Politics and International Relations with a Year in Continental Europe

Politics and International Relations with a Year in Continental Europe is an immersive undergraduate degree offered by the University of Kent that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape, international diplomacy, and the global interconnectedness of modern nations. This program is designed for students who are eager to explore the dynamic world of politics, policy-making, and international affairs through both theoretical frameworks and practical experiences. The curriculum combines core modules in political theory, comparative politics, and international relations, alongside specialized courses that focus on specific regions, political institutions, and global issues. A distinctive feature of this degree is the opportunity to spend a year studying abroad in Continental Europe, which allows students to immerse themselves in different political cultures, enhance language skills, and develop a broader perspective on international governance and diplomacy. The year abroad typically involves studying at partner universities across continental Europe, participating in internships, research projects, or cultural exchange activities. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this international aspect to build networks, increase intercultural competence, and gain firsthand insight into European political systems. The program is suitable for students interested in careers in government, international organizations, journalism, policy analysis, or diplomatic service. Throughout the course, students benefit from the university's strong links with political institutions, think tanks, and international agencies, providing valuable opportunities for work placements and networking. The program balances academic rigour with practical applications, preparing graduates for the complexities of modern politics and international relations. Upon completion, students will possess critical analytical skills, a nuanced understanding of global political developments, and the ability to operate effectively in multicultural environments. The degree aims to produce graduates who are well-informed, globally-minded, and equipped to contribute thoughtfully to political and international discourse in various professional contexts.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

• Introduction to International Politics
• Introduction to Political Thought
• Introduction to Political Science
• Introduction to Comparative Politics
• Globalisation and World Politics
• Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Politics and Popular Culture in Modern Japan
• Analysing British Politics Today
• International History and International Relations

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• International Organisation: The UN System
• Comparative Politics: Dictatorship and Democracy
• Political Research and Analysis

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

Spend a year studying in one of our partner institutions in Berlin, Brussels, Grenoble, Istanbul, Lille, Madrid, Paris, Potsdam, Siena and Turin, where you study in the local language; or Oslo, Prague, Warsaw, or Tampere where courses are taught in English.

Our partners on this programme are Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic; the University of Tampere in Finland, the University of Oslo in Norway, the University of Warsaw in Poland and Bogaziçi University in Turkey.

Possible modules may include:

• Politics and International Relations Year Abroad Mark 1
• Politics and International Relations Year Abroad Mark 2

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• Terrorism and Political Violence
• Politics of The Middle East
• Understanding US Foreign Policy: War, Trans- formation and Terror
• Conflict and Security in Africa
• Political Behaviour in Britain
• Humanitarian Communication
• Market States and Post Democracy
• Presidents, Parliaments and Democracy
• Politics in the Classroom
• Marxism
• Politics of Deeply Divided Societies
• Humans at War
• Japan in the World
• The Contemporary Politics of Japan
• Ethics in International Relations
• Foreign Policy Analysis and Management
• Europe and the World
• Post Communist Russia
• Specialist Dissertation (2 units)
• Rights, Freedoms and Individualism:Contemporary Liberalism in Question
• Engendering Politics:Feminist Contributions to Political Theory
• Governance & Politics of Contemporary China
• European Security Co-operation since 1945
• Comparative European Politics
• Politics of the European Union
• Policy-making in the EU
• The Politics of Trust (in the USA)
• Contemporary Politics and Government in the United States
• East European Politics
• Modern Political Thought
• The Rise of China
• Resistance, Suffering and Leadership: The Political Lives of DGandhi, M
• International Conflict and Cooperation
• The International Politics of Global Climate Change
• Conflict Analysis and Northern Ireland: History, Politics & Culture
• Advanced Topics in Politics and International Relation
• Religion and International Politics
• War and Peace in International Society
• International Political Economy
• Conservatism: Politics and International Relations of the Right
• International Security
• Advanced Analysis of British Politics

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

• A level: BBB

• Access to HE Diploma: The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma): The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• International Baccalaureate: 34 points overall or 15 at HL

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

The Politics and International Relations program at the University of Kent, offered with a Year in Continental Europe, provides students with a comprehensive understanding of political systems, policies, and international affairs. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep awareness of geopolitical dynamics. Throughout the course, students engage with key topics such as comparative politics, international security, European integration, and global governance. The inclusion of a year abroad in Europe allows students to immerse themselves in diverse political cultures and enhance their language skills, offering a valuable international perspective. The programme emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, government, international organizations, and research. Students benefit from the university's strong links with policymakers and institutions across Europe, providing opportunities for internships and networking. The curriculum also covers topics like human rights, environmental policies, and regional conflicts, fostering a nuanced understanding of current global challenges. The interdisciplinary approach integrates political science, history, and economics to provide a well-rounded education. Faculty members are experts in their fields, often involved in research projects that contribute to contemporary debates. The Year in Continental Europe typically includes placements or study modules in partner institutions across mainland Europe, enabling students to experience political environments firsthand. The university offers modern facilities, active student societies, and support services focused on career development. Overall, this program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and international outlook necessary for successful careers in the dynamic field of politics and international relations.