Alumni celebrate 30 years of War Studies BA programme

31 October 2024

Alumni celebrate 30 years of War Studies BA programme

The Department of War Studies at King’s College London hosted an alumni reunion at King’s Strand Campus, celebrating 30 years of the War Studies BA programme.

The event brought together alumni and current students across generations, representing all current BA, MA and PhD courses offered by the Department, as well as former programmes. Attendees included graduates from as early as 1968 to 2024, who are now working across diverse areas of policy, defence and diplomacy. The gathering highlighted the profound impact of King’s alumni in shaping critical global conversations on war, peace and security.

Exploring the diverse careers of War Studies alumni

Throughout the day, alumni shared valuable insights into their professional journeys and the impact of the department’s programmes on their careers.

Close-up of Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman

Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies.

Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, delivered a keynote on the evolution of the BA programme and its role in equipping students to tackle pressing issues in global security over the years. Dr Hugo Rosemont, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at KBR Inc, also led a session illustrating the wide-ranging paths War Studies graduates have taken, from government and policy roles to careers in international security.

Major General Zac Stenning and Professor Andrew Stewart, both alumni of the first BA cohort, shared their warm and fond experiences from their time in the programme, reminiscing about the friendships, challenges and personal growth that profoundly shaped their careers.

Major General Zac Stenning, Visiting Professor Andrew Stewart and Professor James Gow stand at lectern

Major General Zac Stenning; Visiting Professor Andrew Stewart; and James Gow, Professor of International Peace and Security.

The day ended with the panel discussion Russia’s War in Ukraine. Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Professor Rachel Kerr, Professor James Gow and PhD candidate Chris Pool, analysed the conflict's implications for international security and strategic policy.

Panel of experts sit at a table during a discussion.

Professor Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President (International, Engagement & Service); Rachel Kerr, Professor of War and Society; Andrew Lambert, Laughton Professor of Naval History; and Visiting Professor Andrew Stewart

Professor Matthew Moran, Head of the Department of War Studies, described the event as a brilliant opportunity to reconnect with former students and highlight the vibrancy of the War Studies community.

Hosting this reunion was a real pleasure. We welcomed back 150 former students from cohorts spanning 30 years, and it was inspiring to see how they continue to feel connected to our War Studies community.”
Professor Matthew Moran, Head of the Department of War Studies

James Gow, Professor of International Peace and Security and organiser of the event, expressed his delight at the event’s success, highlighting that it signifies the beginning of many more gatherings in the future.

"It was great to have so many of us together from all the decades…The atmosphere was fantastic and the day a real success - so, it will be the first of many, look out for future iterations!
James Gow, Professor of International Peace and Security

Staying Connected

Plans for future alumni events are already underway, underscoring the department’s commitment to a vibrant and engaged alumni network. Alumni are encouraged to stay involved by joining the Department of War Studies Alumni group on LinkedIn and signing up for the School of Security Studies newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events and the latest department news.