BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in North America

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Kent

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how power works, how nations interact, and how decisions shape our world, this program is designed for you. The BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in North America combines the academic depth of Kent’s leading School of Politics and International Relations with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in the U.S. or Canada — immersing you in another political culture and gaining a truly global outlook.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Laying the foundations
Your first year builds the essential knowledge every political scientist needs. Through engaging modules like Making Sense of Politics, The Power of Political Ideas, and Understanding Change in British Politics, you’ll learn how governments operate, why political ideologies emerge, and how global challenges are shaped by history and society. You’ll also start developing key analytical and communication skills that set you up for success in later years.

Year 2 – Expanding your perspective
In the second year, you’ll sharpen your research and data analysis skills through modules such as Doing Politics with Words and Doing Politics with Numbers. You’ll explore topics like Global Governance of Peace and Security, understanding how institutions such as the UN and NATO handle world crises. Optional modules let you tailor your learning — from American Politics and The Politics of the Global Economy to Democracy Under Threat or Politics of the EU.

Year 3 – The North American experience
This is the heart of your degree. You’ll spend an unforgettable year studying at one of Kent’s partner universities in the United States or Canada, diving into North American political thought, culture, and society. Whether you’re studying U.S. foreign policy, Canadian federalism, or transatlantic relations, you’ll experience politics in action — while building international networks and cultural fluency.

Year 4 – Specialisation and independence
Returning to Kent, you’ll bring together everything you’ve learned. Your Final Year Project or dissertation lets you investigate a topic you’re passionate about — whether that’s diplomacy, conflict, or climate policy. Alongside this, modules like Negotiation: Theory and Practice, Contemporary Political Theory, and Public Opinion in Politics help you refine your expertise and prepare for professional life.

Focus areas: Comparative politics, global governance, diplomacy, North American politics, and international relations.

Learning outcomes: By graduation, you’ll be able to critically evaluate global systems, design and conduct independent research, communicate ideas clearly, and apply theory to real-world policy issues — all while adapting to different academic and cultural settings.

Professional alignment: This degree is ideal preparation for careers in diplomacy, public policy, journalism, NGOs, international organisations, or political consulting. The mix of Kent’s rigorous training and your North American year abroad gives you a global mindset that employers value highly.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):
Kent is ranked among the Top 40 UK universities (Times Good University Guide 2025) and its Politics graduates enjoy excellent career prospects, with 84% in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. The program is globally respected, helping you open doors to careers and postgraduate study around the world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Kent, you won’t just learn politics — you’ll experience it. This degree is designed to help you understand how real-world decisions are made and how global systems operate. You’ll engage in lively debates, hands-on workshops, and real simulations that put you in the shoes of world leaders and diplomats. And your year abroad in North America gives you a unique chance to live, study, and think politics on an international scale.

Here’s what experiential learning looks like at Kent:

Interactive simulations and group projects: Take part in negotiation games, mock summits, and team-based projects through modules like Global Governance of Peace & Security and Negotiation: Theory and Practice, where you’ll develop teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Practical research training: In modules such as Doing Politics with Words and Doing Politics with Numbers, you’ll use real data and research software to analyse political trends, public opinion, and global issues — preparing you for roles in policy, media, and analytics.
Immersive year abroad: Spend your third year studying at a partner university in the United States or Canada. You’ll gain first-hand exposure to North American political institutions, experience a new academic environment, and build global networks that can shape your future career.
Research centres and events: Get involved with Kent’s leading research institutes — such as the Global Europe Centre and the Conflict Analysis Research Centre — where you can attend guest lectures, contribute to projects, or even assist in academic research.
Real policy writing and analysis: You’ll learn to produce professional-style policy briefs and research reports, connecting classroom theory with real global challenges.
Exceptional learning resources: The Templeman Library offers a rich collection of political science and international relations materials, along with access to global research databases and quiet study zones perfect for your dissertation work.
Vibrant academic community: Regular workshops, public lectures, and student-led conferences ensure you’re part of a stimulating, collaborative learning environment that extends well beyond the classroom.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Kent means you’ll leave with more than just a degree — you’ll have the confidence, global perspective, and analytical skills to step into meaningful roles in politics, international relations, or beyond. With your year spent studying in the U.S. or Canada, you’ll stand out to employers who value international experience and cultural adaptability. Many Kent graduates have gone on to exciting careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, development, and communications — shaping the world around them.

Here’s how Kent helps you build that future:

Personalised career support: Kent’s Careers and Employability Service offers one-on-one coaching, CV and interview workshops, and exclusive networking opportunities with employers. The School of Politics and International Relations also runs aSPIRations, a mentoring program connecting students with alumni working in government, NGOs, and global organisations.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 85% of Kent Politics graduates are working or in further study within 15 months of graduation, earning an average salary of £31,000.
Powerful professional networks: Kent graduates have found positions at the UK Parliament, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), United Nations, European Commission, Amnesty International, and Oxfam — reflecting the school’s strong reputation in the field.
Long-term value: This degree builds the core skills that last — critical thinking, communication, and global awareness — which are valued across diplomacy, law, media, policy, and non-profit sectors.
Diverse career pathways: Alumni have taken on roles as Policy Analysts, Diplomatic Officers, NGO Programme Managers, Political Risk Consultants, and Public Affairs Specialists, working across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates continue to postgraduate study, pursuing programs such as MA International Relations, MA Public Policy, MA Diplomacy, or MSc Global Governance and Conflict Studies at Kent or other leading universities worldwide. Some also progress into Law (GDL/LLM) or Journalism and Media Studies, combining political insight with strong analytical and communication skills.