phd in defense studies

Security Studies

Topics of study include:

• Grand strategies of the major powers.
• Arms competitions.
• Coercive diplomacy.
• Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
• Rapid shifts in regional and global distributions of capabilities.
• Insurgency, civil war, and regional political instability.
• Military force composition and capability.
• Civil-military relations.
• Innovations in military technologies.

The cluster combines social science training in international security and national defense policy, focused study of specific regions of the world, and exploration of the technical and scientific aspects of proliferation, weapons innovations, terrorist and counterterrorist operations, and insurgency and counterinsurgency warfare. This is an in-residence program, though absences may be taken for approved field research.

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PhDs in Defence and Security: Leadership, Management and Governance

The Centre for Defence Management and Leadership  (CDML) is a specialised research and teaching unit, comprising experienced and dedicated researchers. It has developed a world class reputation in defence and security studies, and is lauded for the rigour, originality, international perspective and policy relevance of its doctoral programme.

The Centre has delivered short training and long degree-bearing courses in over 100 countries. Students are typically employed in central government, defence industry and the Armed Forces, and their doctoral studies resonate with their professional activities, including, for example, defence engagement, conflict resolution, gender studies, humanitarian and relief operations, international conflict and security law, defence budgeting and public finance. PhD candidates are required to attend an initial one-week induction programme. Thereafter, regular progress reviews are undertaken to ensure students receive continuous advice and guidance. Cranfield is well-known for providing close and supportive supervision, and students will be allocated primary and associate supervisors to offer mentorship across the entire period of doctoral registration.

Research thematics

Doctoral research programmes are offered in a broad array of defence and security leadership, law and management fields. Candidates are invited to submit research proposals that fit into any of the following broad subject areas:

Potential supervisors

Interested applicants are encouraged to consult with Centre academics regarding interest in supervising particular research projects. It is advisable that contact is made prior to formal submission of an application. Please see below for academic names, respective e-mail addresses, broad disciplinary fields and also URL links for access to their teaching, research and publication details.

Leadership and Management

• Bryan Watters      [email protected]
• Iftikhar Zaidi      [email protected]
• Robby Allen      [email protected]

International Law

• David Turns  (Visiting Fellow)    [email protected]

Policy, Strategy and Governance

• Ron Matthews  (Visiting Professor)    [email protected]
• Dr Lloyd Parsons       [email protected]
• Dr Caroline Micklewright      [email protected]

Economic and Financial Management

• Irfan Ansari      [email protected]

Research Students

Find out more about our current research students and their areas of research .

Mode of study

Students can register for a three-year full-time PhD programme, and may be based at either Cranfield Defence and Security, Shrivenham or in their home country

Part-time registration is also available. The study period extends to six years, though it is possible for students to submit their doctoral thesis for examination from the three-year point. Candidates will not be based at Shrivenham and may undertake their doctoral studies while in full-time employment at any location in the United Kingdom or overseas.

Annual fees

How to apply.

CDML is one of seven focused Centres that form part of the Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) Faculty. It is located on the edge of England’s beautiful Cotswold region, just an hour West of London. The application process is uncomplicated, having the following requirements:

• Completion of an online application form
• A clear and concise research aim/problem/question
• Reference to the original contribution to knowledge
• Brief identification of the seminal literature in the chosen field
• Explanation of the research methodology for data collection
• Emphasis on the research programme’s policy relevance
• Compliance with the minimum entry requirements: a 2.1 first degree and/or master’s qualification, along with at least five years relevant professional experience

For further application information, please access more details about applying for a research degree.

Centre for Defence Management and Leadership

Download Research Yearbook

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Military, Security and Strategic Studies

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

Our PhD program addresses a critical need for analysts who can study and assess the multitude of security threats that exist around the world, emphasizing the importance of both a theoretical and policy perspective. This thesis-based degree is focused on interdisciplinary work and is designed to help students interact with military officers, government personnel, security-focused NGOs, and military scholars. With flexible programs, leading scholars in a variety of disciplines, and highly competitive funding packages, we strive to ensure our PhD students achieve success in their strategic studies.

Completing this program

Core Courses: Classics of Strategy, Advanced Analysis of International Relations and Strategic Studies.

Block Week Course:  Students will complete Military and Strategic Studies: Questions and Methods in the week preceding their first term.

Additional Courses:  May include arctic security, Canadian military studies, U.S. security, ethics and morality, intelligence, and other topics.

Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.

Thesis:  Students are required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Banking, Police Service, Government, Military Procurement, Oil and Gas, NATO, Advocacy Groups.

A PhD in military and strategic studies is usually considered a final degree.

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Three core courses and three electives

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Four years full-time; six years maximum

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

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Admission Requirements

A minimum of 3.70 on a four-point scale over all completed graduate courses in the master's program; 3.40 in the undergraduate program over the last 60 units or two years of study.

Minimum education

A completed Master's degree.

Work samples

A representative piece of written work, normally a master's thesis chapter or major research paper.

• A detailed statement of the proposed thesis research
• A completed application to the Centre, along with supporting documentation
• All post-secondary transcripts

Reference letters

Test scores, english language proficiency.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 97.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 7.0.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 in each section.
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in each course.

January 15 for all documentation

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Learn more about this program

Centre for military, security & strategic studies.

Social Sciences 856 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Faculty of Arts website

Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

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• Ph.D. Program

Ph.D Program

(masters degree is required to apply to the ph.d program).

This is a rigorous, interdisciplinary program intended to prepare its students for careers in research, teaching, and security and international affairs through a broad exploration of social science and historical methodologies as well as topics relating to security issues. Many students will already have a Master of Arts in Security Studies from Kansas State University, but this is not required. Students with other relevant masters degrees may apply to the Ph.D program directly.

Students entering with a masters degree in history, political science, or a closely related field can expect to complete their coursework in 3-4 semesters of full-time study.

Much of the information below, as well as some practical advice, is summarized in a brief guide:

Key Stages in the Ph.D Program

Detailed Information

Ph.D Coursework Foreign Language Requirement Dissertation prospectus defense The Dissertation Ph.D committee Ph.D Exams

Ph.D Coursework

The Ph.D degree will require 90 hours of course work. Up to 30 hours from a previous masters degree may be counted towards these 90 hours. The Ph.D committee will judge the suitability and applicability of the previous credits. An additional 30 hours of those 90 will be research hours towards the dissertation. The remaining coursework to reach the total of 90 hours will include 15 hours of required courses. The required courses consist of:

• The Historical Research Sequence. This sequence consists of two courses of three hours each. The first (HIST 911) will study various approaches to the history of security, international relations, and military affairs. The second will be a methodology course in the theory and concrete practice of historical research in Security Studies (HIST 912). HIST 911 will generally be offered in the fall of odd-numbered years; HIST 912 in the fall of even-numbered years.
• The Political Research Sequence. This sequence also consists of two courses. The first, Research Design and Qualitative Methods (POLSC 900), focuses on the construction of social science research and the various research design issues students must understand to construct qualitative social science studies. The second course, Quantitative Methods (POLSC 901), will introduce students to the statistical tools used by political scientists studying international security issues. POLSC 900 will generally be offered in the fall of even-numbered years, and POLSC 901 in the spring of odd-numbered years.
• The final Ph.D -level required course must be taken after completing the history and political science two-course research sequences. Each student must complete a directed reading (HIST 985 or POLSC 985) with the chair of the student's Ph.D committee. The course is intended to allow the student to hone his or her dissertation topic in one-on-one consultation with the Ph.D chair.

The other fifteen hours of coursework will be elective courses chosen in consultation with the Ph.D committee to prepare the student for research and teaching in security studies, as well as to help prepare for the Ph.D exams. These electives may be drawn from History, Political Science, or other disciplines. Courses outside history and political science, or below 700-level, require prior approval of the student's supervisory committee.

The intent of the Ph.D coursework is to prepare students for writing the dissertation. Upon completion of the Ph.D coursework students will have the research skills necessary to complete a dissertation-length scholarly study on a well-defined topic developed in consultation with their Ph.D Chair.

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Foreign Language Requirement

The foreign language requirement(s) will be set by the student's faculty supervisory committee. Because the nature of the dissertation topic will determine the number of foreign languages in which expertise must be possessed as well as the degree of competency required in those languages, it is not possible to set absolute minimum foreign language requirements for completion of the Ph.D degree. A student’s decision on areas of study should take into account language proficiency likely to be demanded by the supervisory committee.

Dissertation prospectus defense

Following the completion of the Ph.D coursework, the student will submit a written dissertation prospectus to their Ph.D Committee. The Committee will provide written feedback on the prospectus. After the student revises the prospectus, they will present and defend it orally to the Committee for approval.

