Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our undergraduate courses will be published from September 2025.
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.
“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.”
• 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 three optional modules drawn from a wide range of specialist topics, including one regional specialism, 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 and The Dickson Poon School of Law. • Students will have the option in Year 2 and Year 3 to take a 15-credit language module at King’s Language Centre as additional credits.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.
King's College London and Affiliates
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
ABB Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
36 points overall or an aggregate score of 18 from three Higher Levels.
Note: The total point score of 36 includes TOK/EE.
33 points overall or an aggregate score of 16 from three Higher Levels. Note: The total point score of 33 includes TOK/EE.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 36 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 9 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities, Social Sciences, or similar - to be considered.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 30 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 15 level 3 credits at Merit The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities, Social Sciences, or similar - to be considered.
Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above
English language band: B
Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Contextual consideration
We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.
Deferrals
Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.
Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.
Foundation courses
Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.
We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.
The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.
Graduates
Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.
Reference
We are able to accept a military reference for all programmes within the Department of War Studies.
Resits
We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.
Transfers
Transfers into this programme are not permitted.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.
Teaching
Check out further information about our International Relations course including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will provide pastoral support during your studies.
Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity to periodically take stock of your academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.
The following table will give you an idea of what a typical academic workload might look like as you progress through your studies:
| Course stage | Percentage of time in scheduled learning and teaching activities | Percentage of time in guided independent study |
| Year 1 | 15% | 85% |
| Year 2 | 15% | 85% |
| Year 3 | 15% | 85% |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
This course is primarily taught on the Strand and Waterloo Campuses. The prime, central position beside the River Thames brings outstanding advantages, and as a student you will enjoy the excellent social and cultural opportunities of the capital. The department is close to the seat of government, the City, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Inns of Court, the Imperial War Museum and the National Maritime Museum allowing for interaction between the study and practice of security and foreign policy.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Assessment methods will depend on the modules you have selected to study. Forms of assessment may typically include coursework and research essays, policy briefs, critical reviews, written examinations, individual and group presentations and a written dissertation. Informal assessments and seminar activities also form part of the course structure, and while not for credit, these are an essential component of the overall learning process that allows you to further your skills and to develop, evaluate and refine ideas and arguments.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits, divided into 120 credits for each year of study.
You are required to take the following modules:
There are no optional modules in your first year.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Graduates from the Department of War Studies go on to work in a range of fields including government (most commonly in Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs in the UK and abroad), academia, journalism, banking (often in emerging markets or risk analysis), research and policy think-tanks, humanitarian organisations and international organisations.
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.
The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £30,000 per year.
Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.
If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling. Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
• 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 three optional modules drawn from a wide range of specialist topics, including one regional specialism, 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 and The Dickson Poon School of Law. • Students will have the option in Year 2 and Year 3 to take a 15-credit language module at King’s Language Centre as additional credits.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.
King's College London and Affiliates
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
ABB Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
36 points overall or an aggregate score of 18 from three Higher Levels.
Note: The total point score of 36 includes TOK/EE.
33 points overall or an aggregate score of 16 from three Higher Levels. Note: The total point score of 33 includes TOK/EE.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 36 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 9 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities, Social Sciences, or similar - to be considered.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 30 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 15 level 3 credits at Merit The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities, Social Sciences, or similar - to be considered.
Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above
English language band: B
Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Contextual consideration
We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.
Deferrals
Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.
Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.
Foundation courses
Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.
We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.
The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.
Graduates
Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.
Reference
We are able to accept a military reference for all programmes within the Department of War Studies.
Resits
We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.
Transfers
Transfers into this programme are not permitted.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.
Teaching
Check out further information about our International Relations course including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will provide pastoral support during your studies.
Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity to periodically take stock of your academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.
The following table will give you an idea of what a typical academic workload might look like as you progress through your studies:
| Course stage | Percentage of time in scheduled learning and teaching activities | Percentage of time in guided independent study |
| Year 1 | 15% | 85% |
| Year 2 | 15% | 85% |
| Year 3 | 15% | 85% |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
This course is primarily taught on the Strand and Waterloo Campuses. The prime, central position beside the River Thames brings outstanding advantages, and as a student you will enjoy the excellent social and cultural opportunities of the capital. The department is close to the seat of government, the City, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Inns of Court, the Imperial War Museum and the National Maritime Museum allowing for interaction between the study and practice of security and foreign policy.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Assessment methods will depend on the modules you have selected to study. Forms of assessment may typically include coursework and research essays, policy briefs, critical reviews, written examinations, individual and group presentations and a written dissertation. Informal assessments and seminar activities also form part of the course structure, and while not for credit, these are an essential component of the overall learning process that allows you to further your skills and to develop, evaluate and refine ideas and arguments.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits, divided into 120 credits for each year of study.
You are required to take the following modules:
There are no optional modules in your first year.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Graduates from the Department of War Studies go on to work in a range of fields including government (most commonly in Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs in the UK and abroad), academia, journalism, banking (often in emerging markets or risk analysis), research and policy think-tanks, humanitarian organisations and international organisations.
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.
The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £30,000 per year.
Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.
If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling. Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.
Researchers and academics in our Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy are using their expertise to inform discussion and...
As tensions rise between the world's super powers over Covid-19 and other issues, countries' perceptions of self and the enemy...
Take a look at our comfortable, safe residences to suit your budget, located close to King's teaching campuses.
Art, food, music, shopping – you'll never find yourself with nothing to do in the world's most vibrant city.
Information about living in London, including events, budgeting and expenses, travel and safety.
During your time at King's College London, a range of academic and personal support and guidance is available to you.
