A high 2:1, at least 65%
The standard requirement is a high 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme; if you are still studying, you should be achieving an average of at least 65%.
Master's · King's War Studies
King's MA International Relations: a high 2:1 in a wide range of subjects
King's College London's MA International Relations is based in the Department of War Studies and starts in September 2027, with a full-time year or a two-year part-time route. Its page asks for a high 2:1 with a final mark of at least 65%, lists a broad set of related first degrees and says applications from other areas, including science, language and journalism, are welcome. The first application deadline is 9 March 2027.
2027-28 entry · Official information
What King's asks for in King's College London MA in International Relations
Taken from the King's College London course pages (overview and entry requirements) for the International Relations MA and read on 3 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
A broad list of first degrees
The programme-specific requirement lists subjects including International Relations, War Studies, History, Political Science and Strategic Studies, and the page welcomes applications from other areas, including Science, Language and Journalism.
Two statement questions and one academic reference
The personal statement answers two questions on the application form. One academic reference is required, and a professional reference is accepted if you completed your qualifications over five years ago.
First deadline 9 March 2027
The first application deadline is 9 March 2027 (23:59 UK time). Final deadlines are 25 July 2027 for overseas fee status and 25 August 2027 for home fee status.
One year full-time or two years part-time
The course runs September to September full-time or over two years part-time, on campus, with a compulsory module and approximately 35 to 45 optional modules across the department.
Official sources
Read on 3 November 2026 on the King's College London course pages (overview and entry requirements) for the International Relations MA, which describes 2027-28 entry. The country-specific equivalent qualifications, the English language requirements page, the module lists, the fee and funding sections and the careers page were not read and are not stated.
Fit
A wide door, but a high-2:1 line
The page names many first degrees and welcomes others. The readings below mix King's wording with Avandy's judgment, and the labels say which is which.
A related social science or humanities graduate
The page lists International Relations, War Studies, History, Political Science, Strategic Studies and other subjects, with a high 2:1 overall average of at least 65%.
A graduate from another field
The page welcomes applications from science, language and journalism graduates, and says an application with a lower classification or unrelated degree may be considered with significant relevant work experience or a related graduate qualification.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
If your first degree is outside the listed subjects, your two statement answers and academic reference have to show why International Relations is a considered step, not a change of direction without evidence.
Decision
What the programme is built around
The page describes a theory-led degree in a department focused on conflict and security.
Core
A compulsory module on theoretical, conceptual and methodological approaches and debates in International Relations.
Options
Approximately 35 to 45 interdisciplinary optional modules open to students on all residential MA programmes, with limited spaces on any particular module.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
The department's focus on conflict and security shapes the options. Compare it with other international relations courses on whether you want that emphasis.
Application
The statement, reference and deadlines
The page lists two questions, one academic reference and a staged deadline structure.
Personal statement
Two questions: why you are applying for this programme and how it fits your plans, and how your educational background or professional experience makes you a suitable candidate.
References
One academic reference. A professional reference is accepted if you completed your qualifications over five years ago.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
The page says assessment takes on average eight weeks. Apply before the first deadline of 9 March 2027 if your documents are ready.
Planning
Planning for the September 2027 start
The page describes a September 2027 start, and the dates above belong to that cycle.
What to do now
Check your degree subject and average against the page, draft the two answers and arrange the academic reference. Re-read the pages before submitting, because King's can change them.
Support
Independent support with course choice and the written application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with King's College London or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What grade does King's MA International Relations ask for?
A high 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Do I need an International Relations degree?
No. The page lists many related subjects and also welcomes applications from other areas, including science, language and journalism.
How long is the personal statement?
The page asks for answers to two questions on the application form and gives no word limit in the text read.
What are the deadlines?
The first deadline is 9 March 2027. Final deadlines are 25 July 2027 for overseas fee status and 25 August 2027 for home fee status.
Can I study part-time?
The duration is listed as one year full-time or two years part-time. This guide did not read the part-time admissions rules.
Students and families
Talk to us about the King's College London MA in International Relations
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.