BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Kent

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how decisions are made — from Parliament to the United Nations — and want to understand what really drives world events, Kent’s BA in Politics and International Relations is a great fit for you. You’ll explore how governments, global institutions, and individuals interact in shaping policies and influencing change, preparing you for a future in diplomacy, law, journalism, or international development.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year lays the groundwork for everything to come. You’ll study Making Sense of Politics, The Power of Political Ideas, Roots of Contemporary Politics, and War, Violence and Peace — learning how political systems evolved, how ideologies shape society, and how conflicts and peace processes play out around the world.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll start applying these ideas to real-world issues. You’ll explore Global Governance of Peace and Security, Doing Politics with Words and Doing Politics with Numbers, which train you to analyze political data and narratives. You can then focus on topics that inspire you — from The Politics of Climate Change and Democracy Under Threat to American Politics or The Politics of the EU.

Year 3:
Your final year is all about independence and impact. You’ll work on a major Final Year Project or dissertation, where you research a topic you’re passionate about — whether it’s global inequality, media influence, or human rights. You’ll also take advanced modules like Negotiation: Theory and Practice, Contemporary Political Theory, or Politics of the Middle East and North Africa, connecting your studies to the world beyond the classroom.

Focus Areas

Global governance • Security and conflict • Political theory • Public policy • Quantitative and qualitative research • Regional and comparative politics

Learning Outcomes

By graduation, you’ll know how to critically evaluate political systems, use real data to build arguments, and communicate complex ideas clearly — skills that employers in government, diplomacy, and policy research value highly.

Professional Alignment

This degree is designed to be practical and career-focused, giving you analytical, writing, and research skills that translate directly into roles in government departments, NGOs, think tanks, or international organizations like the UN or NATO.

Reputation & Employability

Kent is ranked among the Top 40 universities in the UK (Times Good University Guide 2025). Graduates from this program have gone on to work at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, United Nations, NATO, and leading policy and media organizations — proof that Kent’s global outlook truly opens doors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Kent, you won’t just learn about politics — you’ll live it. The program gives you countless opportunities to apply theory to the real world, whether you’re analysing international conflicts, taking part in negotiation simulations, or conducting your own research. You’ll be part of an active academic community where global issues are debated every day, and your ideas genuinely matter.

Here’s how your learning goes beyond the classroom:

Independent Research Project: In your final year, you’ll design and complete your own dissertation or policy project — guided by experienced academics — using real data, interviews, and case studies.
Group Simulations and Policy Work: Modules like Negotiation: Theory and Practice bring politics to life through role-plays, simulations, and collaborative projects where you learn how to think and act like a policymaker.
Study Abroad Option: Spend a year studying in Europe, North America, or Asia-Pacific. It’s a chance to experience a new political system firsthand while earning credit toward your Kent degree.
Research Centre Engagement: Join in talks and workshops run by Kent’s renowned institutes such as the Conflict Analysis Research Centre, Centre for Federal Studies, and Global Europe Centre, where students often get involved in ongoing research and discussions.
Access to World-Class Resources: Kent’s Templeman Library houses vast digital and print collections, including government archives and international policy journals. You’ll also have access to modern computing labs equipped for both quantitative and qualitative research.
Career & Internship Support: The School of Politics and International Relations works closely with employers, think tanks, NGOs, and government departments — helping you find internships, placements, and networking opportunities that align with your goals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Kent opens doors to a world of meaningful careers — from government and diplomacy to media, policy, and research. Kent graduates are known for their ability to think critically, analyse global trends, and communicate ideas that influence change. Many go on to work as policy advisors, diplomatic service officers, journalists, and research analysts across the UK and abroad.

Here’s how Kent helps you build your path beyond graduation:

Personalised career support: Kent’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service works with you from your first year, helping you polish your CV, prepare for interviews, and connect with global employers. You can also access one-to-one career advice for up to three years after graduation.
Strong graduate outcomes: Within 15 months of finishing their degree, over 84% of Kent Politics and IR graduates are employed or pursuing further study, with many starting salaries around £28,000.
Industry recognition: Kent is ranked among the Top 50 UK universities for work experience and placements (RateMyPlacement Awards 2024), reflecting its strong employer partnerships and placement opportunities.
Career-ready skills: The program’s training in data analysis, negotiation, and global governance equips you with the kind of analytical and communication skills sought after in policy think tanks, NGOs, and international organisations.
Proven graduate success: Alumni have gone on to work at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, United Nations, British Council, NATO, and major research and media institutions.

Further Academic Progression:

Many Kent graduates choose to pursue further studies with a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Theory, Diplomacy, or Security Studies. The university’s School of Politics and International Relations offers a clear pathway into postgraduate research (MA, MPhil, or PhD), giving you the chance to specialise further and prepare for roles in academia, policy consultancy, or international development.