Teaching & Modules
Modules
Year
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.
Required modules
You are required to take the following modules:
- International Relations Theory (30 credits)
- History of the International System (30 credits)
- Introduction to International Economics (30 credits)
- Conflict and Diplomacy (15 credits)
- Contemporary Security Issues (15 credits)
Optional modules
There are no optional modules in your first year.
Teaching methods - what to expect
Numbers of compulsory and optional modules to be taken in each year of the programme (Full Time):
Year 1: 120 credits earned through 5 compulsory modules.
Year 2: 120 credits earned through two 15-credit compulsory modules, and optional modules totalling 90 credits. All modules in Year 2 must be at Level 5.
Year 3: 120 credits earned through 1 compulsory 30-credit dissertation module, and optional modules totalling 90 credits. All modules in Year 3 must be at Level 6.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Students may take up to 30 credits in Year 2 and 30 credits in Year 3 of modules from another department at KCL, or at an external institution. The module must be relevant to their programme of study and at the same level to their own year of study. They must get approval from the Programme Director to take the module.
Students are allowed to go on a study abroad for the second semester of the second year or the full third year with approved KCL partners (arranged through the KCL Global Mobility Office), subject to qualifying marks. Students will receive credit for the study abroad, but marks will not contribute to the final degree classification.
Students can take one language module free of charge as part of their programme. This can be taken as additional credit in either Year 2 or Year 3, or as a for-credit module in Year 3.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written/practical examinations
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 details and arguments.
Key Information
UCAS code:
L250
Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full-time
Required A-Levels:
AAA
Duration:
Three years
Application status:
Start date:
September 2027
Application deadline: