The RCDS Course is a post-graduate-level course in strategic leadership and international strategic studies, focusing on defence and security issues at the grand strategic level – the level at which governments take decisions on these issues both nationally and within the international community. It runs annually over an academic year from September to July.
All Members must be fluent in the English language. Those for whom English is not their first language need to start the course with a score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scale. We provide English language training prior to the main course for those who need it.
We run a fully integrated programme for Members of the current Course, their spouses or partners and their families.
Those who attend the RCDS Course become Members of the college for life. They retain access to Seaford House in Belgravia and its facilities, including the library. They may attend lectures and other events, subject only to an overall limit on numbers.
Alumni year groups organise their own regular reunions. All are invited to an annual Winston Churchill Memorial lecture and buffet at Seaford House.