Politics and International Relations with a Year in Japan

Politics and International Relations with a Year in Japan at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of global political systems, international diplomacy, and the complex issues shaping our world today. This degree programme combines rigorous academic study with practical insights into the dynamics of international affairs, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, governmental agencies, international organisations, NGOs, journalism, and beyond. The inclusion of a year spent studying in Japan provides a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a different cultural and political environment, enhancing their cross-cultural communication skills and deepening their understanding of East Asian politics and economics. During the year in Japan, students engage with local political institutions, participate in field trips, and take courses tailored to Japanese politics and society, all while experiencing everyday life in a vibrant, historically rich country. The programme’s curriculum covers a wide range of topics including comparative politics, security studies, international law, global governance, political theory, and regional studies. It is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced appreciation of the geopolitical landscape. Students also benefit from research seminars, workshops, and opportunities to engage with practitioners and academics in the field. The year abroad is supported by the university’s strong network of partner institutions and allows students to build international networks that are invaluable for future careers. Overall, this degree equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to understand and navigate the complexities of international political life, complemented by the cultural and linguistic insights gained during the year in Japan. Upon graduation, students leave equipped with a global perspective and the adaptability to operate effectively in diverse political and cultural settings.

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:

• Learning Japanese 1A: An Introduction to Elementary Japanese
• Learning Japanese 1B: An Introduction to Upper Elementary Japanese
• Introduction to International Politics
• Politics and Popular Culture in Modern Japan
• Introduction to Political Thought
• Introduction to Political Science
• Introduction to Comparative Politics

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• International Organisation: The UN System
• Japan in the World
• 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 at Aoyama Gakuin University, Musashi University, and Waseda University in Tokyo and Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, Kyoto Sangyo University and Okayama University, Japan.

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:

• 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
• 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
• 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
• The Rise of China
• Resistance, Suffering and Leadership: The Political Lives of DGandhi, M
• International Conflict and Cooperation

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 with Year in Japan degree at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of political systems, international relations, and diplomacy, combined with a unique cultural and language experience in Japan. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in political theory, comparative politics, and international politics, while also developing language skills and cultural awareness through immersive study in Japan. Throughout the course, students explore key topics such as global political economy, security studies, human rights, and regional politics, gaining insights into contemporary global issues.

The inclusion of a Year in Japan allows students to spend a full academic year studying at a partner university within Japan, experiencing firsthand the political and cultural landscape of East Asia. This year abroad is integral to the program, offering opportunities to improve language proficiency in Japanese, understand regional political dynamics, and build international networks. Students may engage in language courses, cultural immersion activities, and specialized modules focused on Japanese politics, society, and history. This experience aims to enhance employability by providing intercultural communication skills, cross-national perspectives, and a deeper understanding of Asian geopolitics.

The course at the University of Kent is structured to combine theoretical learning with practical application, including opportunities for internships, research projects, and policy analysis. The program prepares graduates for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, or further academic study. Entry requirements typically include A-levels or equivalent qualifications, and prospective students should demonstrate an interest in politics, global affairs, and a desire to experience Japanese culture. Upon completion, students are awarded a Bachelor's degree with an international dimension, reflecting the unique year spent studying abroad.

Overall, this program offers a challenging and rewarding pathway for students interested in politics, international relations, and East Asian affairs, combining rigorous academic study with meaningful cultural engagement in Japan.