The Dissertation

Writing the dissertation.

The student will research and write the dissertation, consulting with the Ph.D Committee as often as necessary. The dissertation should be a substantial and original contribution to knowledge and scholarship.

Research hours

By decision of the Security Studies faculty committee in consultation with the Dean of the Graduate School, Ph.D students who are NOT residents of Manhattan must register for Global Campus (GC) research hours.

Dissertation defense

After completing the dissertation, the student will defend it orally before the Ph.D Committee.

Submission of dissertation

Upon successful completion of the oral defense, the student will make any additional revisions to the dissertation required by the Ph.D Committee and submit the final version of the dissertation to the Graduate School at KSU.

Ph.D committee

Within their first two semesters in the program, students will choose a Ph.D Committee consisting of at least four members of the KSU Security Studies faculty, including at least one member from History and at least one member from Political Science. As in any graduate program, adjunct professors are eligible to serve on committees. This committee will work with the student to craft an appropriate and feasible dissertation topic and advise the student on suitable coursework and preparation. Students will report to their committee at regular intervals. The Ph.D Committee may require the student to master specific research skills appropriate for the dissertation, including foreign languages or quantitative methods.

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Public Policy PhD in National Security Studies

Transfer credits, next start date, help protect america’s future by pursuing a public policy phd in national security policy.

Do you want to play an integral role in creating effective policies designed to keep our nation safe? Perhaps you’ve worked in the public sector or national defense for some time, and you’re searching for a valuable, terminal degree that can help you maximize your earning potential and take your career to new heights. If you have a passion for public policy and national defense and you’d like to prepare for a research-based career that allows you to serve as an advocate for policies you believe in, our PhD in Public Policy – National Security Policy is a great option.

Throughout American history, the United States has faced countless domestic and international security threats. The study of national security challenges isn’t just an academic subject — it is crucial to America’s sovereignty. At Liberty, we recognize the importance of studying public policy and national security, and we’ve designed our public policy PhD in national security studies program with full awareness of the national security challenges that the United States faces. Our PhD in Public Policy – National Security Policy has been designed to help you anticipate and confront both foreign and domestic threats. 

Through our flexible and affordable online courses, you will study a wide range of national security issues — including operational strategy, lawmaking, policy implementation, and law enforcement — that can help equip you to combat foreign and domestic threats to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy – National Security Policy can provide you with well-rounded training in the essential theories and practices of government and policymaking while also giving you deep insight into national security challenges and potential solutions. 

How long is a PhD in Public Policy? Liberty’s online PhD in Public Policy – national security strategy takes students an average of 3 years to complete. With no set login times and and most courses offered in a convenient 8-week format , you can complete your degree at Liberty on a schedule that works for you.

Our PhD in counseling online degree is taught by professionals with real-world experience in clinical and leadership settings. The PhD in Counseling program curriculum builds on your knowledge and expertise to grow critical thinking, leadership, and clinical skills. Whether you are seeking to expand in your current role or explore other areas within the counseling field, our PhD in Counseling online program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and training you need.

Why Choose Liberty’s PhD Degree in Public Policy – National Security Policy?

This degree is more than an ordinary PhD in national security and strategic studies online. Our public policy and national security PhD can help make you a principled, well-rounded public policy expert who has an advanced understanding of national security policy, public policy, and political science. 

By specializing in national security, you can become better equipped to manage the most challenging security issues of our time. The knowledge and applicable biblical values you gain through this program can help you make a greater legislative impact on policymaking. With these tools, you can be equipped to conduct research, work with policymakers, and implement laws that help increase the quality of life for the people in your jurisdiction.

Our PhD in Public Policy – national security studies is taught by a distinguished group of expert professors who have a vested interest in your success. We realize that college is about more than writing essays and taking exams, which is why our professors are available for mentorship and professional guidance. You can learn from the experience of our instructors as you work towards the completion of your public policy PhD and pursue job positions upon graduation.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from nearly 40 years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you, and we look forward to working with you to accomplish your personal and career goals. Each course within our public policy doctoral program is taught from a Christian worldview, and we believe our focus on ethics and moral decision-making as they relate to public policy development helps set us apart from other universities.

Military Tuition Discount We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work towards your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession — for less.

What Will You Learn in Our Doctoral Degree in Public Policy – National Security Studies? 

