Politics

The Politics programme at King’s College London offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of political institutions, ideas, and processes across domestic, regional, and global contexts. Designed to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, the course examines a wide range of topics including political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and governance. Students engage with contemporary political issues such as democracy and authoritarianism, human rights, global security, environmental politics, and the impact of technology on political communication. The programme combines rigorous academic training with practical insights, preparing graduates for careers in public service, international organizations, think tanks, journalism, or further academic research. Taught by experts in political science, the course employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, fostering an active learning environment. Students benefit from access to King’s College’s extensive resources, including libraries, online databases, and connections to policymakers and practitioners. The programme encourages critical debate and supports students in developing their own informed perspectives on key political issues. Throughout the course, students acquire skills in research methodology, policy analysis, and effective communication, equipping them to engage thoughtfully and effectively in political discourse. Whether interested in pursuing detailed theoretical study or engaging with real-world political challenges, students will find the Politics programme at King’s College London to be an intellectually stimulating and career-enriching experience.

Year 1

Your first year will comprise the following compulsory modules:

• Fundamentals of Politics Research (15 credits)
• World Politics Since 1945 (30 credits)
• Comparing Political Systems (30 credits)
• Introduction to Political Theory (30 credits)
• Statistics for Political Science (15 credits)

Year 2

After year 1, you will choose whether to read for the BA or the BSc.

The following 15-credit modules are required for this course:

• Research Methods for Politics

If you choose Politics BSc, you will also be required to take these modules:

• Game Theory & Strategic Decision-Making (15 credits)
• Statistics for Political Science II (15 credits)

Optional Modules

You will then select further modules to bring your total credits to 120 for the year from a wide range of options, each of which typically carries 15 credits. To ensure that we continue to provide an exciting and stimulating range of options, we review our provision of modules regularly. Please check here for updates or contact the department for more information:

• Issues & International Politics
• Political Economy: Approaches, Concepts & Issues
• The International Politics of Energy
• History of Political Thought
• Political Change in Europe
• The Political Theory of Capitalism
• Stability & Change in Post-Colonial Nations
• Institutions, Economics & Change
• Ethics, Economics & Environmental Protection
• The Economics of Politics
• Extended Essay

As a second-year student you also have the option to study abroad with one of our partner institutions for the second semester of the year. These currently include:

• Hong Kong University (Faculty of Economics & Business)
• National University of Singapore
• 3 Campus Programme (students attend Keio, Yonsei and HKU)
• University of North Carolina
• Georgetown University
• Sciences Po, Paris (you would basic French language for this option although a significant number of English-language taught modules are now available) – this option is not appropriate for BSc students because the required economics modules are not guaranteed.
• University of California – this option is not appropriate for BSc students because the required economics modules are not guaranteed.

Year 3

Required Modules

• Dissertation (30 credits)

Optional Modules

You will then select further modules to bring your total credits to 120 for the year from a wide range of options, each of which typically carries 15 credits. To ensure that we continue to provide an exciting and stimulating range of options, we review our provision of modules regularly. Please check here for updates or contact the department for more information: 

• Political Economy: Advanced Analysis
• Democracy & Its Critics
• Religion & Politics
• Commerce, Liberty & Virtue
• Democracy & Development
• The Politics of Culture & Identity
• Advanced Issues in International Politics
• The Economics of Crime
• Economic Policy-Making
• Advanced Issues in International Politics
• Behavioural Political Economy
• Liberalism
• Global Power Europe
• International Institutions & Global Governance

• The Attestat o Srednam Obrazov is not considered suitable for direct entry to our undergraduate degrees without further study (such as international A-levels, IB, or the first year of a degree with high grades in any compulsory subjects). Please consider our International Foundation Programmes (see below) as a route to our undergraduate degrees.
• Students with the High School certificate should consider applying for our International Foundation Programmes.
• IELTS 
• TOEFL iBT

The financing of the Politics degree programme at King's College London is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved and the financial support available. Tuition fees for home students are set according to the latest guidelines provided by the UK government and are subject to annual increases. As of the academic year 2023/2024, the tuition fee for UK undergraduate students studying Politics is approximately £9,250 per year. International students typically pay higher fees, which are approximately £18,700 per year, reflecting the standard fee levels for non-UK students at the university.

Students are encouraged to explore various funding options to support their studies. King's College London offers a range of scholarships and bursaries aimed at both UK and international students. These include merit-based scholarships, which are awarded based on academic achievement, and need-based bursaries for students experiencing financial difficulties. Applications for scholarships generally open in the preceding year and require students to meet specific eligibility criteria.

In addition to institutional funding, students can access government loans and grants. UK students are eligible to apply for tuition fee loans and maintenance loans through Student Finance England (or equivalent bodies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). These loans typically cover tuition fees in full and provide living cost support, which students repay after graduation once their income exceeds a certain threshold. International students are advised to seek external funding sources, such as scholarships offered by other organizations or regional scholarship schemes.

The university also offers part-time work opportunities within the campus, including research assistance and administrative roles, which help students supplement their income during studies. Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore external sponsorships and private funding sources, particularly for international students, to assist with tuition and living costs.

Financial planning is an integral part of student support services at King's College London. The university provides dedicated financial advice and resources to help students understand their funding options, manage their budgets, and plan for their studies. The university also emphasizes early application for funding opportunities to maximize the chances of receiving financial aid. Overall, the combination of university scholarships, government loans, external funding options, and work opportunities provides a multifaceted approach to financing a Politics degree at King's College London, making higher education accessible to a diverse student body.

The Politics program at King's College London offers students a comprehensive exploration of political theories, institutions, and practices that shape the modern world. Designed to provide a thorough understanding of the political landscape, the program covers a wide range of topics including comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, and policy analysis. Students will develop critical thinking skills and analytical abilities that are essential for careers in government, diplomacy, journalism, academia, or international organizations. The curriculum is structured to include both core modules that provide foundational knowledge and optional modules that allow students to specialise in areas such as security studies, human rights, or European politics. The program emphasizes the importance of research and encourages students to undertake independent projects, fostering an academic environment that promotes intellectual growth and professional development. King's College London prides itself on its diverse and inclusive community, offering students opportunities to engage with global political issues through seminars, workshops, and conferences. The campus is situated in the heart of London, providing access to political institutions like Parliament, the Foreign Office, and international organizations, enhancing experiential learning. The program is suitable for students who are passionate about understanding power dynamics, policy-making processes, and the impact of politics on societies worldwide. Graduates from the Politics program often pursue careers in areas such as government agencies, NGOs, diplomatic service, think tanks, or continue with postgraduate studies. The university’s strong links with political institutions and its vibrant academic community ensure students gain valuable insights and networks that support their professional aspirations. Overall, the Politics program at King's College London aims to cultivate informed, engaged, and analytical citizens prepared to make meaningful contributions to political life and policy development on a global scale.