King's College London

Could you represent the Department of War Studies and King’s College London to an initiative run by NATO and the British Army?

Every year War Studies partners with the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC), a NATO Headquarters run by the British Army, to offer an exciting opportunity to all Masters-level students in the Department. Participants get to be an ambassador for the College and the Department to a major outside partner, gain invaluable real-world research and work experience, and expand your contacts and networks amongst key professionals.

The Allied Rapid Reaction Corps is a major NATO Headquarters run by the British Army and is based in western England. It has representatives, both civilian and military, from 22 countries and has overseen NATO operations from Kosovo to Afghanistan.

The Initiative opens the chance for Master's-level War Studies students to write their dissertations on subjects and issues of interest to HQ ARRC, and in return receive guidance and feedback in framing their research from ARRC personnel, as well as opportunities to present to professional audiences at study days held at HQ ARRC. Outstanding candidates win a prize and a chance to publish an abridged version of their dissertation with ARRC or the British Army.  Everyone on the scheme receives a certificate of appreciation signed by a senior officer from HQ ARRC.  

Eppie, a former MA student in International Conflict Studies, participated in the scheme in 2019 and won a prize. She shares her thoughts:

“Taking part in the 2019 KCL-ARRC Postgraduate Initiative was one of the highlights of my time at King’s College London.

I applied because I was keen to learn from people beyond my academic circle and hoped to be able to build professional connections for the future.

I chose to write my dissertation on the Russian Orthodox Church and the extent to which it is an effective soft power tool for Russia. This allowed me to combine knowledge from my undergraduate degree in Religious Studies with my developing interest in conflict and international relations.

By participating in this initiative, I was able to produce a dissertation which not only satisfied my own academic interests, but which also contributed to the work of a NATO High Readiness Force HQ - something which has given me an immense feeling of pride and satisfaction. To win the ARRC prize as well, was the icing on the cake.

The access afforded to students on this initiative is unique, and I was able to discuss my ideas with serving military personnel and civil servants, with whom I would never have had the chance to engage otherwise. Participating in the initiative also allowed me to develop professional skills and contacts.

The experience has been stimulating, productive and exhilarating, and one that I would highly recommend to any students who are passionate about enhancing the relevance and depth of their academic study."