Our online doctoral degree in public policy – national security can help train you to effectively shape national security policies in the areas of legislation, communications, politics, and international relations. This degree allows you to take advanced courses in policy and governmental functions as well as conduct in-depth, meaningful research as you write your dissertation.

Liberty’s public policy online PhD in security studies is divided into 4 sections: core policy courses, research-focused courses, national security courses, and a dissertation sequence. In the public policy section of this PhD program, you will study the foundations of public policy, natural law, government, and the Gospel’s role in public policy. You will also explore the Founding Era, the US Constitution, contemporary challenges to the Constitution, federalism, and competing visions of statesmanship.

The research courses of our online doctorate in public policy – national security studies offer an overview of quantitative and qualitative research methods for policymakers, policy analysis and research design, and data analysis for policymakers. This section of our PhD program in public policy administration and national security is designed to prepare you for the research you will conduct as you write your dissertation. 

Our national security courses will guide you through studies in the relationship between public policy and national security efforts, historic national security policies, and research in national security policy. Your dissertation consists of 5 sequential courses that conclude with a dissertation defense where you will present your findings to our Helms School of Government faculty.

Through our PhD in Public Policy – National Security, you can become a more knowledgeable and prepared professional who is capable of navigating complex policy issues and mitigating national security threats. Whether you want to work in the defense sector, as a member of a legislative body, or at a think tank, our public policy PhD in national security studies can help you accomplish your career goals. Partner with us and take your career to new heights. 

PhD in Public Policy Featured Courses

• PLCY 700 – Foundations of Public Policy
• PLCY 802 – Competing Visions of Statesmanship
• PLCY 805 – Policy Analysis and Research Design
• PLCY 880 – Introduction to National Security Policy Studies

Benefits of Choosing Liberty University’s Online PhD in Public Policy – National Security Policy

We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.

• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ).
• This program is mostly offered in an 8-week course format with no set login times!
• You can complete our online PhD in Public Policy with a specialization in national security policy in as little as 3 years.
• You will be taught by expert professors who have years of real-world experience in public policy and national security.

What Can You Do with a Public Policy PhD in National Security?

Our PhD in Public Policy – national security studies is designed to help equip you for a number of career options. By successfully completing our public policy and national security PhD program, you can become prepared to pursue the following career options:

• Counterterrorism analyst
• Federal agent
• Government employee
• Intelligence analyst
• National security policy researcher
• Professor (higher education)
• Senior public policy analyst

PhD in Public Policy Degree Online Program Information

• This program falls under the  Helms School of Government .
• Download and review the  Degree Completion Plan .
• View the Graduate Government Course Guides   (login required) .

  Apply Now     Request Info

Admission Requirements for Liberty’s PhD in Public Policy

A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our  admission requirements page  for more detailed admissions-related information.

All applicants must submit the following:

• Admission application
• Application fee*
• Official college transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

Apply FREE This Week*

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Defense and Strategic Studies Major

Defense & strategic studies.

Defense and strategic studies gives cadets the skills to succeed anywhere. Graduates can incorporate elements of national power, civil-military relations, strategic decision-making, and theories of international relations to analyze U.S. and foreign defense strategies.

Offered by the Department of Military Instruction .

Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS) is an interdisciplinary major focused on understanding conflict, war, security, and defense by emphasizing a wide array of methodological approaches from the fields of military science, political science, international relations, economics, history, anthropology, and sociology to frame and analyze national and international security issues.

The Defense and Strategic Studies program is committed to teaching the next generation of future leaders in the Profession of Arms and as defense intellectuals in the civil sector. DSS majors are uniquely educated in the nuances of security and strategy through a rigorous interdisciplinary lens that delves deep into central issues of strategy, innovation, history, culture, the domains of war, and the elements of national power. Our cadets not only grasp the intricacies of national power and strategic decision-making on national and international scales, but they learn to apply timely knowledge to frame complex issues, develop viable and innovative solutions, and communicate effectively to diverse audiences.

Recognizing that strategy is pivotal in any competitive environment, from businesses to militaries, this program instills the analytical mindset and methodologies necessary to develop, execute, and assess impactful strategies. By exploring the moral intricacies of conflict, the dynamics of diverse cultures, and the contemporary innovations shaping defense, our cadets are prepared to lead across the spectrum of global challenges. Graduates emerge as warrior scholars, poised to excel in the Army and beyond, equipped with enhanced problem-solving, communication, and decision-making capabilities for the artful application of security and strategy.

This major offers an honors track.

