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Postgraduate degree

Global Leadership and Peacebuilding MSc

Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.

Key information

Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180 / ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Apply

Study the mutually reinforcing links between global leadership, peace and society with this transformative Global Leadership and Peacebuilding MSc at King’s College London. This programme focuses on the links between global leadership, peace and society with a focus on the developing world and global security. It offers both face-to-face and online modules and is enhanced by Leadership Weekend Workshops. It is the only MSc programme you can study in the UK where you will learn about Global Leadership in relation to peace and security, peacebuilding and societal development. In a dynamic global context with a wide array of diverse actors and stakeholders, global leaders require a unique set of skills and must be uniquely prepared. The Global Leadership and Peacebuilding programme seeks: (i) To deepen students' understanding of the different patterns of global leadership that have underlined social, political, economic and peace processes and outcomes in developing societies and across the world; (ii) To advance peacebuilding knowledge - conceptually and operationally - on the process of leadership and global problem-solving in developing societies and across the world; (iii) To develop in students deep analytical skills on responses to global challenges in the 21st century. We see our students as the next generation leaders who must be able to thrive across different socio-cultural contexts, while achieving success in organisations; we help them understand the complexity of global leadership in creating transformative change and building peace across the world.

Key benefits

  • Experience a range of learning experiences that combine online teaching with intensive face-to-face classroom experiences.
  • Become an expert in what leadership really means and the complexities that defy standard narratives.
  • Build upon and expand knowledge gained from your undergraduate or professional experiences, with a deliberate and clear overlap with global affairs, global economy, politics and economics (as well as other disciplines and sectors).
  • Transform your perspective and get the chance to translate your ideas into change-making opportunities within your own contexts.
  • Network with our global network of renowned academics, practitioners, activists and institutional partners that include universities, international organisations, and research and policy institutions from across the world.
  • Shape your own syllabus with a broad selection of optional modules across King's, with emphasis on the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy.
  • Scholarships available.

During this MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding programme, you will interrogate key leadership concepts and challenge mainstream assumptions. This will equip you with an understanding of the unique, intense and far-reaching complexities of global leadership. You will build knowledge of what leadership actually is, how assertions of influence occur and why both effective and ineffective leaders emerge, as well as the relationship between institutions and leadership. You will learn the fundamentals of global leadership, peace and society and practising leadership, alongside the study of natural resource governance and security governance. We will give you the opportunity to tackle modules on leadership research methods and complete your own global leadership dissertation. During this Global Leadership and Peacebuilding MSc, you will also get the opportunity to choose some optional modules to expand your knowledge. You can study a range of topics, from Youth and Society in the Developing World or Applied Global Leadership, to Building Gender-Inclusive Organisations and Outcomes, African issues in Global Affairs, and inter-American politics in the 20th and 21st centuries. You will enhance your studies by attending a weekend workshop dedicated to leadership studies. You will join students from similar courses for training and problem-solving exercises, and get the opportunity to expand your personal network. You should expect to undergo a personal transformation when studying this Global Leadership and Peacebuilding MSc. You will graduate with an understanding of global issues far beyond what you had at the beginning of the course. You will leave with the ability to understand the huge significance of global leadership processes and outcomes in peacebuilding efforts in the developing world and its impact on society.

Base campus

The Quad - Strand campus
Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours (or overseas equivalent) in history, international relations, political science, economics or other appropriate subject.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.

Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application is being held.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement

Yes

A personal statement of up to 4,000 characters (maximum 2 pages) is required. The personal statement should describe your teaching experience so far and discuss how you feel this MSc will build on your experience, as well as how it might contribute to your future career plans.

Previous Academic Study

Yes

A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.

References

Yes

One academic reference is required. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.

     

Teaching methods - what to expect

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessments. 

