BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in the Asia-Pacific

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Kent

Program Overview

Program Overview
If you’re curious about how global power works and want to understand what shapes today’s political decisions, this course is for you. At Kent, you’ll explore the big questions of politics and international relations — and then take your learning global with an unforgettable year studying in the Asia-Pacific region.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building your foundation in political theory and global affairs through modules like Making Sense of Politics, The Power of Political Ideas, and States and the World. These classes help you grasp how governments function, how ideologies evolve, and how countries interact on the world stage.

Year 2:
Next, you’ll refine your skills through modules such as Doing Politics with Words, Doing Politics with Numbers, and Global Governance of Peace and Security. You’ll learn to analyse data, debate policies, and explore complex issues like climate change, diplomacy, and global inequality — all while shaping your own academic path with optional modules.

Year 3 – Year Abroad in Asia-Pacific:
Here’s where the adventure begins. You’ll spend a full academic year studying at one of Kent’s partner universities across East or Southeast Asia — places like Japan, Singapore, or Taiwan. This experience lets you compare political systems firsthand, develop cultural awareness, and gain real international experience that employers love.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll bring it all together. You’ll work on a Final Year Project or dissertation and choose advanced modules such as Negotiation: Theory and Practice, Contemporary Political Theory, or Politics of the Global Economy. It’s your chance to apply everything you’ve learned to the real world and graduate with a clear sense of purpose.

Focus areas: Political systems, international relations, global governance, diplomacy, and regional studies

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate as a confident communicator, a critical thinker, and a globally aware problem-solver ready to influence change.

Professional alignment: Perfect for careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, journalism, NGOs, international development, or postgraduate research in global politics.

Reputation:
Kent is highly rated for teaching quality and global opportunities. 90% of Politics students praised the academic support they received (NSS 2024), and Kent ranks among the Top 40 UK universities (Times Good University Guide 2025).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Kent, studying Politics and International Relations isn’t just about reading theory — it’s about experiencing how politics actually works. From your first year, you’ll learn through discussion-based seminars, real policy debates, and simulation projects that mirror the challenges faced by global decision-makers. You’ll also gain hands-on research skills and spend a full year abroad in the Asia-Pacific, where you’ll see international relations unfold in real time.

Here’s how you’ll learn by doing:

Simulation and group projects – Take part in debates, mock negotiations, and crisis simulations in modules like Global Governance of Peace and Security and Negotiation: Theory and Practice.
Data and digital tools – Use political analysis software and quantitative tools in Doing Politics with Numbers to interpret real political data and trends.
Research practice – Learn how to conduct interviews, analyse speeches, and design surveys through Doing Politics with Words, building practical communication and analysis skills.
International experience – Spend your third year studying in the Asia-Pacific region, gaining cultural awareness and regional insights that set you apart in global careers.
Independent project – Work on your Final Year Project or dissertation using real-world case studies, policy reports, or field research.
Engagement and community – Join Kent’s Politics and International Relations Society, attend guest lectures from diplomats and policymakers, and collaborate with students who share your passion for global issues.
World-class facilities – Access Kent’s Templeman Library, political archives, digital databases, and research centres dedicated to global and European studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Kent’s Politics and International Relations program go on to shape policies, work with international organisations, and drive positive change around the world. Your year abroad in the Asia-Pacific gives you a strong global perspective, preparing you for careers that bridge cultures and influence real decisions. Many graduates build careers as Civil Service Officers, Policy Analysts, Diplomats, Public Affairs Consultants, or NGO Development Officers — roles where your political insight and research skills make a real difference.

To help you launch your career, Kent provides exceptional support and opportunities:

Careers and Employability Service (CES): Offers one-to-one guidance, CV clinics, mock interviews, and annual employer fairs to connect you with potential recruiters.
Lifelong career support: You’ll continue to receive career advice and job search access for up to three years after graduation.
Networking & partnerships: Meet guest speakers from government, NGOs, think tanks, and international agencies through school events and Politics & IR Careers Forums.
Global recognition: A Kent degree is respected worldwide, developing skills in communication, data analysis, and problem-solving that employers across sectors value highly.
Strong graduate outcomes: Many Kent Politics graduates find work in the public sector, international organisations, and policy research institutes within six months of finishing their studies.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, Kent offers postgraduate options in International Relations, Public Policy, Diplomacy, Development Studies, and Security Studies. The university also supports applications for prestigious scholarships such as the Fulbright University of Kent Award for master’s or doctoral studies abroad.