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    War & Diplomacy Summer School
    In-person Program

    War & Diplomacy Summer School

    by King's College London

    Study diplomacy, conflict and crisis management through historical case studies, academic discussion and assessed work with King’s College London academics.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    War and Diplomacy at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Undergraduates, graduates; experienced professionals

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 18+

    Location / Region

    London, United Kingdom

    Cost

    £2,650; £3,690

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next session

    19-30 July 2027

    Save program
    HistoryInternational RelationsPolitics
    Accommodation: Optional single en-suite residence
    Meals: Budget separately
    Academic workload: 45 contact; 105 independent study hours
    Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday; 4-5 campus hours daily
    Assessment: Essay 70%; presentation 30%
    Credit equivalent: 15 King’s; 7.5 ECTS; 4 US
    Tutor: Mauro Bonavita, sessional lecturer

    War and Diplomacy summary

    War & Diplomacy connects diplomatic theory with the historical and contemporary conflicts that shape international relations.

    Expect interactive teaching, group discussion and independent reading, followed by an assessed essay and presentation.

    Its strongest appeal is academic depth: you examine competing explanations of war, negotiation and crisis management rather than simply surveying current affairs.

    What is War & Diplomacy Summer School?

    War & Diplomacy Summer School is an undergraduate-level academic course offered by King’s College London. It examines how war and diplomacy shape international relations, with particular attention to crisis management, negotiation and the balance of power.

    Students connect theory with case studies spanning the World Wars, Cold War and post-9/11 conflicts. Interactive lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work and off-campus visits support an assessed essay and presentation.

    Why Succeed highlights War and Diplomacy

    • Historical case studies give students concrete material for evaluating diplomatic theories.

    • The essay and presentation develop both written argument and oral explanation.

    • King’s university-standard assessment gives the course a clear academic purpose.

    • Interactive teaching and international classmates create opportunities to test different perspectives.

    Who is War and Diplomacy for?

    Best for

    Students who want to examine international relations through theory, historical cases and sustained academic argument.

    Not ideal if

    You want a light sightseeing course or practical diplomatic job training; the emphasis is academic study and assessment.

    Is War and Diplomacy worth it?

    This course is worth considering if you want structured academic study of conflict and diplomacy. The combination of theory, case studies and assessed work gives you a clearer way to test your interest than attendance alone.

    The substantial independent-study workload makes it a demanding choice alongside other commitments. Its value also depends on your goals: credit transfer needs separate approval, and academic study does not establish a professional diplomacy qualification.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £2,650; £3,690; includes Academic tuition and course materials., On-campus Wi-Fi and campus facilities., Completion certificate., Extracurricular activities, excluding travel., Residential package: accommodation, linen and towels..

    Accommodation

    Optional single en-suite residence

    Meals

    Budget separately

    Provider details

    Review the King's College London provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; London, United Kingdom.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does War and Diplomacy need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Begin document and travel planning several months before the July session, with academic reading a few weeks before classes.

    Main challenge

    Balancing intensive teaching with independent study and assessed work.

    Typical preparation

    • Prepare your academic and English-language documents and draft your personal statement.

    • Ask your home institution about credit transfer before committing.

    • Use the syllabus reading list to review key concepts in diplomacy and international relations.

    • Plan accommodation, meals and local travel alongside your study commitments.

    Useful if

    You want to strengthen academic analysis of international relations.

    What do students do on War and Diplomacy?

    You examine diplomatic theory and apply it to historical and contemporary conflicts through interactive teaching and collaborative discussion. Independent study supports your essay, presentation and assessment preparation.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Study the roles of diplomacy, war and state power in international society.

    2. 2

      Analyze historical conflicts and diplomatic interactions through case studies.

    3. 3

      Discuss crisis management, negotiation and counterterrorism questions with classmates.

    4. 4

      Participate in seminars, tutorials, group work and off-campus visits.

    5. 5

      Prepare and complete the assessed essay and presentation.

    War and Diplomacy dates and deadlines

    Programme dates

    19-30 July 2027

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Age 18 or older at the course start.

    • Currently or previously enrolled in an undergraduate degree.

    • Professionals with substantial relevant experience may also apply.

    • Minimum grade requirement: 2:1 degree equivalent.

    • English proficiency: CEFR C1 or equivalent.

    How much does War and Diplomacy cost?

    Application fee

    £65 — Non-refundable; partner-institution applicants may be exempt.

    Funding or discounts

    • Non-residential course: £2,650 — Standard two-week shared-session fee.
    • Residential package: £3,690 — Tuition and accommodation.
    • Early-application tuition: £2,550 — Shared-session discount for applications by 29 January 2027.
    • Early-application residential: £3,590 — Shared-session discount for applications by 29 January 2027.

