As a student with a strong interest in Security Studies and International Relations (IR), I have participated in the Double Degree program with King’s College London (KCL) Department of War Studies in my second year at GraSPP.
Through my academic experience at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, I have developed a strong passion for exploring security and IR-related fields to understand the complex nature of the current global geopolitical landscape surrounding Japan and the Indo-Pacific region. In my first year at GraSPP, I have had the opportunity to gain fundamental insights into regional security landscapes in East Asia, traditional IR theories as a lens to analyse international society, and core principles regarding public policy. Along with the enriching experience of tackling various courses in public policy, the insights and knowledge I obtained at GraSPP became a fundamental factor in preparing myself for the double degree program.
The experience at KCL’s Department of War Studies was both academically demanding and enriching, where I had the opportunity to delve into the specialised fields of security studies. Ranging from modules on maritime security, economic security, and Technology and Security, various modules at the Department of War Studies offered stimulating academic insights into contemporary security issues. For instance, the policy simulation on crafting British foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific became one of the most stimulating academic experiences at KCL, allowing me to gain practical experience in crafting realistic policy regarding the complex geopolitical landscape in the region, while understanding Britain’s core security interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Similarly, the lectures from former and current practitioners on British national security policies and policy recommendation exercises in the module, ‘National Security Studies’ course, became a crucial driver in conducting intensive research for my dissertation on Japan’s contemporary arms export policies. As a student with strong interests in analysing Japan’s national security posture, the first-hand insights into how states formulate their national security policies while considering various risk variables for implementation served as a vital consideration in researching the current security implications and limitations surrounding Japan’s arms export policies. Along with the academic and practical experiences, studying at KCL significantly deepened my knowledge as well as passion for the fields of security studies.
At the same time, my time at KCL was enriching due to the diverse and lively community within the department. Through participation in the student-led ‘War Studies Society,’ I had the opportunity to attend various social events with students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including recent university graduates, practitioners in the public sector, and military officers from around the world. The constructive yet exciting discussions with my classmates, as well as the times spent at lively pubs and on campus at the heart of London, have become one of my most rewarding memories in this double degree program. Moreover, various security-related events at KCL, including a volunteering experience at the London Defence Conference and attendance at geopolitical seminars offered by the UK’s leading think tank, further accelerated my endeavour to pursue a career in the security field.
Without a doubt, the double-degree program at KCL fueled my passion for delving into the field of security studies, allowing me to gain specialised insights and practical experience in this unique academic discipline. The rewarding experience at two cutting-edge institutions in public policy and security studies will become a fundamental driver for me in tackling the new challenges in the private sector. I would like to thank both institutions, professors, student office staff members, and my classmates for providing such an enriching academic opportunity. Lastly, I sincerely hope that future students of GraSPP with interests in studying security-related fields will participate in this exciting double degree program at the centre of the world’s leading security studies institution.
