The international political system is now experiencing its most momentous period of upheaval since the end of the Cold War. Our International Affairs MA, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, with specialisms in Cyber Security, Espionage & Surveillance Studies, and now Strategic Studies engages with the worlds international security issues with the goal of educating the next generation of leaders in the industry. If security is of concern to you, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Our International Affairs MA 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, Kings equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to tackle the worlds most pressing challenges, and the threats they pose both to individual states and to the international community. Delivered by the Defence Studies Department and drawing its content from our School of Security Studies, the largest academic community of its kind in the world, the course makes use of our teaching teams deep connections to security organisations worldwide to provide the highest tier of research and experience-led learning outcomes. This complete masters course is taught 100% online, meaning you can progress your education alongside your career from anywhere in the world, without needing a career break. The flexible two-to-six year curriculum fits around your existing work and life commitments.

Key benefits

• Join a world-renowned top 10 UK university and become part of a distinguished network of alumni.
• Learn from high-profile, world-leading, academics in the field of security and defence.
• Learn the history, international relations, strategic and political theory that surrounds the worlds most intricate security challenges.
• Draw upon knowledge and research from the Defence Studies Department, the School of Security Studies and the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy.
• Achieve a PG Cert in less than a year, Postgraduate Diploma in 16 months and an MA in two years.
• Taught 100% online, courses are designed to be flexible and fit around your work and life commitments.
• Our unique carousel learning system allows you to study at your own pace.
• Student support - You'll be assigned a dedicated Student Success Progression Advisor and have access to a team of Information Advisors, who will be your first point of contact and available to answer all student support queries.
• Our bespoke Virtual Learning Environment (KEATS) is personalised and easy to use.
• Benefit from a teaching environment where you'll experience close instructor interaction and collaboration with a global network of like-minded students and professionals.

Employability

Kings is ranked sixth in the UK for graduate employability (Times Higher Educations Global Employability Ranking 2022).

The course is ideal for anyone seeking to pursue a career in any industries addressing concerns over international affairs. This may include roles in Civil Service, NGOs, local or national government, armed forces, the Home Office, policy think tanks, or private intelligence and security companies. It may also be suitable for journalists or parliamentary advisers reporting on international issues.

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. Application deadlines:: 15 April 2025, 10 June 2025, 12 August 2025.