Royal College of Defence Studies

Royal College of Defence Studies

Former names	Imperial Defence College
Motto	"To prepare senior officers and officials of the United Kingdom and other countries and future leaders from the private and public sectors for high responsibilities in their respective organisations, by developing their analytical powers, knowledge of defence and international security, and strategic vision."
Type	Senior Military College
Established	1927
Parent institution	Constituent college of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom
Commandant	Lieutenant General Sir George Norton
Location	Seaford House, London , United Kingdom 51°29′56.91″N 0°9′5.12″W / 51.4991417°N 0.1514222°W / 51.4991417; -0.1514222
Campus	Urban
Website	www.da.mod.uk/study-with-us/colleges-and-schools/royal-college-for-defence-studies

The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) instructs the most promising senior officers of the British Armed Forces, His Majesty's Diplomatic Service and Civil Service in national defence and international security matters at the highest level, to prepare them for the top posts in their respective services. It forms part of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and is its most senior and prestigious component. In addition, there are many overseas attendees, from countries who are close allies of the United Kingdom.

It was known as the Imperial Defence College from its foundation in 1927 until 1970.