For every 15-credit module, we will typically provide 15 hours of synchronous or asynchronous learning, through activities such as lectures, seminars or online material, and we will expect you to typically undertake 135 hours of independent study. For your dissertation, we will typically provide 6 hours of discussion time with your supervisor, 15 hours of synchronous or asynchronous learning, and we will expect you to undertake 579 hours of independent study and project work. Students should note that the self-study aspect of every module is extremely important: the readings given to students are a compulsory and a key component of the learning experience.

 
Module Lectures, seminars Self-study
Per 15-credit taught module Typically 15 hours. 135 hours (including engaging with specially prepared module materials and self-guided learning).
Dissertation module

6 hours discussion time with supervisor.

15 teaching hours

579 hours.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Location

The face-to-face components of this programme are primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. The online components can be studied from anywhere in the world. Our location in the heart of London, one of the world’s most vibrant and internationally connected cities, offers you unrivalled opportunities. You will benefit from access to our own resources and archives, as well as the cultural and academic offerings of the capital.

Assessment

  • Group presentation
  • Research and reflection project
  • Online problem-solving exam
  • Written/practical examinations
  • Coursework
  • Dissertation

Your performance will be assessed through a combination coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment varies by module and may typically include group presentations, research and reflection project and online timed problem-solving assessments.

  • Your dissertation module will be assessed through a dissertation proposal and a dissertation.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Programmes are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totaling 180 credits.

Required modules

You are required to take the following modules:

Global Leadership, Peace and Society (30 credits)
Practising Leadership (15 credits)
Natural Resource Governance (15 credits)
Governance of Security (15 credits)
Research Methods in Global Leadership (15 credits)
Dissertation - Global Leadership (60 credits)

Optional modules

In addition, you are required to take 30 credits of optional modules (usually 2 x 15 credit modules) which may typically include:

Gender, Leadership and Society (15 credits)
Youth and Society in the Developing World (15 credits)
African Issues in Global Affairs (15 credits)
Building Gender-Inclusive Organisations and Outcomes (15 credits)
Applied Global Leadership (15 credits)
President’s Global Leadership Award (15 credits)
The State and Development in Africa and Asia (15 credits)
Emerging Powers in Global Leadership (15 credits)
  • Up to 15 credits of level 7 optional modules may be taken from the modules offered in the Global Institutes, or any KCL departments outside of the Global Institutes (subject to the Programme Convenor’s email approval and the agreement of the external department).

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Graduates of this Global Leadership and Peacebuilding MSc will be well-placed to take their skills and expertise to careers in NGOs, the public and private sectors, transnational corporations, and international organisations like the UN, EU, AU and beyond. Our Alumni also works in international business, teaching, or go on to further academic research in the field of global leadership and peacebuilding.

Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)

Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)

Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

  • If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Leadership Weekend Workshop: this is a compulsory component of the programme and will cost an additional £400.
  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
  • Library fees and fines.
  • Personal photocopies.
  • Printing programme handouts.
  • Society membership fees.
  • Stationery.
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
  • Graduation costs.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

During this MSc Global Leadership and Peacebuilding programme, you will interrogate key leadership concepts and challenge mainstream assumptions. This will equip you with an understanding of the unique, intense and far-reaching complexities of global leadership. You will build knowledge of what leadership actually is, how assertions of influence occur and why both effective and ineffective leaders emerge, as well as the relationship between institutions and leadership. You will learn the fundamentals of global leadership, peace and society and practising leadership, alongside the study of natural resource governance and security governance. We will give you the opportunity to tackle modules on leadership research methods and complete your own global leadership dissertation. During this Global Leadership and Peacebuilding MSc, you will also get the opportunity to choose some optional modules to expand your knowledge. You can study a range of topics, from Youth and Society in the Developing World or Applied Global Leadership, to Building Gender-Inclusive Organisations and Outcomes, African issues in Global Affairs, and inter-American politics in the 20th and 21st centuries. You will enhance your studies by attending a weekend workshop dedicated to leadership studies. You will join students from similar courses for training and problem-solving exercises, and get the opportunity to expand your personal network. You should expect to undergo a personal transformation when studying this Global Leadership and Peacebuilding MSc. You will graduate with an understanding of global issues far beyond what you had at the beginning of the course. You will leave with the ability to understand the huge significance of global leadership processes and outcomes in peacebuilding efforts in the developing world and its impact on society.

