International Relations

Why International Relations at King’s

King’s College London ranks 4th in the UK and 12th globally for Politics according to QS World Rankings. The institution’s faculty includes recognized experts who collaborate with governments, armed forces, and NGOs worldwide, which helps graduates build careers at the UN, European Union, NATO, national governments, consulting firms, and charities like Oxfam. Its central London location provides access to Westminster, leading media outlets, and research institutes, while King’s College London itself holds 6th place nationally for graduate employment.

History and International Relations BA

The History and International Relations BA brings together two departments: the history department, ranked 8th in Europe by QS, and the war studies department specializing in conflict analysis. This combination allows students to develop critical thinking by examining how the past shapes contemporary political challenges. The curriculum progresses from foundation to specialization—first-year students master historical methods and theoretical frameworks, second-year students select modules in history and diplomacy, while final-year students complete a dissertation using archival materials. The program also offers a semester abroad.

International Relations BA

The three-year International Relations BA rests on four pillars: international history, international relations theory, international political economy, and diplomatic practice. This framework teaches students to gather evidence, analyze complex issues, and formulate arguments both orally and in writing. The first year establishes foundations through modules on theory, the history of the international system, and contemporary security challenges. Students then explore research methods and global politics while choosing from a broad spectrum of subjects, before dedicating their final year to 90 credits of specialized modules and a research dissertation.

Public Policy at King’s College London

The multidisciplinary Public Policy MA covers policy development, comparative analysis, public sector economics, governance, and ethics. It examines how decisions are created and implemented, equipping students with skills for work in government, international organizations, and the private sector. Beyond academic preparation, the program offers internships that open pathways to future employment. Regular lectures by speakers from British ministries, NGOs, and think tanks complement theoretical foundations with practical insights into implementing public decisions, while the course’s flexibility allows students to choose modules ranging from gender policy to climate economics.

International Relations MA

The International Relations MA provides in-depth understanding of forces shaping the modern world—from globalization and international political economy to wars and climate crises. Students examine how artificial intelligence, big data, and pandemics influence global politics under the guidance of leading researchers. This academic coursework combines with extensive networking opportunities as students conduct their own research projects on chosen topics. Graduates build careers in British intelligence services, the European Union, UN agencies, and international charities like Greenpeace and Amnesty International. King’s College London sits beside the Thames near the Royal Courts and Westminster, creating a unique environment for studying international relations.

International Relations and War MA

The online International Relations & War MA format enables students to study from anywhere without interrupting their careers. The course covers the evolution of the international system, war’s role in politics, and contemporary challenges—from globalization to transnational actors and the changing nature of conflicts. It operates within the war studies department, one of few worldwide devoted entirely to security questions. This interdisciplinary approach encourages independent thinking as students explore international relations theories, strategic studies, war history, and international law, before concentrating on aspects that interest them and completing a dissertation.