Our Double Masters in Asian & International Affairs will give you in-depth knowledge of the politics and economics of Asia, and relations between Asia and the wider world. Through this programme you will develop an advanced understanding of societies in Asia, and you will explore how their shifting relations with the US and the EU are currently transforming international politics and the global economy. You will study at two world-leading institutions: Renmin University of China (Beijing), where you will benefit from expert knowledge on China and Asia; and King’s College London, where you will benefit from our expertise in international affairs, economics, and foreign policy.

Key benefits

• Develop an in-depth understanding of inter-regional dynamics that are transforming Asia and the wider world.
• Gain a sensitivity to social, cultural and political differences that are greatly valued by employers.
• Study at two of the world's most prestigious universities, in two of the world's most dynamic cities(one year in Beijing, one year in London). King’s College London is ranked 12th in the world, and 5th in Europe, for the study of politics by the 2024 QS World University Rankings, The School of International Studies at Renmin University of China is one of the oldest and most prestigious university-based faculties located in the PRC specializing in international relations and political science. Our school is ranked the 1st or 2nd in China in this subject area depending on the ranking list.
• Learn from world-leading scholars whose research contributed to King’s College London being ranked first in the United Kingdom, for research power in the field of politics and international relations, in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework according to Times Higher Education.
• Possibility of learning Chinese, a highly desirable skill to employers.

Course essentials

The EU is the largest economic bloc in the world and Asia is the fastest-growing region. This course will equip you with the required knowledge about the two regions to work in either of them, or in international institutions. You will have the opportunity to study and understand a variety of political, economic and societal topics and gain specialised knowledge on two topics of your choice. You will develop advanced research skills by writing two research dissertations – one for Renmin University and one for King’s. Renmin University of China (RUC) is a leading research university focusing on the humanities and social sciences. The School of International Studies (SIS) is one of the oldest institutes in China to engage in teaching and researching political science and international affairs. Because of this, SIS has established strong academic traditions and accumulated invaluable historical experience, making it China’s most influential teaching and research base in the fields of political science and international studies. King’s is one of the top universities in the world, as well as one of the most recognised institutions for the study of politics, political economy, and international relations. Our academics are internationally renowned and regularly publish in major journals in the fields of politics and political economy, international relations and international political economy, and foreign policy and security. The Department of European and International Studies was one of the first European Studies departments in the UK, and is currently home to more than 30 researchers investigating a wide range of topics and disciplines.

Base campus

Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Special features

Study abroad

On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.

Find out more about Study Abroad

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Bachelors degree with 2.1 honours in a relevant subject area.

If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme, or equivalent.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a countrySelect a countryAfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntigua & BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustralasiaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBritish Virgin IslandsBruneiBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaColombiaComorosCook IslandsCosta RicaCote d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzechia (Czech Republic)Democratic Republic of the CongoDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEast TimorEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFijiFinlandFranceGabonGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGrenadaGuatemalaGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHome Fee Status StudentsHondurasHong Kong SARHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacauMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMauritaniaMauritiusMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNorth KoreaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestinePanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRepublic of the CongoRomaniaRussiaRwandaSamoaSan MarinoSão Tomé and PríncipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSt Kitts and NevisSt. HelenaSt. Kitts & NevisSt. LuciaSt. Vincent & the GrenadinesSudanSurinameSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandThe GambiaTogoTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaVietnamWalesYemenZambiaZimbabwe

English language requirements

English language band:

B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

All interested students should apply through King's online application system apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies. Applications will be examined and offers will be made by a joint admissions board comprising academic staff from both King's and Renmin.

Please note that the closing date for applications to King's is 7 April 2025, so it will not be possible to be considered for this programme after this date. This should then give any successful applicants time to apply to Renmin University by their closing date of 30 May 2025.

Students holding Chinese nationality should apply first to Renmin University of China directly before applying to King's, noting that you must apply to King's by 7 April 2025. Thanks for your understanding.

Chinese nationals will have to complete the National Entrance Examination for Postgraduate Students in China, per People's Republic of China Ministry of Education regulations.

Renmin's contact details are as follows:
Ms Pan Haiyan
Ph: +86 10 6251 0626
E-mail: panhaiyan@ruc.edu.cn
Room 816B, Mingde International Building, School of International Studies, Renmin University of China, 59 Zhongguancun Street, Haidian, Beijing, China, 100872

Personal statement and supporting information

In the personal statement, students should outline likely dissertation topics, and try to provide a breakdown of the courses/modules studied at undergraduate level. They should also explain fully their motivation for applying to the Double Masters in Asian & European Affairs, and how they believe it will contribute to their own intellectual and professional development.

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement	Yes	A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
Previous Academic Study	Yes	A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References	Yes	One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Other	Optional	Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures

Seminars

Self-Study

Check out further information about our European & International Studies courses including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

You will have regular contact with our staff, who are world-leading experts in their fields, through lectures, seminars and supervision.

Year	Lectures, seminars and feedback	Self-study
1	Students are expected to successfully complete 32 RUC credits as required by Renmin
2	6-8 hours per week	34 hours per week

For Renmin University of China, one credit equates to 18 class hours.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work at King’s.