    What's included

    Academic tuition and course materials., On-campus Wi-Fi and campus facilities., Completion certificate., Extracurricular activities, excluding travel., Residential package: accommodation, linen and towels.

    How to apply to War and Diplomacy

    1. 1

      Enter your personal details in the undergraduate application form.

    2. 2

      Select War & Diplomacy and choose your accommodation option.

    3. 3

      Provide academic evidence, a personal statement and English-language evidence when required.

    4. 4

      Pay the application fee unless exempt and add the payment reference.

    5. 5

      Review and submit your application.

    6. 6

      If accepted, pay the tuition fee to confirm your place.

    Next step with Succeed

    Interested in this programme?

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    What does War and Diplomacy cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Diplomacy and international society

    Examine how diplomacy connects states and affects societies’ quality of life.

    War and the balance of power

    Analyze war’s role in changing world orders and international power relationships.

    Crisis management

    Explore how diplomatic theory informs crisis management and counterterrorism.

    Historical conflict case studies

    Study the World Wars, Cold War and their significance after 9/11.

    International relations theory

    Critique globalization, the English School and Hedley Bull’s theoretical contribution.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on War and Diplomacy?

    A typical day during the program.

    Campus teaching

    Expect 4-5 campus hours daily, usually 09:00-13:00 or 14:00-18:00.

    Independent study

    The syllabus assigns 105 independent study hours alongside 45 contact hours.

    Illustrative social activities

    The example timetable shows Monday-Thursday activities at 18:00-20:00, including a reception, walking tour, outdoor cinema and comedy.

    Who teaches on War and Diplomacy?

    The course names Mauro Bonavita, a sessional lecturer, and is taught by King’s academics. Teaching combines interactive lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work and off-campus visits.

    King’s may replace individual teaching staff when necessary.

    Where do students stay on War and Diplomacy?

    Residential plan

    • Great Dover Street Apartments: Stay in a single en-suite room with a shower, linen and towels.
    • Kitchens and meals: Shared kitchens are available; budget separately for meals.
    • Residence facilities: Facilities include a gym, common room, study areas and laundry room.
    • Security and assistance: The residence has 24/7 reception, secure access and communal-area CCTV.

    Non-residential plan

    • Campus access: Tuition includes campus Wi-Fi and library, classroom and catering-facility access.
    • Social activities: Enrolled students are eligible for extracurricular activities, excluding travel costs.

    Great Dover Street has refurbishment works during 2026/27, with possible noise disruption and room moves.

    What happens after War and Diplomacy?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop stronger analysis of diplomacy and international relations.

    Complete an assessed essay and presentation.

    Receive a results transcript and completion certificate.

    Discuss external academic credit with your home institution.

    Explore International Political Economy as a suggested complementary course.

    Credit transfer is at your home institution’s discretion.

    Where does War and Diplomacy take place?

    The course takes place on campus at King’s College London; most summer teaching is based at Strand and Guy’s campuses. Optional accommodation at Great Dover Street Apartments is about a ten-minute walk from Guy’s Campus and London Bridge station.

    Students arrange their own airport transfer and local travel.

    War and Diplomacy FAQs

    The course examines diplomacy, war, international relations and crisis management. Case studies include the World Wars, Cold War and post-9/11 conflicts.

    The syllabus specifies 45 contact teaching hours and 105 independent study hours, totaling 150 hours. Campus attendance is usually four to five hours per day.

    An essay contributes 70% and a presentation contributes 30%. Passing also requires at least 80% class attendance.

    The syllabus gives equivalents of 15 King’s credits, 7.5 ECTS and four US credits. Your home institution decides whether to award transfer credit.

    Undergraduate residential students stay at Great Dover Street Apartments in single en-suite rooms. Linen and towels are provided, and the residence has shared kitchens and study areas.

    Students are advised to budget separately for meals. Campus food outlets and shared residence kitchens provide eating options.

    The course names Mauro Bonavita, a sessional lecturer. Teaching includes interactive lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work and off-campus visits.

    Alternatives to War and Diplomacy

    These related options suit younger students exploring international relations and politics.

    Alternatives to War and Diplomacy

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Great Dover Street
    • Student Experience | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Information for applicants | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Undergraduate Summer School | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • War & Diplomacy module syllabus
    • Summer School, Winter School and Bespoke Programming Terms and Conditions 2027
    • War & Diplomacy

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Session listing reviewed

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Fee differences identified

    • Assessment weights checked

    • Accommodation details reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.