Defence Studies Research MPhil in Online United Kingdom | King's College London

Introduction
The Defence Studies Department holds a distinctive position as an academic unit located at the UK's Defence Academy in Oxfordshire, which significantly shapes its research focus. Positioned at the core of security and defence education in the UK, it leverages insights from not only British military personnel and government officials but also officers from numerous allied countries. Consequently, the Department's research contributes to and shapes defence policy and strategic thought both nationally and internationally.The Department's research mirrors the varied expertise of its faculty and postgraduate students. It spans military, naval, diplomatic, and imperial history, international relations, defence and regional security studies, strategic analysis, and conflict ethics. These diverse subjects are interconnected through their relevance to modern security and defence challenges. Department researchers have historically contributed to UK security reviews and continue to impact future policy assessments. Faculty members frequently provide expert commentary to domestic and international media on current and historical events while actively collaborating with heritage institutions. Research initiatives receive support from multiple funding organizations, including the Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC), MacArthur Foundation, British Council, European Commission, US Army War College, UK Ministry of Defence, and US Department of Defense.Since 2011, the Department has offered its own postgraduate research degrees. Our studentships are funded through various channels, including ESRC and AHRC. Currently, nearly 120 doctoral candidates are conducting research within the Department, with approximately 30 new students enrolling in our MPhil/PhD program annually.We particularly welcome applications from prospective students whose research aligns with and strengthens our existing research groups and centers. Comprehensive information about these groups, along with faculty profiles and their research specialties, is available on the Defence Studies website. Research students typically engage with one or more of these groups, fostering academic collaboration while supporting the Department's strategic research objectives.Program Information
Defence Studies Research MPhil/PhD students become part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary academic environment, collaborating with renowned scholars and practitioners. Each postgraduate researcher is supervised by at least one Defence Studies Department faculty member and an additional supervisor from either within the Department or other College departments. The Department maintains strong ties with War Studies, frequently co-supervising MPhil/PhD candidates. For complete faculty listings and research expertise, please visit the War Studies Department website.During the initial year, both full-time and part-time students undergo progress assessments at 3 months and 9 months after enrollment. Subsequent evaluations occur every six months throughout the research period, in accordance with College regulations.