Politics and International Relations with a Year in North America

Politics and international relations is the discipline that examines how power is organised and exercised within and between states, how international institutions work, and how the decisions of governments, organisations, and individuals shape the conditions in which people live. It is a field that addresses some of the most consequential questions of our time: how democracies are sustained or eroded, how conflicts arise and are resolved, how global trade and financial systems are governed, and how responses to climate change, migration, and inequality are shaped by political interests and institutions.

At the University of Kent, this four-year full-time programme incorporates a year studying in North America, giving you a direct comparative encounter with the political system that has perhaps the most significant influence on global politics. You will study political theory, comparative government, international relations theory, and the specific dynamics of international organisations, security, and global governance alongside the North American academic and political environment that the year abroad provides. Kent has a strong tradition in politics and international relations, with particular strengths in European politics and international law, and the degree has a clear orientation towards careers that seek to improve lives at every scale, from local communities to the world stage.

Graduates from Politics and International Relations programmes work across a wide range of public and policy-oriented careers. The civil service, diplomatic service, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, journalism, and advocacy organisations are all significant employers of this kind of graduate. The analytical, research, and communication skills the degree develops are also valued in law, consultancy, business, and the technology sector.

For those drawn to further study, the degree provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate work in politics, international relations, law, or public policy. The typical entry tariff is 104 points.