Introduction to the Program

The University of Kent offers a comprehensive program in Politics and International Relations with a Year in Industry. This program is designed for individuals who are driven to improve lives and make a difference in the world. It provides students with the tools to analyze political systems, understand international dynamics, and design policies that lead to meaningful change.

Program Structure

The program is a four-year full-time course that includes a year in industry. Students take compulsory modules in the first and second years, followed by a year in industry, and then complete their final year with optional modules.

First Year Modules

• Making Sense of Politics: This module introduces students to the empirical study of key structures, institutions, processes, outcomes, and behaviors in political systems.
• The Power of Political Ideas: This module explores debates regarding foundational issues in political theory and helps students develop their knowledge of key concepts and thinkers.
• Roots of Contemporary Politics: This module provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their university studies and beyond.
• States and the World: This module introduces students to the discipline of International Relations and explores the role and status of states as key actors in global politics.
• War, Violence and Peace: This module introduces students to the concepts of war, violence, and peace, and explores the methods and skills needed to study these phenomena.

Second Year Modules

• Doing Politics with Words: This module critically interrogates how political actors construct language and discourse.
• Global Governance of Peace and Security: This module examines the institutions, norms, processes, actors, and consequences of global and regional governance.
• Doing Politics with Numbers: This module introduces students to the principles of empirical social science research and equips them with foundational statistical techniques.
• Optional modules may include:
  • The Politics of Climate Change
  • The Politics of the EU
  • Democracy Under Threat
  • American Politics
  • Politics of the Global Economy
  • Foreign Policy: Systems, States and Leaders
  • State and Revolution: Foundations of Modern Political Thought

Year in Industry

The year in industry is taken between the second and third years of the degree and contributes towards the final degree classification. Students are responsible for finding their placement, but the School offers structured support for the application process.

Final Year Modules

• Final Year Project: This module guides students through the development and planning of a long-term research project on a specialist interest of their choice.
• Optional modules may include:
  • Negotiation: Theory and Practice
  • Politics of the Global Economy
  • Contemporary Political Theory
  • Transforming British Politics
  • Public Opinion in Politics
  • Dictatorships
  • Political Theory of the Future
  • Who Do You Think You Are? On Identity Politics
  • Politics of the Middle East and North Africa: Space, Society and Politics
  • Security Challenges in the Indo-Pacific

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: 104-120 UCAS points
• A level: BBB
• BTEC: DDM
• IB: 120 UCAS Tariff points or a final overall IB score of 33 points
• International students: Please visit the University of Kent's International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.

Fees and Funding

• UK students: ｣9,790 per year
• International students: ｣19,300 per year
• Fees for year in industry: ｣1,905
• Fees for year abroad: ｣1,430
• The University offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this program have gone on to work in respected fields, including local and central government, media, teaching, publishing, diplomatic service, finance, think tanks, and data analysis. Recent graduate destinations include the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, NATO, the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, the British Council, and the British Medical Association.

Why Study at Kent?

The University of Kent is a top 50 university in the Complete University Guide 2026. The School of Politics and International Relations has a strong reputation for research and teaching, and students have the opportunity to study abroad in mainland Europe, North America, or Asia-Pacific. The University offers a range of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

University of Kent

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Overview:

The University of Kent is a public research university located in Canterbury, Kent, England. It is known for its commitment to ambition and providing a supportive environment for students to thrive.

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Services Offered:

Guaranteed Campus Accommodation:

First-year students are guaranteed a place in campus accommodation upon accepting their offer.

Free Gym and Fitness Membership:

First-year students receive a free sport and fitness membership.

Campus Tours:

Prospective students can book tours to explore the campuses and learn more about accommodation options.

Clearing Support:

The university provides comprehensive support for students applying through Clearing, including a dedicated website with information and resources.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university emphasizes a vibrant student life with opportunities for community building, fitness, and social activities. Students can expect a welcoming and supportive environment.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Guaranteed Campus Accommodation:

Ensures a comfortable and convenient living experience.

Free Gym and Fitness Membership:

Promotes a healthy lifestyle and fosters a sense of community.

Comprehensive Clearing Support:

Provides reassurance and guidance for students applying through Clearing.

Vibrant Student Life:

Offers a range of opportunities for social interaction, personal development, and community engagement.

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Academic Programs:

The context does not provide specific details about academic programs.

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Other: