Army
  • Consultant, Ernst & Young
  • Creative writer, Groupon
  • Defence analyst, Vision Gain
  • Parliamentary assistant, House of Commons
  • Special constable, London Metropolitan Police
  • Trainee accountant, a legal practice

Tuition Fees

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2023-2024 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees International:

The International tuition fee for the 2023-2024 academic year is £23,160 per year.

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 against their first year’s tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King’s.

If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling.   Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, 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
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
  • Graduation costs
  • Alternative venue examination fees

Funding

Key information

Course type:
Joint honours
Delivery mode:
Classroom
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-level:
AAA
Duration:
Three years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2023
Application deadline:
25 January 2023
Optional study abroad
Apply via UCAS

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