International Conflict Studies MA

King's College London, University of London

Overview

Our MA in International Conflict Studies provides you with a critical, in-depth and nuanced understanding of international conflict and security. It aims to combine theory and practice, providing advanced engagement with the theoretical and philosophical aspects of the subject as well as training in the investigation and analysis of specific cases of conflict, violence and security. It enables you to engage critically with the application of social and political theory in developing an understanding of the origins, dynamics and governance of international and transnational conflict and political violence.

Course detail

Our MA programme provides you with a critical, in-depth, and nuanced understanding of international conflict. It aims to combine theory and practice, providing advanced engagement with the theoretical and philosophical aspects of the subject as well as training in the investigation and analysis of specific cases of security and violence associated with conflict. It enables you to engage critically with the application of social and political theory in developing an understanding of the origins, dynamics and governance of international and transnational conflict and political violence. You will examine the impact of globalisation on the complexities of present-day conflict. We analyse the politics of identity and how it relates to the emergence of violent conflict; the relationship between security, insecurity and the politics of violence at international level; and how security relates to human rights and policies surrounding migration. You study the relationship between language and violent conflict; the place of cultural and gender difference in relation to conflict and peace, as well as the political and ethical implications of the diverse theoretical and methodological approaches in the study of conflict, violence, and security. 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 multidisciplinary 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.

Teaching and assessment

The primary methods of assessment for this course are assessed essays, individual and group presentations, seminar participation, exercises, and/or exams. The dissertation module assessment will be based on a 100% dissertation assignment (up to 12,000 words).

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.