Location

This course is taught at Renmin University of China in Beijing and King’s College London Strand Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.

Assessment

• Exams
• Coursework
• Practicals
• Dissertation

Your performance is assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Assessment you may typically expect:

Year	Examination	Coursework	Practical
1	50%	50%	-
2	-	100%	-

 

Year 1: Assessment at Renmin will be through a variety of assessment patterns mixing essays, exams and/or presentations. You will also be required to pass a dissertation.

Year 2: The majority of European and International Studies modules are assessed by coursework but this can vary depending on the module. You will also be required to pass a dissertation.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Required modules

Year 1: International Relations MA, Renmin University of China You will normally take modules totalling 32 RUC credits, and transfer four of them to your Year 2 at King’s College. Please note, you only transfer-in your best four credits from the required list. Year 1 - Required Modules You are required to complete and pass • Dissertation in English or Chinese You are also required to take 27 RUC credits from a range of modules:

Contemporary Chinese Politics and Governance (3 credits)

Asia-Pacific Security and Strategy (4 credits)

Basic/Intermediate Chinese Language (4 credits)

Asia-Pacific Energy Cooperation (4 credits)

Theories of International Relations and Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation (4 credits)

Nations and Nationalism in Asia (3 credits)

Contemporary Chinese History and Culture (3 credits)

Methods of Academic Paper Writing (2 credits)

Optional modules

Year 1 – Optional Modules In addition, you are required to take 5 RUC credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

Contemporary Chinese Foreign Policy (3 credits)

Contemporary Chinese Society (3 Credits)

Key Issues and Institutions of Modern-Day China – Lecture Series and Visits (2 Credits)

Research Methods in Social Science (3 Credits)

The Political Economy of China and Developing Countries Relations (2 Credits)

Sino-US Relations (2 Credits)

Investment in China (2 Credits)

China’s Foreign Economic Relations (3 Credits)

The Political Economy of Southeast Asia (2 Credits)

Overseas Chinese and International Migration (2 Credits)

You may also take extra optional modules from the School of International Studies at Renmin or can audit any course offered by Renmin University (both in English and Chinese).

Year 2: Asian and International Affairs MA, King’s College London Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 210 credits (180 King’s credits and the best 4 RUC credits which equate to an additional 30 King’s credits). Year 2 - Required Modules You are required to take the following modules:

Global Politics: Transatlantic, Transpacific and Eurasia (15 credits)

Research Design (15 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

Year 2 - Optional modules In addition, you are required to take 90 credits from a range of optional modules in the School of Politics and Economics and from another School, subject to approval, which may typically include:

European Identities and the EU (15 credits)

Foreign Policies of the European Union (15 credits)

Democratic Legitimacy of International Cooperation (15 credits)

Capitalism, liberalism and democracy (15 credits)

European Union: History, Institutions, Politics (15 credits)

The Political Economy of International Migration (15 credits)

Lobbying and Policy Making in the EU (15 credits)

International Political Economy of Energy Markets (15 credits)

The Political Economy of Europe: Political Science Perspectives (15 credits)

Platform capitalism: platform firms and the state (15 credits)

The International Political Economy of Production (15 credits)

The Middle East In The Global Political Economy (15 credits)

Foreign Policy Analysis (15 credits)

Global Governance & International Organisations (15 credits)

The Political Economy of Development (15 credits)

The Politics of Economic Inequality (15 credits)

China’s Global Rise: “Great Power Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics” (15 credits)

Quantitative Research Methods (15 credits)

Lived Democracy (15 credits)

Postcolonial Political Economy (15 credits)

Multinational Corporations and Global Supply Chains (15 credits)

Evaluating Public Policy (15 credits) [Political Economy]

The Political Economy of Corruption (15 credits) [Political Economy]

Comparative Political Economy (15 credits) [Political Economy]

The Political Effects of Climate Change (15 credits) [Department of Political Economy]

Britain & Europe Since 1945 (15 credits)

Anglo-American Relations Since 1945 (15 credits) [Political Economy]

Islam, Politics & Society (15 credits) [Political Economy]

People, Protest and Mobilisation: Exploring Social Movement Theory (15 credits) [Department of Political Economy]

Political Economy of Authoritarianism in the Middle East (15 credits) [Political Economy]

Gender, Society and Development (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Advanced Quantitative Methods for Causal Inference (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Advanced Qualitative Methods (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Industrial Economics and International Development (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Displacement and Development in the Contemporary Era (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Environment and Development: Crises, Power, and Transformations (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Contemporary Brazilian Politics and Society (15 credits) [King’s Brazil Institute]

Contemporary India (15 credits) [King’s India Institute]

Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change in China (15 credits) [Lau China Institute]

Doing Business in China (15 credits) [Lau China Institute]

China's International Relations, 1949-Present (15 credits) [Lau China Institute]

Contemporary Chinese Society: Change and Transformation (15 credits) [Lau China Institute]

Contemporary Chinese Politics (15 credits) [Lau China Institute]

