100% ONLINE

International Affairs
MA / PG Dip / PG Cert

COURSE BROCHURE
Welcome to King’s College London’s online International Affairs
MA/PG Dip/PG Cert with specialisms in Cyber Security,
Espionage & Surveillance and Strategic Studies.
Our International Affairs MA from our Defence Studies Department will provide you with an advanced and
comprehensive understanding of the complex world of contemporary international relations and politics.
With a ground-breaking, flexible curriculum, King’s equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to
tackle the world’s most pressing challenges the threats they pose both to individual states and to the
international community.

Situated within the School of Security Studies, this As a graduate from our International Affairs MA,
versatile course is informed by innovative academic you’ll be perfectly placed to progress your career
theory and the practical experience of our esteemed within a range of industries with strong government King’s Defence Studies
teaching team. The Defence Studies Department ties, including defence establishments, NGOs,
Department is dedicated
works closely with high-ranking UK institutions to private intelligence, public think tanks, and security
provide expert advice and policy studies on matters companies. to nurturing the security
of public security. This puts the course leaders in and defence leaders of the
a unique position to provide the highest level of future and our curriculum
research-driven thinking to students with support
from over 50 academics and defence professionals.
content is structured with
this goal in mind.
Enhance your career with a master’s
from King’s College London
Aimed at aspiring graduates and
professionals looking to change or
augment their career, the International
Affairs programme was built to provide
unique learning outcomes in the fields of
international affairs and security.
You will be taught by some of the very best
academics in the field. Our department
staff publish world-leading research and
are committed to offering outstanding
researchled teaching and training.
The course presents students
with advanced knowledge in
international diplomatic and
security strategies with the goal
of advancing them to
leadership-level positions in
these fields. This makes it ideal
for professionals hoping to
advance their existing careers
or change careers into a
profession within international
or conflict politics.
Career Outcomes
The course is ideal for anyone seeking to
pursue an advanced career in any industry
addressing concerns over defence and
security. This may include working for
NGOs, the FCO, the MOD, the Home
Office, the European Union, NATO, the
UN and other international organisations
or pursue careers in journalism, finance,
academia and the diplomatic services
Recent posts held by our alumni include
Threat Analyst, Director of Political
Violence Forecasting, Research Advisor at
NATO Defence College, and Researcher in
NGOs such as Amnesty International and
Oxfam.
The course presents students with advanced
knowledge in international diplomatic and
security strategies with the goal of advancing
them to leadership-level positions in these
fields. This makes it ideal for professionals
hoping to advance their existing careers
or change careers into a profession within
international or conflict politics.
Studying online
Assessment
The International Affairs MA/PG Dip/PG Cert is delivered 100% online, meaning you get the same
first-class teaching and support as campus students whilst studying in a way that’s convenient for Assessments will be set on a modular
you. Study where you like with online lectures and digital materials that are accessible 24 hours a basis and will take the form of written
day. Our unique carousel module system and six yearly enrolment dates allow you to start as soon as essays, reviews, online presentations,
you’re ready. It also means if you need to take a break from your studies at any time, you can simply peer-assessed activities and a research
‘step-off’ the course and re-join once you have the time to dedicate to your studies again*. dissertation. All assessments will be
requested and submitted online and may
be subject to change according to the
Through our Virtual Learning Platform Time commitment specific needs of the module. This flexible
(KEATS), the University provides a approach to testing gives course leaders the
personalised environment for you to learn, Whilst your academic background and chance to shape assessments to the course’s
engage, and network with industry-leading familiarity with the topic of each module content, resulting in higher-quality
professionals and academic peers. You’ll will have a bearing on your total study time, learning outcomes. To find out more,
have the opportunity to maintain working you should expect to commit roughly 21-25 please speak to an Enrolment Advisor.
relationships with teachers and students as you hours a week to your studies. Throughout the
build a thriving peer-learning community side duration of your studies, you will be assigned
by side. Access lectures, reading materials, a designated Teaching Fellow who will
discussion boards, research, writing tasks and support you through the academic work and
group projects all from your own workspace. assessments associated with each module.
The King’s Library Service is also available
to all students - including online and distance
learners - and offers online services
and support. *maximum break time applies, speak to an Advisor for further details.
Specialist pathways
King’s Defence Studies Department is dedicated to nurturing the security and defence
leaders of the future and our curriculum content is structured with this goal in mind.
The MA in International Affairs provides a comprehensive study pathway with options
to explore your own subjects of interest. However, students with specific career
goals in mind may wish to specialise within a subset of the field.

Cyber Security is a complex and increasingly
pressing issue in today’s digitised world. The
definition of the term itself is broad, covering
both an understanding of what constitutes a
cyber ‘attack’ as well as defence apparatus,
surveillance architectures, data management and
information campaigns. The advent of artificial
intelligence adds even greater levels of risk to an
already intricate digital landscape. The Cyber
Security pathway helps students to grasp the
theory behind this complex world, investigating
different aspects of the industry with the goal
of offering a practical understanding of security
strategies and approaches.
The Espionage & Surveillance pathway explores
the history of intelligence organisation over the
past 60 years as a foundation for understanding
the theory and strategies involved in intelligence
gathering and analysis. This fascinating field
takes on a new aspect in the 21st century when
digital technologies and artificial intelligence
are redefining our understanding of the nature
of information. ES is at once practical, historical
and theoretical, laying the groundwork for
flourishing intelligence-related careers.
The Strategic Studies pathway builds on the
Introduction to Strategy core module of the
course. This pathway encourages students to
look at the modern-day implementation of
deterrence before studying in-depth the topics
of sanctions, strategy and statecraft. Students
get to grips with the complexity of strategy in
the modern world, which has implications not
only for international affairs but also for business
and organisational development.
Modules on the International Affairs programme are informed by security and
defence research at the forefront of global thinking. The department’s industry
links allow module leaders to address the most pressing issues in the industry.

