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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.
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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
Pia Doering
PiaAlumni

Special features

Optional study abroad

Key Information

UCAS code:

L252

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:

Start date:

September 2026

Application deadline:

Administrative bodies

Regulating body

Base campuses

A quad courtyard, with people queuing at a van selling coffee, and chatting in conversation

Strand Campus

Strand Campus sits along the Thames at London's cultural heart. Alongside world-class teaching spaces, students enjoy access to the pedestrianised Strand Quad, with Somerset House and iconic landmarks just steps away.

Waterloo - students walking outside Franklin-Wilkins building

Waterloo Campus

Centrally located and well connected, Waterloo brings together students from health, science and law, just steps from the South Bank. It's also home to the world's #2 nursing school – the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery (QS 2026).