USC International Relations majors may spend a semester at King's College, University of London in the Department of War Studies.

King's College (or "King's") was founded in 1829, and since that time has enjoyed a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. King's is the most central of all the universities in London. It is literally at the heart of one of the most dynamic and stimulating cities in the world. London, an international center for law, politics, finance, and the arts, combines a cosmopolitan mixture of language and culture with centuries-old traditions and attracts visitors from around the globe.

London's international character is evident in every neighborhood, where people of different cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds live and work together. London is made up of many neighborhoods and ethnic pockets, most recently immigrants arrive from the West Indies, India, Pakistan, and Somalia. This diversity is remaking London, bringing a new energy to its business, arts, and sense of heritage. The River Thames meandering through the city center; the trendy West End with Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square; the cultural melting pot of the East End; the art collections and museums, and the world-famous theaters-all combine to form today's London.

The Department of War Studies at King's College is unique in the United Kingdom and one of the very few university departments in the world devoted exclusively to the multi-disciplinary study of war as a phenomenon. Each year a small number of North American students are accepted to the Department to study alongside British students. Acceptance is competitive and students should have some prior coursework in peace and conflict studies and/or security studies.

Applicants should have a USC cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.

Coursework: Students carry four courses per semester (fall and spring) for a total of 16 King's credits per semester (this is considered a full load). USC students earn 13 USC units for fall semester only; 16 USC units for spring semester only; or 30 USC units for the full academic year. Courses offered in the Department of War Studies include: Causes of War, Conduct of War, Experience of War, War in Modern History, War and Society, Intelligence in War Studies, and War in International Order.

Housing: Students are guaranteed housing in university-owned accommodation in London. All university-owned accommodation provides single bedrooms and shared kitchens and common space. Students can cook for themselves or eat in any of the campus cafeterias or nearby restaurants.

Estimated Dates:
Fall: Late September to mid-December
Spring: Early January to early June

Estimated Costs:
Please check with the Office of Overseas Studies for more information.

Links:
King's College, University of London
"Welcoming You" - The British Council's pre-departure guide for US students
Time Out London
Lonely Planet London
Lonely Planet England

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