King's College London

The Politics and International Affairs BA is a distinctive programme in which students learn about the interplay between domestic and international politics. Students will gain a critical understanding of actors and institutions at both levels. The focus of the programme is on an analysis of politics that is contextualised with an understanding of countries and regions across the world. This detailed knowledge of countries and regions allows students to apply their knowledge to practical situations. The programme also emphasises research methods training (quantitative and qualitative) to enable students to carry out independent research while also giving them valuable employability skills.

You’ll begin your Politics and International Affairs BA studies with five compulsory modules that provide the intellectual foundations for years two and three. On Introduction to Politics, you will learn about the foundational paradigms for analysing political phenomena as well as studying core political institutions. Worldmaking: Economies and Societies analyses how the current political and economic structuring of the world came to pass. You will also be introduced to key concepts in economics via Introduction to International Economics. Issues in Global Politics provides a space to apply your knowledge to assess contemporary issues. Finally, Studying Politics will give you the practical tools to succeed in preparing for seminars and completing assessments.

Your second year builds on the foundations of year one. You will take two research methods modules, one on quantitative methods and one on qualitative methods. These will help you to understand how to develop your own research projects – a vital skill for year three. You will also take core modules on Global Governance that will develop your understanding how international institutions function, and Comparative Politics, which deepens your understanding of how national politics differs around the world.

In your final year you will take control over your own learning. There are no compulsory modules. Instead, you will select from a range of options that will further enhance your knowledge of specific topics. Most modules at this level are closely linked to the research agendas of the convenors, allowing you to engage with the material on a deeper level. You can also undertake your own independent research project, using the skills that you have developed over the previous two years of your degree. This can be on any topic related to your programme. It may be on international trade, conflict resolution, the rise and fall of political parties, how inequality affects political outcomes, or the impact of policymaking on climate change. Do what inspires you!