DSS gives Cadets the skills to succeed anywhere. Graduates can incorporate elements of national power, civil-military relations, strategic decision-making, and theories of international relations to analyze U.S. and foreign defense strategies. Graduates are well-versed in the geographic security areas of interest to the Nation such as Africa, the South China Sea, Eastern Europe, the Arctic, the Middle East, and South America.

West Point Graduate Scholarship Program

Department academic counselor resources

Read an Army Futures Command Strategist’s MWI articles on preparing leaders for future war.

Read more about Defense and Strategic Studies in the West Point Association of Graduates magazine

Learn more about the DMI faculty and staff.

To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Military Instruction .

Core Courses

• DS320: Introduction to Strategic Studies
• DS370: Strategy and Policy
• DS495: Research Methods
• DS498: Leadership in Future War

Complementary Support Courses

Choose 3 from a list of 11 interdisciplinary courses from various academic departments at USMA. Course topics include cyber policy, law, applied statistics, history, anthropology, military geography, among others.

DSS Electives

Choose 4 from a list of 9 DSS courses, including Military Innovation, Persuasive Communication, Special Operations Theory and Practice, Rebellion, Insurgency, and Civil War, Domains of War, Comparative Defense Policy, among others.

Choose 2 from a list of 40+ courses from nearly every academic departments at USMA. 

Degree Types:

• Option 1: DSS
• Option 2: DSS with Thesis
• Option 3: DSS Honors with Thesis

To learn more, view the full Defense and Strategic Studies Major Curriculum .

Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) internships provide cadets with experiential learning opportunities in various fields, implementing concepts from their education in defense and strategic studies.  See other scholarship opportunities for DSS majors . Learn about Projects Day .

Honor Societies: Golden Key - International Honour Society Phi Kappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor Society

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Military Instruction , the Modern War Institute , or the West Point Simulation Center .

Institutional Accreditation (Middle States Commission on Higher Education - MSCHE) - USMA was first accredited by  MSCHE  in 1949 and has been reaccredited each successive decade.

Middle States accreditation was reaffirmed in 2021 ( Copy of current statement of accreditation ).

The next program accreditation visit is scheduled in 2027-2028.  

School of Defense and Strategic Studies

Launch your career in national security

Get a graduate-level education in security and defense, policy, arms control and more.

Put your career goals in reach. We're located near the heart of the defense industry: Washington, D.C. 

Have an insider's edge:  Leaders and experts in the field teach your classes.

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Graduate programs

All programs are offered 100% online. You can also take seated classes, or a hybrid of seated/online.

Rise to the challenges of national and global security.

Available option areas

• Weapons of Mass Destruction

Earn a professional doctoral degree. Do advanced study in security and policy.

Certificates

Don’t have time for a full degree? Certificates, which require fewer courses, can enhance your credentials and training.

Have a better understanding of key issues in defense, security and strategy.

Advise on WMD strategy and policy.

The defense and strategic studies (DSS) department is located in the Washington, D.C. metro area, in the nearby suburb of Fairfax, Virginia. Our student body is diverse, with a mix of traditional, mid-career and active-duty military.

Want to know more? Review frequently asked questions .

Accreditation

• Missouri: Higher Learning Commission
• Virginia: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

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• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
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PhD Research

We’re proud of our thriving community of research students, who enhance our research output and develop and contribute to our impact and engagement work.

King’s is a research-intensive university with a global reputation for academic discovery and teaching. We recognise the importance of nurturing postgraduate research students and equipping them to excel in the academy, in public service, and in industry. 

We host around 200 students undertaking doctoral research. They have the opportunity to work with academics from across the School of Security Studies, which is comprised of the War Studies and Defence Studies Departments, and is the largest community of scholars in the world dedicated to producing world-leading research on defence, security and international relations.

PhD students are a vital element of King’s research community and culture, adding considerably to research productivity whilst providing role models for those undergraduates who are considering studying for a higher degree.

The Department of War Studies is recognised by the British Academy, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Economic and Social Research Council.

Research Centres and groups

Our research centres and groups.

War Studies Research MPhil / PhD

The Department is proud of its thriving community of research students. A recent HEFCE study found that King's College London is the most successful university in Britain in terms of PhD completion rate. The Department of War Studies is recognised by the British Academy, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and the Economic and Social Research Council and is therefore able to benefit thinking and policymaking not just in the UK, but across the world.

