While a postgraduate award represents an impressive achievement in its own right, we should also take a moment to reflect upon its value in the context of defence and security practice and provision. The need has never been greater to understand the changing global security landscape.
Professor Niall Barr, Head of Defence Studies Department
14 June 2024
King's students return to the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom for graduation
Students from the Defence Studies Department at King’s College London crossed the stage at the Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC) to receive their postgraduate awards.
The day celebrated the achievements of 222 military personnel and civil servants from more than 60 countries, who graduated from King’s with Master of Arts (MA), Master of Research (MRes), Master of Science (MSc), Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
Family and friends gathered in Cormorant Hall to watch the graduation, led by Professor Niall Barr, Head of the Defence Studies Department, and Group Captain David Stewart, Course Director of the Advanced Command and Staff Course 27 and Director of C Division at JSCSC.
In addition to the academic achievements, a graduate received a standing ovation as he was awarded a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate for his 'humanity, promptitude and skill' in 'assisting in restoring a man to life on 25 April 2023'.
Each award was conferred by Lord Christopher Geidt, Chair of King's College Council, and Professor Rachel Mills, Senior Vice President (Academic). They were joined on stage by Professor Linda McKie, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy and Professor John Gearson, Head of the School of Security Studies.
Our Defence Studies Department stands as a global leader in professional defence and security education and serves as an integral part of the Joint Services Command and Staff College and the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. It has garnered a well-established international reputation for its teaching and research in the historical and contemporary dimensions of war, defence, and international affairs. The unique model of academic-military partnership that it embodies has proven to be a catalyst for innovation in defence theory and practice, both within Britain and overseas.
Lord Christoper Geidt, Chair of King's College Council
The Defence Studies Department of King’s College London works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence to deliver professional military education that meets global security and defence challenges.
In this story
Head of Defence Studies Department
Chair of King's College Council
Senior Vice President (Academic)
Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy
Professor of National Security Studies