War in the Modern World MA

Course detail Description

Our War in the Modern World MA will give you an advanced and comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution of warfare and international security since the end of the Second World War. You will examine contemporary warfare and security issues in the light of the wide-ranging political, technological, economic and social changes since 1945. It will equip you to engage critically with scholarly debate about the conduct and nature of contemporary warfare, and to understand the contexts in which modern conflicts take place.

The course is structured so that you will first develop an understanding of warfare, security issues and geo-political changes. You can then choose optional modules and write your dissertation, giving you the opportunity to concentrate on those aspects of contemporary war and international relations that interest you most.

Applications Procedure:

Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk.

All applications are assessed by a committee of academic tutors. We aim to process all complete applications within four weeks; during February and March and over holiday periods, applications may take longer to process.

Personal Statement and Supporting Information:

WiMW checklist Personal Statement Yes A personal statement of up to 4,000 characters (maximum 2 pages) is required, explaining your motivation behind choosing this particular programme; giving evidence of your relevant experience, knowledge and experience. If there are any anomalies in your academic record, please use the personal statement to explain related extenuating circumstances. Previous Academic Study Yes A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. References Yes Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. Other Optional You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Application Closing Date:

For September 2019 entry, the deadline for complete applications is open until 29th July 2019. We do advise you to submit a full application with supporting documents as early as possible to avoid disappointment as May to July we get many late applications and is then subject to availability. Programmes will be closed as soon as places are filled and those programmes with remaining places will only accept applications from 30th August 2019 at the very latest.

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Structure

• Course Structure
• Course Format and Assessment
• Required Modules
• Optional Modules

Course Structure

You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits for the MA programme. Courses are divided into modules and all modules are 20 credits each except the 15,000-word dissertation which is worth 60 credits. There is also a participation grade so engaging in discussions is important.

All year one students are required to participate in the online Induction course.

Exit awards

• PG Certificate: Classified PG certificate may be offered to a student who has obtained 60 credits from taught modules.
  On completion of one year’s study of 60 credits you would be awarded a Certificate.
  
  
• PG Diploma: Classified PG diploma may be offered to a student who has obtained 120 credits from taught modules.
  On completion of two year's study of 120 credits, that does not include the Dissertation, you would be awarded a Diploma.

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 the course finder on our website for updates.

Course Format and Assessment

Teaching

The course is delivered online, via the King’s College London Virtual Learning Environment (KEATS). You will study through lively online seminars, where everyone will participate in their own time, guided by one of our expert staff.

For each 20-credit module, you will typically spend up to 5 hours a week online reading and participating in online seminars (via asynchronous discussion forums) and up to 160 hours self-study (reading online course materials, finding and reading articles, books and other resources, preparing and writing assignments) over the course of the module.

For the dissertation module, you will typically have two hours per week online discussion time for four weeks to complement the 592 hours of self-study. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

• All 20-credit modules will be assessed by one 1,500 word short essay (25%), one 3,000 word long essay (70%) and student participation in the seminar discussions (5%).
  
  
• The dissertation module assessment will be on the 15,000-word dissertation (100%).

Required Modules You are required to take the following modules:

• History of Contemporary Warfare 1: the Early Cold War, 195-1975 (20 credits)
• History of Contemporary Warfare 2: from Cold War to War on Terror, 1975–2011 (20 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, students take 80 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include:

• African Security (20 credits)
• Conflicts in Russia & the Post-Soviet Space (20 credits)
• International Relations & Contemporary War 1: Theories & Concepts (20 credits)
• International Relations & Contemporary War 2: Problems & Issues (20 credits)
• Insurgency & Counter-Insurgency (20 credits)
• Intelligence in War & Peace (20 credits)
• International Law & the Use of Force (20 credits)
• Middle Eastern Security (20 credits)
• Sea Power (20 credits)
• South Asian Security (20 credits)
• Strategic Dimensions of Contemporary Warfare (20 credits)
• Conflicts, Rights and Justice (20 credits)