Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Relations is an interdepartmental, multi-disciplinary programme addressing key global challenges, issues and approaches to politics. This three-year undergraduate course will provide you with a sophisticated understanding of International Relations, both as a subject of academic study and as intellectual preparation for a wide range of career choices. You will develop the ability to collect and evaluate a broad range of evidence, analyse complex issues and present arguments in a clear, concise and effective manner, both orally and in writing.
Key benefits
- King's is a leading centre for the study of international relations, conflict and conflict resolution. Your learning will be supported by world renowned international scholars, including specialists on all the major regions of the world, who work closely with governments, armed forces and NGOs around the world.
- In Year 2 and 3 you are able to choose from a wide variety of modules, enabling you to develop your specialist interests.
- This course draws on cross-departmental expertise and includes modules from the Department of War Studies, the Department of European & International Studies and The Dickson Poon School of Law.
- We focus on the development of employability skills, supporting you to pursue the career of your choice, including in foreign affairs, journalism, banking, defence, humanitarian aid and risk analysis. Our graduates have gone on to work in numerous sectors including for governments around the world, NGOs, International Organisations such as the UN, the EU and NATO, for consultancy firms and for charities such as Oxfam. They pursue careers in diplomacy, political analysis, management consulting, research, journalism and much more.
- Our location in the heart of London gives unparalleled access to government, the City of London, the media, leading NGOs, museums (including the Imperial War Museum), as well as major libraries and research institutes.
I got to meet a lot of people with different opinions and from different backgrounds, which is really interesting when we get to share all that in debates during seminars. I find King’s amazing because it offers you a great balance between your studies and personal life, and I’m really excited about studying there for another two years.
Course essentials
• You will learn to think critically and independently and develop a range of skills that will support your intellectual, vocational and personal development.
• The programme is structured around four pillars of study: International History, International Relations Theory, International Political Economy, and International Practice (including diplomacy, foreign policy and strategy).
• In the first year, you will study modules including ‘International Relations Theory’, ‘History of the International System’, ‘Conflict and Diplomacy’, and ‘Contemporary Security Issues’, providing you with the foundations for the study of International Relations in subsequent years.
• In your second year, you will study ‘Research Methods in War Studies and International Relations’ as well as ‘Global Politics’. You will also choose from a range of subjects drawn from within the Department of War Studies and from European & International Studies. This allows you to develop knowledge of the areas of study that appeal most to you.
• The final year consists of 90 credits of optional modules drawn from a wide range of specialist topics, and a connected research dissertation on a subject of your choice.
• The optional modules provide you with the opportunity to study in-depth on a range of specialist subjects that are designed to take advantage of current research expertise in the Department of War Studies, the Department of European & International Studies.
Special features
Optional study abroad
Key Information
Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-Levels:
AAA
Duration:
Three years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Application deadline:
17 September 2025
Administrative bodies
Course accreditation
Reviewed, inspected and accredited by the King's College London and Affiliates
Regulating body
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Strand Campus feels like the heart of London—historic yet buzzing with energy. Nestled by the Thames, it offers world-class academics, vibrant student life, and endless inspiration from the city’s culture and diversity.
Waterloo Campus
Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.