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Studies & Degrees in War Studies

War studies is the academic study of war and armed conflict: why wars begin, how they are fought, how they end and what they do to societies. It is not military training. It is a university subject in the social sciences and humanities that looks at war from several angles at once. King's College London, whose Department of War Studies describes itself as one of the only academic departments in the world focused on conflict, security and international politics, teaches the subject through history, politics, international relations, philosophy, sociology, diplomacy and strategic studies.

Students learn to assess evidence, to analyse historical and current conflicts and to present an argument clearly. Typical topics are the history of warfare, strategy, the causes of war, the ethics and law of armed conflict, intelligence, terrorism and peacebuilding.

Qualifications and levels

War studies is a British speciality, and it is mostly taught at universities in the United Kingdom.

  • Bachelor's degree. The War Studies BA at King's College London lasts three years, with an optional year abroad. It is a single honours degree taught in person and full-time (UCAS code L252), and the required A-levels are AAA. From the second year, and especially in the final year, students choose from a wide range of specialist modules. Assessment includes policy briefs, presentations, essays, group projects and exams.
  • Joint degrees. The subject is often combined with a neighbouring discipline. King's College London offers a BA in War Studies & History that covers war, conflict and their histories.
  • Master's degree. The War Studies MA at King's College London adds artistic, legal, ethical and military viewpoints. It is designed as a postgraduate introduction for students with little or no specialist background in the field, so a first degree in war studies is not expected. The department offers 14 master's programmes, with full-time, part-time and distance-learning options.
  • Related degrees. Outside the United Kingdom, similar content is usually found inside degrees in international relations, security studies or history. The Bachelor of International Studies at the University of Wollongong in Australia, for example, lasts three years full-time and has majors in International History and International Relations.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists four active schools for war studies: three in the United Kingdom and one in Australia. They are King's College London and the University of London, both in London, the University of Kent in Canterbury and the University of Wollongong. All four teach in English. Course lists change from year to year, so check on each university's own site which war studies or military history courses it currently offers.

In the United Kingdom, undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Fees depend on fee status. King's College London sets home fees at £9,790 for new students starting in September 2026, and students from the EU, EEA or Switzerland who start now pay the international rate, which is shown on each course page.

Students who need a visa apply for a Student visa. According to GOV.UK (checked on 8 October 2026), applicants must have been offered a place by a licensed student sponsor, have enough money to support themselves and pay for the course, and be able to speak, read, write and understand English. A decision usually takes three weeks for applications made outside the UK. For a degree-level course, students aged 18 or over can usually stay for up to five years.

Careers

War studies does not lead to one regulated profession. King's College London names government, diplomacy, journalism, policy, risk analysis, management consulting, defence, humanitarian aid and international organisations as the fields its BA prepares for. Some graduates continue to a master's degree or a PhD and work in research. A degree in war studies is not a requirement for joining the armed forces, and it does not replace officer training.

Frequently asked questions

Is war studies the same as military history?

No. Military history is one part of it. War studies also uses politics, international relations, philosophy, sociology and strategic studies, and it covers current conflicts as well as past ones.

How long does a war studies degree take?

The War Studies BA at King's College London takes three years, or four with the optional year abroad.

Do I need a war studies bachelor's degree to take the master's?

Not at King's College London: its War Studies MA is designed for students who have little or no specialist background in the field. Check the entry requirements of each programme.

Can international students study war studies in the United Kingdom?

Yes. Students who need a visa apply for a Student visa once a licensed student sponsor has offered them a place, and they pay the international tuition fee rate.