War & Diplomacy

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Summer School modules are designed to be intensive, intellectually stimulating short courses. They are taught by King’s academics in academic disciplines where King's has expertise. Classes are highly international, giving students an opportunity to collaborate with peers from all around the globe.

Each module consists of 150 study hours, comprising 45 hours of intensive synchronous and asynchronous teaching, independent study and group work and is examined to university standards. Comparable to an in-semester 15-credit King’s undergraduate module and therefore typically awarded 3-4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS, many summer students ask their home institution to award them external credit for their King's summer module to use towards their degree programme when they return home.

This module examines the fundamental concepts of war and diplomacy, focusing both on traditional and non-traditional security threats, and engaging with diplomatic practices from traditional and emerging actors. Many countries around the world have experienced and are currently in conflict situations. War has torn apart societies and caused devastation, death, and destruction in its wake. Diplomacy will be examined as a civilised and civilising activity for both current and future members of the international society. Its role as the 'glue' which binds states together on a day-to-day basis of discussion and argument will be emphasised. In this context diplomacy's role in maintaining and improving the quality of life for individuals and groups within societies will be a central feature of the analysis

Case study material will include examples of warfare and diplomatic interaction in the contemporary world, focusing on emerging strategic regions, and hybrid warfare, as well as new forms of diplomacy outside the traditional Liberal International Order’s institutions.

This module aims to:

• Develop students’ understanding of contemporary issues relating to war and diplomacy, including relevant theoretical approaches and their application to case studies.
• Build students’ understanding of the role of diplomacy in international relations, including the practices of traditional and emerging diplomatic actors.
• Introduce students to traditional and non-traditional security threats and changing forms of conflict and diplomacy.
• Enable students to engage in informed debate on topics related to war, diplomacy and global politics.
• Guide students to assess narratives of war, identity, and politics interacting with public institutions that deal with memory, heritage and history.

By the end of the module students will be able to:

• Explain key concepts and theoretical approaches relating to war and diplomacy in international relations.
• Analyse different approaches to diplomacy, including from emerging and non-Western actors, in managing conflict, crises and contemporary security challenges.
• Examine the role of war in shaping the balance of power and changes in international order.
• Compare the roles and practices of traditional and emerging actors in global and regional governance.
• Apply relevant concepts to analyse changes in world order and their influence on international and regional governance.
• Evaluate responses to traditional and non-traditional security threats, including in multidomain and counterterrorism contexts

The King's College London Undergraduate Summer School is open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.

Entry requirements

• Open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.
• Minimum grade requirement of 2:1 degree equivalent. See International grade equivalents on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• English language requirement of at least level C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). See full English Language requirements on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• Minimum age at the start of the course is 18 years old.

Presentation (70%), Exam (30%)  

Students should expect to be on campus for 4–5 hours per day, usually scheduled between 9:00–13:00 or 14:00–18:00. 

As per the fees listed above, booking two sessions receives a discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts of promotions. Subject to availability at the time of application.

Suggested course combinations:

• International Political Economy

More information on our fees, entry requirements and residential package can be found on the Undergraduate Summer School homepage.

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