Undergraduate War & Diplomacy

Summer School modules are designed to be intensive, intellectually stimulating short courses. They are taught by King’s academics in academic disciplines where King's has expertise. Classes are highly international, giving students an opportunity to collaborate with peers from all around the globe.

Each module consists of 150 study hours, comprising 45 hours of intensive synchronous and asynchronous teaching, independent study and group work and is examined to university standards. Comparable to an in-semester 15-credit King’s undergraduate module and therefore typically awarded 3-4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS, many summer students ask their home institution to award them external credit for their King's summer module to use towards their degree programme when they return home.

Many countries around that world have experienced and are currently in conflict situations. War has torn apart societies and caused devastation, death and destruction in its wake. Diplomacy will be examined as a civilised and civilising activity for both current and future members of the international society. Its role as the 'glue' which binds states together on a day-to-day basis of discussion and argument will be emphasised. In this context diplomacy's role in maintaining and improving the quality of life for individuals and groups within societies will be a central feature of the analysis. The idea of finding diplomatic solutions to contemporary conflicts attracts much interest from students and therefore there is a high demand for this topic.

This module should enable participants to examine the role and impact of war and diplomacy on the changing structure and process of international relations. It will enable participants to; enhance their knowledge and understanding of how each of these seminal features of global politics have interacted with each other for good or ill in the theory and practice of crisis management. evaluate the concept of diplomacy and its role in maintaining and improving the quality of life examine war as an institution and its impact on the balance of power Case study material will be provided from 19th and 20th century warfare and diplomatic interaction including World Wars I and II, the Cold War and the significance of each in a post 9/11 world. An example of a typical question for class discussion will be; Can we, should we negotiate with terrorists?

By the end of the module students will be able to:

• Explain what role Diplomacy plays for both current and future members of international society.
• Evaluate the role that War plays in changing world orders Assess Globalizations impact on International Relations Critique the so-called English School of International Relations.
• Analyse Hedley Bulls Theory of International Relations Critique the general theory of Crisis Management.

The King's College London Undergraduate Summer School is open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.

Entry requirements

• Open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.
• Minimum grade requirement of 2:1 degree equivalent. See International grade equivalents on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• English language requirement of at least level C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). See full English Language requirements on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• Minimum age at the start of the course is 18 years old.

Presentation (30%), Essay 1000 words (70%) - to be confirmed by the academic

Taught on-campus any time between the hours of 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday. 

*Early application discount: prices apply for applications received by 23:59 GMT on 14 February 2025. Subject to availability at the time of application. From 15 February 2025, the standard 2025 tuition fees apply.

As per the fees listed above, booking two sessions receives a discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts of promotions. Subject to availability at the time of application.

Suggested course combinations:

• International Political Economy

More information on our fees, entry requirements and residential package can be found on the Undergraduate Summer School homepage.

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