Base campus

The Quad - Strand campus
Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours (or overseas equivalent) in history, international relations, political science, economics or other appropriate subject.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.

Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application is being held.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement

Yes

A personal statement of up to 4,000 characters (maximum 2 pages) is required. The personal statement should describe your teaching experience so far and discuss how you feel this MSc will build on your experience, as well as how it might contribute to your future career plans.

Previous Academic Study

Yes

A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.

References

Yes

One academic reference is required. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.

     

Teaching methods - what to expect

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessments. 

For every 15-credit module, we will typically provide 15 hours of synchronous or asynchronous learning, through activities such as lectures, seminars or online material, and we will expect you to typically undertake 135 hours of independent study. For your dissertation, we will typically provide 6 hours of discussion time with your supervisor, 15 hours of synchronous or asynchronous learning, and we will expect you to undertake 579 hours of independent study and project work. Students should note that the self-study aspect of every module is extremely important: the readings given to students are a compulsory and a key component of the learning experience.

 
Module Lectures, seminars Self-study
Per 15-credit taught module Typically 15 hours. 135 hours (including engaging with specially prepared module materials and self-guided learning).
Dissertation module

6 hours discussion time with supervisor.

15 teaching hours

579 hours.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Location

The face-to-face components of this programme are primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. The online components can be studied from anywhere in the world. Our location in the heart of London, one of the world’s most vibrant and internationally connected cities, offers you unrivalled opportunities. You will benefit from access to our own resources and archives, as well as the cultural and academic offerings of the capital.

Assessment

  • Group presentation
  • Research and reflection project
  • Online problem-solving exam
  • Written/practical examinations
  • Coursework
  • Dissertation

Your performance will be assessed through a combination coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment varies by module and may typically include group presentations, research and reflection project and online timed problem-solving assessments.

  • Your dissertation module will be assessed through a dissertation proposal and a dissertation.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Programmes are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totaling 180 credits.

Required modules

You are required to take the following modules:

Global Leadership, Peace and Society (30 credits)
Practising Leadership (15 credits)
Natural Resource Governance (15 credits)
Governance of Security (15 credits)
Research Methods in Global Leadership (15 credits)
Dissertation - Global Leadership (60 credits)

Optional modules

In addition, you are required to take 30 credits of optional modules (usually 2 x 15 credit modules) which may typically include:

Gender, Leadership and Society (15 credits)
Youth and Society in the Developing World (15 credits)
African Issues in Global Affairs (15 credits)
Building Gender-Inclusive Organisations and Outcomes (15 credits)
Applied Global Leadership (15 credits)
President’s Global Leadership Award (15 credits)
The State and Development in Africa and Asia (15 credits)
Emerging Powers in Global Leadership (15 credits)
  • Up to 15 credits of level 7 optional modules may be taken from the modules offered in the Global Institutes, or any KCL departments outside of the Global Institutes (subject to the Programme Convenor’s email approval and the agreement of the external department).

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Graduates of this Global Leadership and Peacebuilding MSc will be well-placed to take their skills and expertise to careers in NGOs, the public and private sectors, transnational corporations, and international organisations like the UN, EU, AU and beyond. Our Alumni also works in international business, teaching, or go on to further academic research in the field of global leadership and peacebuilding.

Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)

Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)

Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

  • If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Leadership Weekend Workshop: this is a compulsory component of the programme and will cost an additional £400.
  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
  • Library fees and fines.
  • Personal photocopies.
  • Printing programme handouts.
  • Society membership fees.
  • Stationery.
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
  • Graduation costs.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Application closing date guidance

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.

The final application deadlines for this programme are:

· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)

· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)

If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.

Key information

Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180 / ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Apply

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