Teaching & Modules
Modules
Year
Year 1: The full analytical toolkit
Five modules give you the complete foundation of a political scientist: World Politics Since 1945; Introduction to Comparative Politics; Introduction to Political Theory; Statistics for Political Science; and Fundamentals of Politics.
After the first year, you can dissect a political argument, compare political systems across continents, and test claims against real data. Most politics degrees teach the first, few teach all three.
Year 1 - Required Modules
- World Politics Since 1945 (30 credits)
- Introduction to Comparative Politics (30 credits)
- Introduction to Political Theory (30 credits)
- Statistics for Political Science (15 credits)
- Fundamentals of Politics (15 credits)
Year 1 - Optional Modules
There are no optional modules in your first year.
Teaching methods - what to expect
- The programme runs side-by-side with BA/BSc Political Economy. The programme will share modules throughout its three years of studies with that programme and other programmes within the Department, allowing for economies of scale in the use of resources and complementarities in teaching and learning.
- The programme provides compulsory training in the main subfields of politics, including normative and positive political theory, and the analysis of political and economic processes and events at the national, comparative and international level.
- Both the BA and the BSc pathway have a strong political analytical and research skill component. All students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities through the completion of a substantial piece of individual research in the final year of the programme and will take modules on Fundamentals of Politics, Statistics for Political Science I, and Research Methods for Politics.
- The BSc has a stronger focus on a particular set of research skills – namely, the skills to carry out evidence-based, empirical research. Students who complete 30 credits of designated research skill modules will be awarded a BSc degree.
These modules are Statistics for Political Science II (15) and Game Theory & Strategic Decision-Making (15).
Students may take an assessed 15 credit language module in addition to their 120 credits, in Year 2 or as part of their 120 credits in Final Year.
In Year 2 & Final Year, students may select up to 30 credits of approved KCL optional modules from outside the department.
Assessment
- Written/practical examinations
- Coursework
We will assess your progress and attainment on all the modules you take on both the BA and BSc degrees through a range of techniques including written examinations, coursework, assessed essays and presentations. You may also benefit from some informal assessment during individual modules to help steer your studies and enhance your learning.
Key Information
UCAS code:
L240
Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full-time
Required A-Levels:
A*AA
Duration:
Three years
Application status:
Start date:
September 2027
Application deadline: