International Relations BA at Kings College London

Overview

The International Relations BA degree is an interdepartmental multi-disciplinary course 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 handle a broad range of evidence, analyse complex issues and present arguments in a clear, concise and effective manner, both orally and in writing.

Key benefits

• Your learning will be supported by leading international experts who work closely with governments, armed forces and NGOs globally, including specialists on all the key regions of the world, making King’s a leading centre for the study of international relations, conflicts and conflict resolutions.
• The degree features a variety of modules, enabling you to develop your specialist interests covering a diverse range of areas.
• This course draws cross-departmental expertise from War Studies, European & International Studies and the King’s School of Global Affairs.
• Intellectually and physically located close to government; our campus is just ten minutes' walk from Whitehall in the heart of London amongst the media, museums, and major libraries and research institutes of the capital.
• Department has established relationships and links with major London institutions such as Chatham House, IISS, RUSI, Janes Defence, Visiongain and AKE. 
• Employability in numerous fields including the NGO sector, International Organisations, diplomacy, political analysis, journalism and much more.

Description

The International Relations BA (Hons) programme comprises 360 credits in total and is studied over three years. You will learn to think critically and independently about the subjects you encounter in your studies, and develop a range of skills that will support your intellectual, vocational and personal development. The course is structured around four pillars of study: International History, International 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 and Contemporary Security Issues, providing you with the foundations for the further study of International Relations. 

In your second year, you will study Global Politics, and also a variety of additional subjects from within the War Studies Department and European & International Studies areas of the course. You will design your own curriculum 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 opportunities to study in-depth on a range of specialist subjects that are designed to take advantage of current research expertise in the Departments of War Studies, European & International Studies, The Dickson Poon School of Law and the School of Global Affairs.

Teaching 

We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the programme. 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. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Career prospects

Our graduates 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.

Career destinations

Recent graduates have found employment as:

• Account Executive, IT re-seller
• Accounts Assistance, IJS Global
• Army Officer, British Army
• Consultant, Ernst & Young
• Creative Writer, Groupon
• Defence Analyst, Vision Gain
• Parliamentary Assistant, House of Commons
• Special Constable, Metropolitan Police
• Trainee Accountant, a legal practice