Non-Proliferation & International Security

Course detail Description

The development and spread of weapons technology has been, and continues to be of central importance in international relations, with growing concerns about the spread of chemical, biological and nuclear (CBN) weapons and their means of delivery . Our MA course will enable you to examine the causes, processes and effects of weapons proliferation, the evolution and effectiveness of the international nonproliferation regime, and the way in which proliferation influences other key issues in international relations. Recognising that weapons proliferation is both an international and regional issue, the course includes case studies that analyse the dynamics of proliferation in different regions.

Our course is for graduates and professionals with an interest in understanding the causes, processes and effects of weapons proliferation, the evolution and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime, and the way in which proliferation influences other key issues in international relations.

Teaching

For lectures, seminars and feedack you will typically have 40 hours (two hours per week for two semesters)per 40-credit module, as well as 360 hours of self-study. For the dissertation module, you will have 12 hours of dissertation workshops and supervision to complement the 588 hours of self-study. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work. Teaching methods include lectures, dicussion, simulations and table-top exercises as appropriate.

Assessment

• Most modules will be assessed through a combination of essays, presentation, oral vivas and/or exams.
• The dissertation module assessment will be based on a 100% dissertation assignment (up to 15,000 words).

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Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take:

MA - modules totalling 180 credits.

PG Diploma - modules totalling 120 credits

PG Certificate - modules totalling 60 credits

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on this course page for updates.

MA Pathway:

You are required to take the following modules:

• Proliferation & International Security (40 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Postgraduate Diploma Pathway:

You are required to take the following module:

• Proliferation & International Security (40 credits)

Postgraduate Certificate Pathway:

You are required to take the following module:

• Proliferation & International Security (40 credits)

MA Pathway:

In addition, you are required to take 80 credits from a wide range of optional modules that may typically include:

• Current Issues in Science & Security (20 credits)
• East Asian Security (40 credits)
• International Politics of the Middle East (40 credits)
• The Science & Security of Nuclear & Biological Weapons (20 credits)
• National Security Studies (40 credits)
• Armchair Intelligence – Open Sources & Online Investigation (20 credits)
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear (CBRN) Terrorism (40 credits)
• Or any of the other 50 options offered by the Department of War Studies

If you are studying part-time, in your first year you will take 40 credits of required taught modules and 40 credits of optional modules. In your second year you will take your dissertation (60 credits) and a further 40 credits of optional modules.

Postgraduate Diploma Pathway:

In addition, you are required to take 80 credits from a wide range of optional modules as above.

Postgraduate Certificate Pathway:

In addition, you are required to take 20 credits from a wide range of optional modules as above.