MA International Relations

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Kings College London

Program Overview

The MA International Relations at KCL offers a deep dive into global politics — exploring topics like globalisation, human rights, international political economy, security, war, climate change and emerging challenges like AI, data-driven geopolitics and identity politics. It’s ideal for students who want to understand the forces shaping world affairs — whether you aim for a career in diplomacy, policy, research, international institutions or academia.

Curriculum Structure

This is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) master’s built around core theory, flexible specialisation, and independent research:

In the first phase, all students take the core module Theories, Concepts & Methods in International Relations (45 credits) — equipping you with rigorous grounding in IR theory, concepts and methodological tools. This foundation sharpens your analytical and research skills, ensuring you can critically assess global events and trends.

Alongside the core, you pick from a wide array of optional modules (totalling 75 credits) — for example War and Insurgency in the Middle East since 1945, Foreign Policy Analysis in an Age of Great Power Competition, Technology, Security and Global Politics, Diplomacy & Foreign Policy, Global Health, Security, and War, or Power-sharing Agreements in Deeply Divided Societies — letting you tailor the degree toward your interests, whether that’s security studies, global economy, diplomacy, conflict zones, or emerging global issues.

Finally, the programme culminates in a Disssertation (60 credits) — where you carry out original research on a topic of your choice, combining theoretical insight, empirical analysis (if relevant), and the methodological tools learned throughout the course. This gives you both academic depth and a substantial research output that can support further study or professional engagement.

Focus areas

“International Relations Theory, Global Governance & Security, War & Conflict Studies, International Political Economy, Diplomacy & Foreign Policy, Global Environmental & Health Politics, Technology and Geopolitics, Regional & Area Studies, Methodology & Research Methods”

Learning outcomes

“You will develop advanced understanding of global political dynamics, ability to critically analyse international issues, competence in both theoretical and empirical research methods, capacity to formulate policy-relevant analysis and communicate complex arguments, readiness for work in diplomacy, policy, research, NGOs, international organisations or for academic-research pathways.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The MA is offered by the Department of War Studies at KCL — one of the world’s leading centres for conflict, security and international relations studies. The department’s global reputation gives this degree strong professional credibility, especially in fields related to diplomacy, international organisations, security, foreign policy, and global affairs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you join MA International Relations at KCL, you benefit from a mix of rigorous academic teaching and access to first-class institutional resources — letting you sharpen analytical, research, and communication skills, while grounding your learning in world events. You’ll study under experts, draw on vast libraries and archives, engage with a global peer group, and have opportunities to explore real-world issues through simulations, seminars, group projects, and independent research.

Here’s how that plays out in concrete terms:

Diverse teaching formats — lectures, seminars, group presentations, simulations & class-based discussions: The course uses a blend of lectures, seminars and interactive components. Modules are organised so that each 15-credit module roughly corresponds to a 10-week term. Assessments include not just essays or exams, but group tasks, simulations, presentations — letting you collaborate, debate and engage dynamically.
Independent research via dissertation under expert supervision: The MA concludes with a dissertation (60 credits), where you carry out original research on a global-affairs topic that interests you — giving you hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, academic writing and critical thinking.
Access to world-class libraries, archives & study facilities: As a KCL student you can access libraries that are open 24/7, equipped with computer rooms, silent-study spaces, group-work rooms, assistive-tech support — ideal for both solo research and collaborative work.
Access to specialised archives & rare-collection resources relevant for international relations and security studies: For students in War Studies / International Relations at KCL, there is access to archives such as the Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives (LHCMA) — a senior, highly regarded collection with private papers of senior defence and military personnel, historical records, and documents on war, strategy and diplomacy. That’s a huge advantage if you want to specialise in war-studies, diplomacy, security, or historical analysis.
Community of students, interdisciplinary peer-learning & active student-led initiatives: Through the department you’ll have access to student societies, academic blogs, think-tank style student groups, interdisciplinary discussion forums — groups such as the student-led policy institute at KCL, student-run international-relations blog, and networks that bring together peers interested in international affairs and security.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA in International Relations often enter roles where their deep understanding of global politics, security and international affairs is directly relevant — whether in policy, diplomacy, research or global organisations. Typical roles include: Policy Analyst / Advisor, Diplomat / Foreign Affairs Officer, Researcher or Analyst in Think-Tanks or International Organisations, Risk & Geopolitical Consultant.

Their success is supported by strong institutional backing at KCL:

Dedicated careers support via King’s Careers & Employability — students and alumni receive guidance on career planning, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events and access to job listings via King’s CareerConnect.
Wide-ranging sectors & employer networks — Graduates from the related social science and public policy faculties (which include IR) have gone on to careers in government, international organisations, NGOs, academia, research, consultancy, private sector, and media.
Strong employment outcomes after graduation — According to public data for Politics/IR-related courses at KCL, many graduates secure employment within 15 months of graduation, with median earnings reportedly around £33,000 for full-time positions.
Long-term recognition and credibility — The MA is offered by the Department of War Studies at KCL, a globally recognised centre for international relations, conflict and security studies. This institutional reputation adds strong long-term value to your degree in international affairs, diplomacy, or policy work.
Flexible opportunities across public, private and non-profit sectors — Given the broad scope of what you study (security, globalisation, international political economy, diplomacy, human rights, environment, etc.), alumni have flexibility to work in government service, foreign ministries, international institutions, NGOs, research institutes, consultancy, journalism and beyond.