Politics and International Relations with a Year in China and Hong Kong

Program Overview: Politics and International Relations with a Year in China and Hong Kong

The Politics and International Relations with a Year in China and Hong Kong is a comprehensive undergraduate programme offered by the University of Kent, designed to provide students with a deep understanding of political systems, international affairs, and the dynamic geopolitical landscape of East Asia. This programme combines rigorous academic coursework with valuable international experience, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, journalism, and academia.

Throughout the course, students will explore a broad range of topics including comparative politics, international security, global governance, political theory, and regional studies focusing specifically on China and Hong Kong. The curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling students to assess complex political phenomena and economic developments within a global context. Students will also engage with contemporary issues such as human rights, political reform, economic development, and regional integration.

A distinctive feature of this degree is the integrated year abroad in China and Hong Kong, which offers students an immersive experience in one of the world's most influential and rapidly evolving regions. During this year, students will have the opportunity to study at partner universities, participate in internships, and engage with local political and academic communities. This international placement significantly enhances language skills, intercultural competence, and practical understanding of regional political dynamics, giving graduates a competitive edge in the global job market.

The programme combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, guided by expert academics with extensive research backgrounds in Asian politics and international relations. Students are encouraged to critically analyze policy issues and develop their own informed perspectives. The course also fosters collaboration and intercultural awareness through group work and cross-cultural interactions, reflecting the interconnected nature of contemporary global politics.

Graduates of this programme leave with a detailed understanding of political institutions, policy processes, and international relations particularly in the context of China and Hong Kong. They are equipped with valuable language skills, cultural insights, and practical experience that open career pathways in diplomacy, international consultancy, policy analysis, and academic research. By studying in an international environment and engaging directly with one of Asia’s most significant regions, students will gain a global perspective necessary for careers in international affairs and beyond.

The programme is ideal for students passionate about politics, Asian studies, and global security, seeking an academically challenging yet practically relevant education. It prepares students not only for immediate employment but also for further postgraduate study in politics, international relations, or area studies. With its combination of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and professional preparation, the Politics and International Relations with a Year in China and Hong Kong programme at the University of Kent offers a uniquely enriching educational experience.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

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

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

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
• Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Politics and Popular Culture in Modern Japan
• Learning Mandarin Chinese 1A
• Learning Mandarin Chinese
• 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:

• Political Research and Analysis
• The Rise of China
• Comparative Politics: Dictatorship and Democracy
• International Organisation: The UN System
• Governance & Politics of Contemporary China

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

You spend a year studying in one of our partner institutions at University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing where courses are taught in English.

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:

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

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

take an IELTS test.

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.

Qualification 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 a Year in China and Hong Kong programme at the University of Kent is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of political systems, international relations theories, and the geopolitical dynamics that shape our world today. This interdisciplinary undergraduate degree combines core modules in politics and international relations with specialized courses focusing on Asian politics, particularly in China and Hong Kong, offering students unique insights into one of the most influential regions globally. The inclusion of a dedicated year spent studying in China and Hong Kong allows students to immerse themselves in different cultural and political contexts, enhancing their practical language skills and cultural awareness. During this year abroad, students engage directly with local political institutions, attend lectures from leading academics and practitioners, and participate in internships or research projects, which significantly enrich their understanding of governance, diplomacy, and societal change in East Asia.

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including comparative politics, security studies, international organizations, and global governance, all tailored to reflect contemporary challenges such as globalization, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Students develop critical analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between domestic politics and international affairs. The programme also emphasizes the importance of methodological training in political research, equipping students with the skills necessary for academic or professional careers in political analysis, policy-making, international consultancy, or diplomatic service.

By completing this programme, students receive a globally focused education that incorporates first-hand experience in China and Hong Kong, preparing them for careers in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, or multinational corporations. The University of Kent's partnerships with institutions across Asia facilitate opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and study visits, making the programme highly practical and relevant in today’s interconnected world. Graduates of this programme will have an excellent foundation in understanding political systems and international relations, with specific expertise in East Asian politics, making them highly attractive to employers seeking specialists in Asian political affairs and international diplomacy.