War & Psychiatry MSc

Key information

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

Course essentials

This course will give you a critical understanding of the complex methodological, ethical, historical, medical, cultural and empirical aspects of military psychiatry and the impacts of conflict on civilians. You will develop an ability to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship on civilian populations, terrorist groups and the history, development, and practice of military psychiatry.

Entry requirements

UK applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:2 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements:
  • A Bachelor's degree or equivalent in medicine or psychology
  • A Bachelor's degree in any subject
  • Other qualifications and experience which demonstrate an ability to undertake the programme

International applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications
• English language requirements: English language band D
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment.

Teaching & structure

• Teaching methods: You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
• Core Modules:
  • Introduction to War and Psychiatry
  • Psychological Dimensions of Conflict
  • Civilians and Extreme Trauma: The Impact of Warfare, Disasters and Political Repression
  • Advanced Concepts in Military Psychiatry
  • Dissertation
• Assessment: The main method of assessment for this course is through written coursework.

Careers

• Employability: Graduates of the MSc come from a vast array of disciplines and go on to pursue a range of careers, including in the military, academia (research assistants, PhD study), clinical roles (nursing, psychologists, and therapists), government and policy, and charities (military or NGOs).

Fees & Funding

• Tuition Fees:
  • UK: Full time £13,500 per year (2025/26), Part time £6,750 per year (2025/26)
  • International: Full time £40,000 per year (2025/26), Part time £20,000 per year (2025/26)
• Deposit: If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place.
• Additional Costs: In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for books, library fees and fines, personal photocopies, stationery, travel costs, and more.
• 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.

The program explores the history, impact, and treatment of war-related trauma, examining the subject through theoretical and practical lenses.

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Objectives:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of the historical, medical, cultural, and empirical aspects of military psychiatry and conflict's impacts on civilians.
• Critically evaluate current research and scholarship on civilian populations, terrorist groups, and the history and practice of military psychiatry.
• Gain expertise in war-related psychiatry and psychology, covering diverse concepts, theories, and methods.

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Outline

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Content:

The program encompasses a wide range of topics, including:

• The history and development of military psychiatry and psychology
• The impact of conflict on mental health and well-being of diverse populations and high-risk occupations
• The relationship between war and psychiatry, examining historical and ethical issues
• The psychology of conflict and trauma across cultures
• The impact of warfare, disasters, and political repression on civilians
• Advanced concepts in military psychiatry
• Current research and scholarship on terrorism and terrorist groups

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Structure:

• Full-time: One year (three terms)
• Part-time: Two years (six terms)

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Modules:

• Introduction to War and Psychiatry (30 credits):
Explores the historical and conceptual foundations of the field.
• Psychological Dimensions of Conflict (30 credits):
Examines the psychological processes and experiences of conflict.
• Civilians and Extreme Trauma: The Impact of Warfare, Disasters and Political Repression (30 credits):
Investigates the impact of war and other extreme situations on civilians.
• Advanced Concepts in Military Psychiatry (30 credits):
Delves deeper into specialized topics within military psychiatry.
• Research Dissertation (60 credits):
Conducts independent research under faculty supervision, culminating in a written dissertation.

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Course Schedule:

• Lectures held on Tuesdays (am & pm)
• Seminars and tutorials on Wednesdays (am)
• Discussion groups and optional research methods sessions on Thursdays
• Battlefield tour in Europe
• Visits to military charities and museums

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Assessment

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Assessment methods:

• Written coursework, including essays, reports, and case studies
• Research dissertation
• Presentations
• Active participation in seminars and discussions

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Assessment criteria:

• Critical analysis and understanding of concepts
• Application of knowledge to real-world scenarios
• Research skills and methodology
• Effective communication and presentation skills

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Teaching

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Teaching methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Guest lectures from experts in the field
• Battlefield tour
• Visits to relevant institutions

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Faculty:

The program is taught by internationally recognized researchers and clinicians with expertise in war and psychiatry.

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Unique approaches:

• The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from military history, psychology, and epidemiology.
• Students have opportunities to apply their knowledge through coursework, research, and visits to real-world settings.

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Careers

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Potential career paths:

• Military psychiatry
• Emergency response
• Anti-terrorist services
• Non-governmental organizations focused on mental health care
• Research and academia

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Career support:

• The program offers career guidance and support throughout the program.
• Students receive opportunities to network with professionals in the field.

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Other

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Highlights:

• Unique and internationally recognized qualification
• Small class sizes and personalized learning environment
• Focus on real-world applications and relevance to current conflicts
• Battlefield tour and visits to military charities and museums
• Strong alumni network of professionals working in the field

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UK Students:

• Full-time: £12,468 per year (2024/25)
• Part-time: £6,234 per year (2024/25)

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International Students:

• Full-time: £37,368 per year (2024/25)
• Part-time: £18,684 per year (2024/25)
• Deposit:
• Home: £500
• International: £2000
• Deposit Payment Deadlines:
• Offers received before March: Due by 20 March
• Offers received between 1 March and 20 May: Due within one month of receiving the offer
• Offers received between 21 May and 15 July: Due within two weeks of receiving the offer
• Offers received between 16 July and 15 August: Due within one week of receiving the offer
• Offers received from 16 August onwards: Due within three days of receiving the offer

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Additional Costs:

• Books (optional)
• Clothing (optional)
• Library fees and fines
• Personal photocopies
• Printing course handouts
• Society membership fees
• Travel costs
• £75 towards the cost of the battlefield tour to Ypres and train fare to Combat Stress near Oxshott.
• Travel costs to Combat Stress near Leatherhead
• Stationery

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Currency:

All fees are listed in British Pounds (GBP).