BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations Bachelor's degree at the University of Kent

Tackles big questions about what makes political systems tick. Introduces you to the empirical study of key structures, institutions, processes, outcomes and behaviours in political systems. You'll learn how to conduct basic political research and apply your skills to empirical evidence commonly found in policy reports and academic work.

Introduces debates regarding foundational issues in political theory. Helps you develop knowledge of foundational ideas and thinkers and develop the ability to critically reflect upon, and construct arguments to defend, your own answers to crucial questions about the nature of politics.

Students develop skills and knowledge needed for succeeding in university studies. Learn about key historical influences upon contemporary political events such as the origin and development of the State, the beginning and end of Empire, and the nature of world order. Develop key skills for academic study and research and critically reflect upon your development as an independent learner and researcher.

Introduces the answers given to questions about why states behave the way they do and how state behaviour influences world politics, found in the discipline of International Relations. Overview of key theories, concepts and debates in IR through discussion of topical issues in global politics, with particular focus on the role of states as key actors. Theories include liberalism and realism, evaluated with empirical material from contemporary international politics.

Considers how to understand the British political system in a period of change, focusing on reasons for political change, the nature of those changes and their implications for effective policy-making and democracy. Explores citizens' place within the political system, the territorial balance of power within Britain and the operation of core political institutions.

Introduces conceptual distinctions between war and violence and how to define peace. Covers methods and skills needed to study war, violence and peace. Uses case studies and negotiation simulations to help students understand how states go from peace to war and back to peace.

Critically interrogates how political actors construct language, the motives behind discursive constructions and the political realities and possibilities they create. You'll learn to apply various qualitative research methods such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and thematic and discourse analysis.

Examines institutions, norms, processes, actors, and consequences of global and regional governance across issue areas. Addresses questions about the extent to which cooperation is possible and multilateral governance effective. Explores roles played by states, international organisations, NGOs and other actors in areas including security, human rights, the environment, and regional integration.

Unlocks the power of data analysis for students from various educational backgrounds with no statistical knowledge necessary. Teaches how to sift through noise, find insights within statistics, and uncover the story behind numbers used in political science and international relations. Introduces principles of empirical social science research and foundational statistical techniques.

Explores the politics of the global climate crisis at the international, national and local level. Examines global climate change governance, national and local climate adaptation policy making and plans, and individual attitudes and behaviour. Provides tools to explain the politics of the global climate crisis and draws from debates in political science, international relations, human geography and urban studies.