If you’re curious about how governments work, why societies make the choices they do, and how global events shape our everyday lives, then Politics at King’s is the right degree for you. This program gives you the chance to study politics from every angle—whether that’s global diplomacy, political theory, or hands-on research—while developing the analytical skills employers love.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year is about building a strong foundation. You’ll dive into modules like Introduction to Politics, learn the basics of Quantitative Research Methods, and pick up vital skills in Statistics for Political Science. By the end of the year, you’ll feel confident in both understanding big political debates and knowing how to back your arguments with data.
Year 2
This is where you start shaping the degree around your own interests. You can choose modules in areas such as Comparative Politics, Qualitative Research Methods, or more advanced political theory. It’s a chance to go beyond the basics and explore the issues you’re passionate about—whether that’s democracy, international conflict, or political ideologies.
Year 3
Your final year is all about independence and specialisation. The highlight is your dissertation, where you get to research a political question that matters to you most, supported by an expert academic. Alongside that, you’ll take specialist modules and refine the research and communication skills that will prepare you for life after graduation.
Focus areas: International Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, Research Methods, Dissertation
Learning outcomes: You’ll leave the course able to think critically about political systems, carry out your own research, and make strong, evidence-based arguments.
Professional alignment (accreditation): While not tied to a formal accreditation, the program is highly respected and designed to set you up for roles in government, policy, research, communications, or international organisations.
Reputation (employability rankings): King’s is ranked 4th in the UK for Politics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025—a mark of its global reputation and the career value of this degree.
At King’s College London, studying Politics isn’t confined to lecture halls—it’s about learning through experience. From your very first year, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking in lively seminars, work with peers on group projects, and engage directly with contemporary political issues. You’ll also have access to the Strand Campus at the heart of London, the historic Maughan Library, and specialist resources that bring politics to life. In your final year, the independent dissertation gives you the chance to act as a researcher—shaping a question, gathering evidence, and presenting your findings, much like professional policy analysts or political advisors do.
Alongside world-class teaching, you’ll build practical skills through the facilities, tools, and opportunities offered at King’s:
Interactive seminars, debates, and case studies – designed to mirror real-world political dialogue and policymaking.
Research dissertation in the final year – conduct independent research under academic supervision, using primary and secondary political sources.
Access to the Maughan Library and Strand Campus study hubs – providing extensive digital databases, journals, and archives essential for political research.
Student-led societies and think tanks – including the King’s Think Tank and Politics Society, where you can debate, draft policy briefs, and connect with external speakers.
Study abroad and international exchanges – spend a semester or year at a partner university worldwide, adding a global dimension to your degree.
Internships and placement opportunities – through King’s Careers & Employability, you can take part in accredited internships or part-time political work in London, from Parliament to NGOs.
Digital and academic tools – including induction via MS Sway and continued access to King’s e-learning platforms for collaborative projects and coursework.
Specialist institutes – benefit from links with the Policy Institute at King’s, which connects students with policymakers and research that impacts global debates
The Politics BA/BSc at King’s College London sets students up for some fantastic career paths—think becoming a Policy Officer, Government Analyst, Public Affairs Consultant, or Researcher. Graduates appreciate how their degree opens doors in business, government, and nonprofits, with diverse employers actively seeking out King’s graduates for their analytical skills and real-world political insight.
King’s Careers & Employability offers loads of support, including tailored CV advice, exclusive networking events, and help prepping for interviews—so students feel ready for whatever comes next.
Many students note their professors are helpful, passionate, and make complex topics easy to understand while encouraging questions until every doubt is cleared.
Industry connections are strong—students regularly attend conferences and events in London, often meeting policymakers and leaders in person.
The degree’s international reputation stands out on a CV, giving graduates credible, long-term career benefits wherever they go.
While the job market can be tough, most students feel their King’s degree gives them an edge, and their growth through academic and social life helps them find their unique professional path
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