Politics and International Relations with a Year in North America

Politics and International Relations with a Year in North America at the University of Kent is a comprehensive undergraduate degree programme designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of political systems, international affairs, and the global political environment. This course combines rigorous academic study with practical insights into the functioning of political institutions, diplomatic practices, and international organizations, preparing graduates for careers in government, diplomacy, international NGOs, journalism, and beyond.

The programme is structured to offer a broad overview of key political concepts, theories, and issues while allowing students to specialise in areas such as global security, international development, comparative politics, and foreign policy analysis. A distinctive feature of this degree is the Year in North America, which gives students the opportunity to spend an academic year studying at partner institutions across the United States or Canada. This international exchange enhances students' cultural awareness, language skills, and understanding of political dynamics in North America, one of the world’s most influential regions.

During the year abroad, students attend partner universities, participate in seminars, workshops, and internships, and engage with local political communities. This immersive experience fosters critical thinking, intercultural communication skills, and a global perspective on political issues. Students are supported by dedicated academic staff and international coordinators to ensure a smooth transition and meaningful learning experience abroad.

The programme also emphasizes the development of practical skills such as policy analysis, research methods, and ethical reasoning. Students have access to resources like libraries, online databases, and political simulation exercises to deepen their understanding. Throughout their studies, they are encouraged to critically evaluate different political ideologies, compare governmental structures, and analyze international crises and conflicts.

Graduates of Politics and International Relations with a Year in North America gain a solid foundation in political science and international affairs, complemented by international experience that enhances their employability and adaptability in a competitive global job market. The programme aims to produce well-rounded, informed, and engaged individuals ready to contribute to society and influence global political developments.

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

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

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

Year abroad

You spend your year abroad on an approved work placement or studying at one of our partner institutions in Canada or the United States. Students studying at a partner university take approved modules equivalent to 120 Kent credits, leading to a total of 360 credits for Stages 2, A and 3. For further details of the modules available at our partner universities, please consult the relevant Academic Co-ordinator. You can obtain a list of co-ordinators from the Politics School office or the International Development office.

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

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.

Politics and International Relations with a Year in North America at the University of Kent is a comprehensive undergraduate degree program designed to give students a thorough understanding of political systems, international affairs, and diplomatic relations. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare graduates for careers in governmental agencies, international organizations, NGOs, diplomatic missions, or further academic research. Students will engage with core concepts such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, security studies, and global governance. The inclusion of a Year in North America offers an invaluable opportunity for immersive learning and cultural exchange by studying at partner institutions in North America, enabling students to gain firsthand experience of political dynamics and societal issues in the region. Throughout the course, students will develop analytical skills, research capabilities, and a critical understanding of how political institutions function within different cultural contexts. The curriculum is structured to include lectures, seminars, workshops, and placements, fostering active participation and practical exposure. Students can choose specialized modules aligned with their interests, such as human rights, policymaking, foreign policy analysis, or regional security. The Year Abroad typically takes place in the third year, where students study at partner universities in North America—such as in the United States or Canada—extending their academic horizon and building international networks. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, reports, and examinations, emphasizing the development of clear, evidence-based arguments. The program also emphasizes employability skills, including critical thinking, intercultural communication, and policy analysis. Graduates of the program often pursue roles in policy analysis, international development, diplomacy, journalism, or continue their studies through postgraduate degrees. The University of Kent is renowned for its research-led teaching, diverse student body, and strong links with governmental and international organizations, providing students with valuable opportunities to engage with professionals in the field. Overall, the Politics and International Relations with a Year in North America offers an academically challenging and culturally enriching experience designed to prepare students for global careers.