The modular nature of our online courses allows flexible navigation through the curriculum.
This is ideal for candidates who have unavoidable commitments or may be forced to take a
break. As you study, you will complete modules and accrue course credits that contribute
towards the completion of your award.

Take a look at the requirements for each award below.

International Affairs PG Cert (Four modules, 60 credits)

International Affairs PG Dip (Eight modules, 120 credits)
International Affairs MA (12 modules, 180 credits)
International Affairs with Cyber Security specialism (12 modules, 180 credits)
International Affairs with Espionage & Surveillance specialism (12 modules, 180 credits)
International Affairs with Strategic Studies (12 modules, 180 credits)

Module content is driven by the most The faculty is willing to consider

contemporary research available. For this extensions in cases of extenuating personal
reason, they are liable to change at any time. circumstances.

Most students can finish all their online

modules in two to three years, but we allow a
maximum time of four years.
Student support
King’s is dedicated to providing students with the tools and platforms they need
to step into flourishing careers. Our Student Success Team has been designed
around your specific needs as an online student.

When you join one of our courses you’ll be assigned a dedicated Student Success Progression Advisor and
have access to a team of Information Advisors, who are responsible for providing you with support for the
duration of your course.

They will be your first point of contact with King’s College London and will answer all student support
enquiries. You can contact them regarding:

Assistance with connecting you to specialist Enrolment and progression to the

services and the Student Union next module
Navigation around the learning platform Fee payment
Assessment deadline reminders Interruption to study
Access to careers and employability advice Administration
Connection with teaching fellow Gaining a King’s Student Card

Careers service
Our careers service is open to all students and offers careers guidance and
industry connections via our CareerConnect portal. Search for jobs, connect
with employers and get inside-industry advice from our top-tier
research staff.
“”
At the early stages of the course, I realised
how smooth and organised the backbone
of the technology was...I felt a huge sense
of relief that I would have this type of
framework in which to study from afar...The
technology is backed by the correct level
of human touch with a personally assigned
Student Success Advisor who I found truly
responsive and
very helpful.

- Desmond Hughes, Online student at King’s.

History of
King’s College London
King’s world-ranked excellence
Founded in 1829, King’s College London
is seventh in the UK (The Times Higher

7th In the UK* Education World University Rankings

2020) and one of the top 35 universities
in the world (2020 QS World University

7th in the UK for Graduate

Employability**
Rankings) and has a global reputation
for excellence. Thousands of students
from across the world choose to study
3rd among multi-faculty universities
for research impact^
at King’s every year, and almost 40 per
cent of our academic body comes from
outside the UK. King’s is a cosmopolitan
* The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 university located at the heart of one of
** Times Higher Education’s Global Employability University Ranking 2021
^ Research Excellence Framework (REF) - 2021 Europe’s largest cities.
Entry requirements
Standard requirements
A 2:1 honours degree (or above) in any subject area
or international equivalent. Degree certificates or
transcripts will be required when submitting the
application.
Non-standard requirements
Applications for candidates who fall outside of the
standard entry requirements are still considered
and are assessed on a case-by-case basis – this
includes candidates applying based on professional
experience/qualifications.
Non-standard applications will need to be supported
by degree certificates or transcripts (where relevant),
as well as a CV and a 500-word written statement.
The faculty is prepared to consider non-standard
entry where alternative professional qualifications or
relevant professional experience may stand in lieu.
Students will need to provide evidence that they can
undertake academic study to the level required.
Please speak with an Enrolment Advisor for further
information.
Application process & fees
Applications must be made online using King’s
online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and
a fee applies. You will need to submit degree
certificates and all other documents required for your
application before we can process it. International
education documents will need to be translated into
English by an official translator before submission.
Please speak with an Enrolment Advisor for further
information.
Disability support
At King’s, our Disability Support Team
offers information, advice and guidance
to prospective and current students with
disabilities. When we refer to the term
‘disability’, we also include long-term
medical or mental health conditions and
Specific Learning Difficulties. If you require
disability support, please email us as soon as
possible. Further information can be found
on our website.
 Get in touch
If you have any questions about studying online with King’s,
contact our Enrolment Advisors or visit our website.

+44 (0)20 7848 7860

or email onlineenrolmentservice@kcl.ac.uk

www.kcl.ac.uk/online

Important information
This brochure was reviewed in June 2022. It contains information on the International Affairs programme that King’s College
London (‘King’s’) intends to run for students who are planning to start the course in 2022/23. King’s has made every effort to ensure
that this information is both helpful and accurate but some changes, for example to courses, facilities, or fees, may become necessary
due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory, or academic reasons. King’s will endeavour to keep changes to a minimum and to
keep applicants informed appropriately. For this reason, it’s important that you regularly check our website (www.kcl.ac.uk) for
updates or contact King’s using the contact details contained within this document.

At King's College London, we are proud to be delivering our online degrees to students in over 150 different countries across the
world. The broad applicability of our qualifications means that our graduates move into a wide variety of different job roles and
further study opportunities, some of which are governed by specific regional regulatory requirements. Before joining, we
recommend that you seek advice from any relevant accrediting bodies in your intended country of domicile to ensure that this
course is qualified to meet your intended career or further study outcomes.