University of Kent

Politics and International Relations with a Year in the Asia-Pacific - BA (Hons)

University of KentCanterbury, United Kingdom

Course overview

The world is complex, interconnected, and rapidly changing. So how can we make sense of it? And how can we make change happen?

Our BA in Politics and International Relations is for people who are driven to improve lives - whether that’s in local communities, in national politics, or on the world stage. You'll explore some of today’s most urgent challenges, from climate change and inequality to global conflict, democratic backsliding, and citizen engagement. Along the way, you’ll develop the tools to analyse political systems, understand international dynamics, and design policies that lead to meaningful change.

Our new course reflects the changing role - and growing toolset - of a modern professional. As well as building your skills in critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, you’ll learn how to work with evidence, evaluate complex problems, and present clear, persuasive solutions. On campus, you’ll be part of a friendly and diverse community, supported by expert academics who are leaders in their fields.

You’ll also have the opportunity to see politics in action beyond the UK, with the option to spend a year studying in North America, Asia-Pacific or mainland Europe. If you’re passionate about politics and committed to making a difference, we’ll help you build the skills, confidence, and insight to do just that. Experience a different culture, gain a new academic perspective, establish international contacts and enhance your employability with a year abroad at one of our partner institutions in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore or Taiwan.

Key highlights

  • Year abroad at partner institutions in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore or Taiwan
  • Explores climate change, inequality, global conflict and democratic backsliding
  • Develops skills to analyse political systems and design policy
  • Learn to work with evidence and present persuasive solutions
  • Taught by expert academics who are leaders in their fields
  • Build international contacts through study in the Asia-Pacific

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 104-120 — Typical offer 104-120 UCAS points A level BBB Contextual offer: BCC Contextual offers consider personal circumstances as well as academic grades.
  • A-level: BBB — Typical offer 104-120 UCAS points A level BBB Contextual offer: BCC Contextual offers consider personal circumstances as well as academic grades.
  • A-level: BCC — contextual offer
  • BTEC: DMM — BTEC DMM Contextual offer: MMM Contextual offers consider personal circumstances as well as academic grades.
  • BTEC: MMM — contextual offer
  • UCAS tariff points: 120 — IB 120 tariff points - typically H5, H6, H6 or equivalent View all requirements

Scholarships

  • Kent Ambition to Succeed Scholarship

    Scholarship holders can expect to receive between £500-£2,000 for each year of study (pro-rata for part-time students), subject to satisfactory academic progress.

  • Kent International Scholarship for Undergraduates

    Scholarship value - £5,000

    Up to £5,000

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Academic Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9, 790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Support Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Kingsman Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Widening Participation Scholarship

    £1,500 maintenance per annum for a maximum of 5 years.

    Up to £1,500

  • Music Performance Scholarship

    £1,000 awarded each year to talented instrumentalists and singers studying for any degree at the University of Kent.

    Up to £1,000

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Tuition fees waived for the duration of your programme of study, or until you are able to access other Student Finance funding.

Careers this course leads to

  • Policy Analyst
  • Civil Servant
  • Diplomatic Service Officer
  • Political Researcher
  • Public Affairs Consultant
  • International NGO Programme Officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £19,300 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Kent, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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