Politics and Law

The Politics and Law program at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental concepts, theories, and practices that shape modern political systems and legal frameworks. Designed for students passionate about understanding how power, governance, and law influence society, this interdisciplinary course combines rigorous academic study with practical insights, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in law, public policy, government, and beyond. Throughout the program, students engage with key areas including Comparative Politics, International Relations, Public Law, and Political Theory, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for dissecting complex political and legal issues. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and real-world applications, encouraging students to critically evaluate contemporary policy debates and legal developments on national and global scales. Additionally, students have opportunities for practical experience through internships, dissertation projects, and engagement with external organizations, enriching their understanding of current challenges in politics and law. The programme is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, ensuring that learning is both academically rigorous and relevant to today’s political landscape. With a supportive learning environment, access to extensive resources, and a focus on employability, the Politics and Law degree at Kent prepares students for successful careers in public service, legal practice, NGOs, international organizations, or further academic research. Whether pursuing a career in legal advisement, diplomatic service, or policy analysis, graduates leave equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee

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

Part-time: EEA: £4,500; Non-EEA: £6,240

Start date September 2015 28 September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS

• Total Kent credits: 360
• Total ECTS credits: 180

Credits 360

• Total Kent credits: 360
• Total ECTS credits: 180

Duration full-time 36 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible

Course Content

Course structure

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:

• A Critical Introduction to Law
• Introduction to Obligations
• Foundations of Property
• The English Legal System and Skills
• Introduction to Political Science
• Introduction to Comparative Politics
• Public Law 1

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• Political Research and Analysis
• Comparative Politics: Dictatorship and Democracy
• Public Law 2
• European Union Law
• The Law of Obligations
• Equity and Trusts
• Land Law

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• Advanced Level Criminal Law
• Law and Medical Ethics
• Morality and Law
• Reading Twentieth Century Murder Cases
• Law in Action
• Advanced Topics in Property Law: the politicsof ownership
• Law Dissertation Autumn Option
• Neuroscience in Law: Forensic, Medical and Ethical Aspects
• Legal Ethics: Exploring the Ethics of Lawyersand Lawyering
• Race, Religion and Law
• Labour Law
• Appropriate Dispute Resolution: Theory and Practice
• Law, Science and Technology
• Skills in Legal Interpretation
• Access to Land
• Gender, Sexuality and Law
• The Skills of Argument - How to Argue and Win
• Family Law
• Race, Religion and Law
• Law and Social Change
• The Family and the Law
• International Law
• Critical Legal Theory
• Human Rights and English Law
• Labour Law
• International Business Transactions
• The Law of Evidence
• Law and Medical Ethics
• Company Law and Capitalism
• Comparative Law
• Mental Health Law
• The Philosophy of Law
• Legal History
• Policing
• Clinical Option:Legal Process and Public Legal Services
• Punishment and the Penal System
• Law and Literature
• European Legal Systems
• Banking Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Law - Dissertation
• Law Dissertation (1 unit option)
• Law and Society: Regulating Communities
• Immigration Asylum & Nationality Law
• The Law & the Media: Freedom of Expression as it relates to the Media
• Consumer Law
• Law and Literature
• Banking Law
• Art Law
• Forensic Science in Criminal Trials
• Environmental Law
• International Organisation: The UN System
• 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
• 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
• 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

Requirements

Home/EU students

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.

Qualification / Typical offer/minimum requirement

A level

• ABB

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 16 points at HL

International students The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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.