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Before applying for an MPhil/PhD you will need to consider a potential supervisor. Please consult the academic profiles for more information on the supervisory interests of staff and make contact with them directly regarding your application. Only when you have an agreed supervisor can you progress to make a formal application through the Admissions Office. 

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At the heart of your application is your research proposal. The ability to identify and propose a viable research project is a major indicator of your potential for doctoral study.

Email your research proposal and personal statement to your proposed supervisor. Your research proposal should explain precisely the field of study that you wish to contribute to, as well as any current research gaps, what you want to do, and how you propose to do it. Meanwhile, your personal statement should outline your reasons for pursuing doctoral research.

If your proposed supervisor and/or Admissions Tutor encourages you to apply, you will need to submit an online application via the application portal:  King’s Apply .

Preparing a research proposal can take time. A good research proposal typically includes the following components:

A clear statement of the proposed research question

An explanation of the importance and originality of the proposed topic

A section outlining the key literature and academic work associated with your proposed topic

A section describing not only your proposed methodology, but also an explanation of why this methodology is the most appropriate for the proposed topic

An overview of the key research questions that you wish to answer

A prospective chapter outline of the proposed thesis

A timetable showing a realistic plan, including critical milestones, for the completion of your research and writing within three years

A concluding section showing why this research should be conducted specifically here, within the Defence of War Studies, rather than anywhere else

Based at King’s, the ESRC London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS DTP) offers studentships and training to students across the College. Both Home and International students will be eligible for funding as of the 2021/22 academic year and LISS DTP’s training courses are available to all students in the Department of War Studies. You can find more information on the  DTP’s website .

Many War Studies applicants are also eligible for funding from the AHRC London Arts & Humanities Partnership, which similarly offers studentships and training to KCL students. You can find more information  on their website .

Further information

People in the Department of War Studies

Apply to King’s

Apply to study at King's College London

Funding opportunities

Funding opportunities at King's College London

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• About AIDSS
• Message from The Founder President
• Message from Dr. W Selvamurthy
• Message from the DG AIDSS
• Message from the Director AIDSS
• Vision and Mission
• The United Service Institution of India (USI), New Delhi
• National Maritime Foundation (NMF), New Delhi
• Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), New Delhi
• Global Counter Terrorism Council (GCTC), New Delhi
• Society for Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Studies (SAMDeS)
• Army Training Command, IHQ (Army), New Delhi
• Centre For Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), New Delhi
• Center For Land Warfare Studies
• Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS)
• Indian Navy
• CEDS – Centre d’Études Diplomatiques & Stratégiques
• BA (Hons) - D&SS Programme
• BA (H/Research) D&SS (4 Years).
• M.A. (Defence & Strategic Studies)
• PG Diploma in Geopolitical Risk Analysis
• Ph.D. (Defence & Strategic Studies)-Full Time
• Ph.D. (Defence & Strategic Studies) – Part Time
• Teaching Faculty
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• Human Value Quarters (HVQ)
• Mentor-Mentee Sessions
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Ph.D. (Defence & Strategic Studies) – Part Time

The institute offers both full time and part time Ph.D. programmes. The distinct feature of AIDSS Ph.D. programme is the large number of Co-Guides from the Indian Armed Forces, Police & Para-Military Forces and Industry; well versed in both strategic as well as methodological issues.

For those research scholars who have to attend the course work, our Student Research Committees facilitate the interaction in the required domains.

In case some of the serving officers from the Military/ Police/ Para-Military Forces enrolled as research scholars are unable to attend to the course work by being physically present; the institution proposes to use Industry 4.0 by conducting virtual classrooms.

The Departmental Research Committee (DRC) & the Board of Studies (BOS) have high-profile representations from the academic field as well as industry to guide the AIDSS in its pursuit of excellence.

Preparing for your PhD thesis defence

As you start thinking about the end stages of your PhD, it’s important to understand the processes and timelines related to the thesis defence so that your degree completion is not delayed. Even if your thesis defence seems far away, there are several planning considerations you can consider early on to help the end stages of your PhD go smoothly.

On this page you will find videos, tools, and information about what the PhD thesis defence is , timelines for the PhD thesis defence , and tips for a successful PhD thesis defence .

All PhD students should also ensure that they read the PhD thesis examination regulations and review the thesis preparation guidelines prior to their oral defence. If your thesis defence will be conducted remotely, you should also review the process for a remote thesis defence .

What is the PhD defence?

