Intelligence & International Security MA at Kings College London

Our MA Intelligence & International Security examines the trends that continue to shape intelligence and international security developments in the 21st century. You will develop an awareness of the ways in which intelligence issues manifest themselves in security issues in peace and war in historical and contemporary perspectives. You will also gain an understanding of ethical dilemmas associated with intelligence activity, including the challenges posed by digitisation.

Key benefits

• Our MA Intelligence & International Security is excellent preparation for employment in government service or in commercial risk management and open-source intelligence providers.
• You will be taught by visiting academics, serving and former officials and other intelligence experts who give regular public lectures and seminars.
• Enables you to examine the nature, processes, roles and case studies of intelligence and their interaction with developments in international security.
• You have the advantage of attending events run by the King's Intelligence and International Security Group which provides a platform for sharing ideas.

Description

Our course will enable you to examine the origins, nature, processes, roles and case studies of intelligence and their interaction with developments in international security. In examining the trends that continue to shape intelligence and international security in the 21st century our course offers a unique multidisciplinary approach based on the strengths of the department. We aim to provide a framework in which to understand the nature and role of intelligence in its relationship to wider issues in war and international security; an understanding of the processes, practices and institutions that have characterised intelligence in the modern era; an understanding of the problems connected with intelligence collection,assessment and ability to predict events in world affairs; and an appreciation of the particular ethical and political concerns generated by intelligence.

This MA is based in the Department of War Studies, one of the only academic departments in the world to focus solely on the complexities of conflict and security. War Studies is an interdisciplinary department and all War Studies students benefit from research-led teaching in such subjects as the history and evolution of war and grand strategy, arms control and non-proliferation, migration, strategic thought, cyber, conflict and the environment, the influence of science and technology on international security, along with regional specialisms covering Africa, Asia (East and South), Russia and elsewhere.

Career prospects

War Studies Graduates go on to work for NGOs, the FCO, the MOD, the Home Office, NATO, the UN or pursue careers in journalism, finance, academia, the diplomatic services, the armed forces and more. Recent posts held by our alumni include Threat Analyst, Director of Political Violence Forecasting, Research Advisor at NATO Defence College, Foreign Policy Fellow.