Global Security
MA, PG Dip, PG Cert
Learn to effectively negotiate the often competing demands of securing people, states and the natural environment in a complex global context.
- Duration
- PG Cert: 8 months – 3 years
PG Dip: 16 months – 4 years
MA: 2 years – 6 years
- Fees
- £1,470 per module (2022/23)
- Location
- Online
- Start Dates
- January, March, May, June, September, October
- Application Deadlines
- Request information for all deadline details
Entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree (or above) is normally required. Applicants with a 2:2 (or overseas equivalent) will be considered where significant work experience has been undertaken in a related field.
The need for understanding the global security landscape has never been more urgent. Alongside physical threats to our establishments and governments, our humanity is threatened, from human rights to radicalisation. This online Global Security master’s will equip you with the skills to think about security issues holistically and to find practical solutions to the dilemmas they pose.
- Uncover some of society’s biggest security challenges, including climate change, terrorism and pandemics.
- Taught by the Faculty of Social Sciences & Policy – Ranked 7th in the UK for social sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2023).
- Join the global conversation – your fellow students from across the world will bring their unique ideas and experiences to the discussion.
- A variety of multimedia tools and resources support your learning.
- Six annual entry points mean you can begin studying when it’s convenient for you.
August deadline – register now
The next application deadline is 8 August 2023 – complete the form today to receive more information about the programme.
Key highlights
*Tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase (capped at 5%) each academic year in line with King’s College London’s terms and conditions. Each increase comes into effect for the September teaching period each year. From September 2023 the module fee will be £1,544. Depending on your country of residence, you may also have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to your tuition fees. Please find further information here.
Top 10 UK university in the world
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2023
6th in the UK for Graduate Employability
The Times Higher Education Global Employability Rankings, 2022
3rd among multi-faculty universities for research impact
Research Excellence Framework, 2021
Why study Global Security?
During the 21st century, security threats have multiplied exponentially across the world. They range from the traditional, such as strategic competition, nuclear proliferation and global responses to terrorism, to the more contemporary, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity and human rights.
Global security issues affect every single one of us and, if not resolved, can have dire consequences. You can help find effective and sustainable solutions to these problems by learning how to better understand their causes and effects across the world.
Who is this course for?
This course will suit those who wish to discover emerging security concepts as well as the ingrained challenges we’ve faced for many years, such as war. Our first four modules provide a foundational understanding of the security field, and the advanced modules offer specialist knowledge in a variety of security areas.
You may want to take this course if you’re looking to progress your security career, are new to this career path, want to commit to research in this area or have a keen personal interest in the subject.
What will you learn?
Through close engagement with world-class research and teaching conducted by the largest and most diverse collection of security studies scholars on the planet, you’ll expand your conceptual understanding when thinking about security issues and threats.
Utilising real-world case studies and scenarios, you’ll build the skills needed to effectively negotiate the often-competing demands of securing people, states and the natural environment in a complex global context.
Why online?
Designed specifically for an online audience, this course uses a range of activities to support learning, including discussion forums, online reading and interactive lectures. The flexible nature of the course allows you to study part-time, alongside your career and life commitments.
Our online students are based around the world, each ready to bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to your online discussions. You’ll also be able to make use of King’s online services, including the careers service, the online library and wellness/disability services.
Your career
From non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to media to government, the field of global security is vast, offering exciting and challenging careers for those who wish to pursue them. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re taking the next leap in your career, this online Global Security Master’s will help you get you there.
Career paths may include roles in Civil Service, NGOs, local or national government, armed forces, ministries of foreign affairs and development, policy think tanks, or private, for example, risk assessment companies. It may also be suitable for journalists or parliamentary advisers reporting on international issues.
Application deadlines
There are six intakes per year: January, March, May, June, September and October.
For application deadlines, please complete the short form at the top of the page, and an Enrolment Advisor will get back to you.
This MA gives students a conceptual and practical understanding of the real-life security challenges facing the world today. It opens the doors for working in organisations and industries that are involved with security, in the broadest sense.
Dr Andrea Ellner, Programme Director