Overview
Our Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in War Studies (first offered in 1991) focuses on the global human challenges of war and conflict. In this three-year undergraduate course, you will approach the study of war and conflict from a variety of distinctive angles, including history, politics, international relations, philosophy, sociology, diplomacy, and strategic studies, preparing you for a wide range of career choices. You will develop the ability to collect and evaluate a broad range of evidence, analyse complex, challenging, and important 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 and conflict. We rank 7th in the UK for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education University World Rankings 2023 per subject).
- You will be taught by leading international experts who work in close collaboration with governments, armed forces, and NGOs across the world.
- Outstanding flexibility, allowing you to focus and develop your specialist interests.
- Frequent guest lectures throughout the year by high-profile international speakers.
- We offer a dedicated focus on employability skills, supporting you to pursue careers in defence, foreign affairs, humanitarian aid, risk analysis, journalism, and banking. Our graduates have gone on to work for the UK government, the United Nations, the EU, NATO, as well as for consultancy firms and charities such as Oxfam.
- Our central London location means that our campus is just ten minutes’ walk from Westminster. It facilitates our close relationship with major London institutions such as Chatham House, IISS, RUSI and Janes Defence. It also allows a diverse group of alumni and employers to interact with students, whether they are supporting the development of employability skills or helping students to discover and explore different careers.
War Studies gave me access to an interdisciplinary curriculum and a vibrant academic environment. In many ways, my experience surpassed my expectations – the sheer breadth of research within the department is hardly comparable and was made accessible to students through not only teaching but discussion groups, events and conferences
Course essentials
• The first year of study consists of five required modules that provide a rounded introduction to the occurrence of war as a global challenge, and the benefits of its multi-disciplinary study.
• In the second year you will take two required one-term modules and 90 credits of optional modules. These options provide you with a deeper understanding of war as revealed through a variety of methods of study and disciplinary pathways, including history, politics, philosophy, and sociology.
• In the final year, you are required to complete a dissertation on an approved subject of your choice (with emphasis placed on self-directed research). The remaining 90 credits worth of optional modules are designed to reflect the current research and expertise of staff in the department, providing you with the opportunity to study specialist subjects in-depth.
Special features
Optional study abroad
Key Information
Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-Levels:
AAA
Duration:
Three years with optional year abroad
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Application deadline:
18 September 2025
Administrative bodies
Regulating body
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Strand Campus feels like the heart of London—historic yet buzzing with energy. Nestled by the Thames, it offers world-class academics, vibrant student life, and endless inspiration from the city’s culture and diversity.
Waterloo Campus
Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.