Understanding the purpose, processes and possible outcomes of the thesis defence can help you feel more prepared for the defence itself. In this video, you’ll learn about what the defence is, who’s there, what happens, and the deliberation and range of possible outcomes.

Transcript - Demystifying the thesis defence at University of Waterloo (PDF)

You may wish to learn more about some of the topics discussed in this video. Here are some helpful links to learn more:

Examination committee members (including the external examiner): Visit the PhD thesis examination regulations section on the  PhD thesis examining committee for more information about the committee members, including information about the external examiner and conflicts of interest.

• Closed thesis defences and non-disclosure agreements: Visit the PhD thesis examination regulations section on guidelines for thesis examination without public disclosure for more information about closed thesis examinations.
• Thesis defence decisions and outcomes: Visit the PhD thesis examination regulations section on  decisions for additional information about decisions and outcomes.
• Thesis submission: Visit the thesis submission webpage for information about the thesis submission process, including approvals that must be obtained before submitting your thesis.
• UWSpace: Visit the Library’s UWSpace webpage for information about what UWSpace is and how to submit, or deposit, your thesis to UWSpace.

Timeline to defence

Early planning considerations.

Well before your defence date, there are several considerations to think about that can help make the end stages of your degree go smoothly and ensure your defence date and degree completion are not delayed:

• Being aware of formatting requirements will save you time on revisions later on – the last thing you want to be doing before submitting your thesis to UWSpace is updating page numbers or your table of contents! Consider using the Microsoft Word or LaTeX thesis template produced by Information Systems & Technology. 
• The Dissertation Boot Camp can help you develop effective writing practices and strategies for completing your thesis, while the three-part Rock Your Thesis workshop series will provide practical guidance for planning, writing, revising, and submitting your thesis project. You can also book an individual appointment to do backwards planning with an advisor. They can help you utilize the planning tools most effectively, while providing hands-on guidance and feedback.  
• If you are using third-party content, including your own previously published work in your thesis, or seeking intellectual property protection (for yourself or another involved party), there may be implications for your thesis or defence. Learn more about copyright for your thesis , and email [email protected] for help with copyright questions related to your thesis.
• Depending on your departmental or discipline’s norms, you may require approval from your entire committee, or just your supervisor. Ensure you talk with your supervisor and/or committee early on to confirm processes and timelines, so you’re not surprised later.
• Depending on your departmental or discipline’s norms, your supervisor may select an external examiner themselves, or they may seek your input. Talk to your supervisor early on about this process, as in some faculties the external examiner may need to be vetted and approved as early as the term before you wish to defend. Remember that there are conflict of interest guidelines around the appointment of the external examiner , and the PhD candidate should not be in communication with the external examiner prior to the defence.
• A PhD thesis must be on display for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the defence date. To accommodate, you may need to submit your thesis as early as 6-8 weeks prior to your defence. Review your faculty specific backwards planning tool for the thesis submission deadline in your faculty and learn more about the display period in the PhD thesis examination regulations.
• After your successful thesis defence, you will likely have some required revisions to your thesis. It’s important to understand revision timelines , especially if you’re hoping to become “degree complete” before a tuition refund or convocation deadline. Find tuition refund and convocation deadlines in the important dates calendar .
• Following your thesis defence, there are several steps to be taken before your final, approved thesis is accepted in UWSpace. Ensure that you’re aware of these thesis submission steps and timelines in advance.

Backwards planning tools

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, in collaboration with the Faculties, have prepared faculty specific backwards planning tools to help PhD candidates map out the timelines related to their thesis defence and degree completion.

Select your faculty below to download a PDF copy of the backwards planning tool. We encourage you to discuss your ideal timelines with your supervisor(s) and your department graduate program co-ordinator.

• Faculty of Health backwards planning tool (PDF)
• Faculty of Arts backwards planning tool (PDF)
• Faculty of Engineering backwards planning tool (PDF)
• Faculty of Environment backwards planning tool (PDF)
• Faculty of Mathematics backwards planning tool (PDF)
• Faculty of Science backwards planning tool (PDF)

Tips for success

The PhD thesis defence is the culmination of years of hard work! The tips outlined in this video, compiled from recent PhD graduates and experienced thesis defence chairs, cover tips for preparing for your defence, day-of logistics, and defending successfully.

Transcript - Your Thesis Defence: Tips for Success (PDF)

Will your PhD thesis defence be held remotely? We’ve compiled additional tips for success specifically related to the remote defence.

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