BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations
Canterbury, United Kingdom
BA
DURATION
6 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 19,300 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international | UK: TBC
Key Summary
Our new course reflects the changing role - and growing toolset - of a modern professional. As well as building your skills in critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, you’ll learn how to work with evidence, evaluate complex problems, and present clear, persuasive solutions.
On campus, you’ll be part of a friendly and diverse community, supported by expert academics who are leaders in their fields. You’ll also have the opportunity to see politics in action beyond the UK, with the option to spend a year studying in North America, Asia-Pacific or mainland Europe.
If you’re passionate about politics and committed to making a difference, we’ll help you build the skills, confidence, and insight to do just that.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Stage 1
Compulsory modules currently include the following
- Making Sense of Politics
- The Power of Political Ideas
- Roots of Contemporary Politics
- States and the World
- Understanding Change in British Politics
- War, Violence and Peace
Stage 2
Compulsory modules currently include the following
- Doing Politics with Words
- Global Governance of Peace and Security
- Doing Politics with Numbers
Optional modules may include the following
- The Politics of Climate Change
- The Politics of the EU
- Democracy Under Threat
- American Politics
- Politics of the Global Economy
- Foreign Policy: Systems, States and Leaders
- State and Revolution: Foundations of Modern Political Thought
Stage 3
Compulsory modules currently include the following
- Final Year Project
Optional modules may include the following
- Negotiation: Theory and Practice
- Politics of the Global Economy
- Contemporary Political Theory
- Transforming British Politics
- Public Opinion in Politics
- Dictatorships
- Political Theory of the Future
- Who Do You Think You Are? On Identity Politics
- Politics of the Middle East and North Africa: Space, Society and Politics
- Security Challenges in the Indo-Pacific
The skills our students learn on this course prepares them for respected fields after graduation, including:
- Local and central government
- Media
- Teaching
- Publishing
- Diplomatic service
- Finance
- Think tanks
- Data analysis
Recent graduate destinations include the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, NATO, the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, the British Council, and the British Medical Association.
How you'll study
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Independent Study
- Group Work
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning style
- Lectures: Learn more about cutting-edge themes, with lecturers or guest experts
- Seminars: Debate the issues in small, open groups
- Individual discussions: Talk directly to lecturers and advisors about key course themes
- Computer lab sessions: Get experience in statistical methods
Assessments
- Essays: Showcase your knowledge and problem solving in writing
- Policy reports: Learn how to effectively research, assess and present policy
- Presentations: Refine and showcase your communication skills, solo and in groups
- Group projects: Tackle a problem together to improve teamwork
- Final year project: Develop a dissertation, policy report or portfolio of engagement, and present at a dedicated student conference
Placements
- Year abroad: Option to study for a year in Asia-Pacific, mainland Europe or North America
- Year in industry: Gain valuable work experience with a placement in an approved organisation
Resources and Support
- Hands-on Support: Get more 1-to-1 help with our supportive lecturers and academic advisors
- Student Focus: Specialist employment support, student action groups, and events
- Diverse backgrounds: Learn from experts with a range of research interests
- Student-led societies: Join groups such as the Kent Model UN or Politics and IR Society


