Politics and International Affairs

Politics and international affairs are disciplines that examine power: how it is acquired, exercised, contested, and constrained, both within states and between them. Political science draws on history, philosophy, economics, and sociology to understand why governments make the decisions they do, how democratic institutions function, what causes political instability, and why some societies are more equal than others. International affairs adds a second lens, asking how states interact, what role international institutions play, how global crises are managed, and what norms and rules govern behaviour across borders.

The combination gives you both depth and range.

At King's College London this three-year full-time BA is structured around the relationship between domestic politics and the international environment, recognising that the two cannot easily be separated. You will study political actors and institutions at both levels, developing a critical understanding of how national governments respond to international pressures and how global events are shaped by domestic political dynamics. A significant part of the programme focuses on detailed knowledge of specific countries and regions around the world, allowing you to apply theoretical frameworks to real cases rather than staying at a purely abstract level.

Research methods are taken seriously throughout the programme. You will receive training in both quantitative and qualitative approaches, developing the skills to design and conduct your own independent research. This is valuable both intellectually and professionally: the ability to gather evidence systematically, evaluate it critically, and present well-reasoned conclusions is sought after across a wide range of careers.

Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, the civil service, think tanks, international organisations, journalism, NGOs, political consultancy, law, and finance. The analytical and research skills developed during the degree are highly transferable, and many graduates go on to postgraduate study in international relations, public policy, law, area studies, or political philosophy.