Politics BA/BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Kings College London

Program Overview

If you're curious about how the world works—from power and policy to protest and diplomacy—this Politics degree at King’s is a brilliant choice. Over three years, you'll explore everything from global conflicts and government systems to political theory and research methods, while developing the kind of sharp, analytical thinking that employers love.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building your foundation

Your first year lays the groundwork. You’ll explore big political ideas and systems in modules like Introduction to Comparative Politics, World Politics Since 1945, and Fundamentals of Politics Research. There’s also a stats module—Statistics for Political Science—which might sound a bit dry, but it’s super useful for understanding data in real-world political contexts.

Year 2: Going deeper

This is where things start to open up. You’ll dive further into political theory, policymaking, or international relations depending on your interests, and the course splits slightly depending on whether you're doing the BA or BSc version. Either way, you’ll be sharpening your research skills and starting to think more independently about political questions.

Year 3: Making it your own

In your final year, it’s all about choice and independence. You can pick modules that align with what you’re most passionate about—from global governance to political economy—and you’ll also have the option to do a dissertation. That means choosing a political issue you care about, researching it deeply, and working closely with an academic to write something original and impactful.


Focus Areas

Global politics, comparative politics, political theory, research methods, political economy, policymaking, and international relations.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to think critically and independently, evaluate political arguments, carry out solid research, and clearly communicate complex ideas—skills that are in demand far beyond politics.


Professional Alignment

While there’s no formal accreditation needed for a politics degree, this one is well respected in fields like government, policy, journalism, NGOs, and international organisations. The research and communication skills you gain are highly transferable too.


Reputation

King’s is one of the UK’s top universities for politics—ranked 4th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Graduates from this course have gone on to work at the BBC, Bank of England, European Parliament, and major think tanks and charities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

King’s College London’s Politics BA/BSc program offers students a highly practical and immersive learning experience designed to develop strong analytical and research skills through direct engagement with political processes and theories. Students benefit from King’s central London location, which provides close proximity to major political institutions, think tanks, and policy centers, enriching their understanding through real-world context and opportunities.

Experiential learning in this program is supported by various facilities and resources that foster active learning beyond traditional lectures:

  • Access to the Strand Campus’s comprehensive academic and social facilities, including specialized seminar rooms and lecture halls designed for interactive learning.

  • Opportunities to engage in group projects and seminars encouraging collaboration and practical application of political theories.

  • Access to extensive digital resources and political databases through the university’s libraries and online portals, such as the Maughan Library and the Foyle Special Collections Library.

  • Internships and placements facilitated by King’s Career Services, aimed at giving students hands-on experience in governmental, non-profit, and policy-oriented organizations.

  • Participation in guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with political professionals and alumni, enriching student insights and career prospects.

  • Support for research projects using King’s advanced computing and research labs, facilitating data analysis and methodological training.

  • The university’s strong emphasis on inclusive and supportive learning communities, providing access to academic advisors and skills workshops.

For more details on the facilities available to Politics students at King’s College London, visit their official facilities page.

This blend of practical engagement, dedicated resources, and career-focused support ensures that Politics students graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the skills and experience valued by employers in politics, government, and related fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) / Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Politics at King’s College London equips graduates for diverse and rewarding careers across business, government, policy-making, the public and charity sectors, and social enterprises. Graduates typically pursue roles as policy advisors, government officials, communications specialists, and analysts in think tanks or NGOs.

Future progression and opportunities include:

  • University Services for Employment: King’s Careers & Employability offers comprehensive support including career counseling, CV and interview preparation, networking events, and access to an extensive alumni network to guide students into their chosen fields.

  • Employment Statistics and Salaries: Around 80% of Politics graduates from King’s find work or continue studies within 15 months after graduation, with average earnings of approximately £32,000 within this period. Graduate employment spans high-skilled roles including business and public service associate professionals, finance professionals, and senior officials.

  • University–Industry Partnerships: King’s benefits from strong connections with government bodies, international organizations, and London-based institutions, providing students with valuable internship and work placement opportunities.

  • Accreditation Value: King’s College London is globally recognized with a top-tier reputation in political studies, ranked 14th in the UK for Graduate Prospects, ensuring the qualification holds significant long-term value.

  • Graduation Outcomes: Graduates gain critical analytical, research, and communication skills that employers highly value, evidenced by the significant proportion of alumni working in skilled, meaningful jobs related to their studies.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Politics degree at King’s, students can advance academically by pursuing postgraduate studies such as a Master’s or PhD in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, or related fields. The university also offers pathways for specialized postgraduate research or professional training programs that build on undergraduate foundations and open doors to academic, policy, or international careers.

This program’s blend of rigorous academic training with practical employability support makes it a compelling choice for students aiming to impact the political and public sectors globally.

Program Key Stats

£35,800
£ 29
Sept Intake : 29th Jan


13 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

A*AA
3.7
38
90

NA
NA
7.0
100

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Legislative & Policy Analyst
  • Foreign affairs specialist
  • Benefits analyst
  • Community development analyst
  • Political associate

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