Gender in International Politics and Security (15 credits) [School of Security Studies]

Ethics in International Relations (15 credits) [School of Security Studies]

Energy Security and Energy Transition in Eurasia (15 credits) [King’s Russia Institute]

Governance and Economic Growth in Transition (15 credits) [King’s Russia Institute]

Russia’s War in Ukraine (15 credits) [King’s Russia Institute]

New and emerging security threats in post-Soviet Eurasia (15 credits) [King’s Russia Institute]

Clandestine side of Globalisation: Organised Crime, Terrorism and Corruption (15 credits) [King’s Russia Institute]

You may also continue taking Chinese language classes at King’s Language Centre. Please note that you may take one non-assessed (not for credit) Language Centre module for free.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Careers

Employability

Students undertaking this course would be ideally placed to work in the public sector and in government and international organisations, particularly in departments working on European and/or Asian issues. Graduates are also well placed to gain roles in journalism, consultancy, and think tanks in the private sector.

Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: 60,000 CNY/RMB (2025/26 - for First Year at Renmin)

International:

Full time: 60,000 CNY/RMB (2025/26 - for First Year at Renmin)

The tuition fees above refer to the year at Renmin (first year). King's UK Fee: £16,950 per year (2025/26) King's International Fee: £30,000 per year (2025/26) The tuition fees for King’s (those joining the second year in 2026/7 academic year) may be subject to additional increases, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

• If you receive an offer before March, your acceptance deadline is 20 March.
• If you receive an offer between 1 March and 7 April, your acceptance deadline is one month from the offer date.
• If you receive an offer between 8 April and 22 April, your acceptance deadline is two weeks from the offer date.
• If you receive an offer between 23 April to end of April, your acceptance deadline is one week from the offer date.
• If you receive an offer from 1 May, your acceptance deadline is three days from the offer date.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional costs/expenses

If you are studying abroad at a non-partner university, you should expect to pay tuition fees to the host university as well as King’s.

You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling. 

Further fee and deposit details for the year of study at Renmin can be found here.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
• Library fees and fines.
• Personal photocopies.
• Printing course handouts.
• Society membership fees.
• Stationery.
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
• Graduation costs.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

• Course essentials
• Entry requirements
• Teaching & structure
• Careers
• Fees & Funding

The EU is the largest economic bloc in the world and Asia is the fastest-growing region. This course will equip you with the required knowledge about the two regions to work in either of them, or in international institutions. You will have the opportunity to study and understand a variety of political, economic and societal topics and gain specialised knowledge on two topics of your choice. You will develop advanced research skills by writing two research dissertations – one for Renmin University and one for King’s. Renmin University of China (RUC) is a leading research university focusing on the humanities and social sciences. The School of International Studies (SIS) is one of the oldest institutes in China to engage in teaching and researching political science and international affairs. Because of this, SIS has established strong academic traditions and accumulated invaluable historical experience, making it China’s most influential teaching and research base in the fields of political science and international studies. King’s is one of the top universities in the world, as well as one of the most recognised institutions for the study of politics, political economy, and international relations. Our academics are internationally renowned and regularly publish in major journals in the fields of politics and political economy, international relations and international political economy, and foreign policy and security. The Department of European and International Studies was one of the first European Studies departments in the UK, and is currently home to more than 30 researchers investigating a wide range of topics and disciplines.

Base campus

Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Special features

Study abroad

On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office. Together with partner organisations around the world, you will be supported in navigating your international, educational journey, developing new skills and competences and learning to apply different perspectives to your chosen discipline.

Find out more about Study Abroad

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Bachelors degree with 2.1 honours in a relevant subject area.

If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme, or equivalent.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a countrySelect a countryAfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntigua & BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustralasiaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBritish Virgin IslandsBruneiBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaColombiaComorosCook IslandsCosta RicaCote d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzechia (Czech Republic)Democratic Republic of the CongoDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEast TimorEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFijiFinlandFranceGabonGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGrenadaGuatemalaGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHome Fee Status StudentsHondurasHong Kong SARHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacauMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMauritaniaMauritiusMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNorth KoreaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestinePanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRepublic of the CongoRomaniaRussiaRwandaSamoaSan MarinoSão Tomé and PríncipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSt Kitts and NevisSt. HelenaSt. Kitts & NevisSt. LuciaSt. Vincent & the GrenadinesSudanSurinameSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandThe GambiaTogoTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaVietnamWalesYemenZambiaZimbabwe

English language requirements

English language band:

B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

All interested students should apply through King's online application system apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies. Applications will be examined and offers will be made by a joint admissions board comprising academic staff from both King's and Renmin.

Please note that the closing date for applications to King's is 7 April 2025, so it will not be possible to be considered for this programme after this date. This should then give any successful applicants time to apply to Renmin University by their closing date of 30 May 2025.

Students holding Chinese nationality should apply first to Renmin University of China directly before applying to King's, noting that you must apply to King's by 7 April 2025. Thanks for your understanding.

Chinese nationals will have to complete the National Entrance Examination for Postgraduate Students in China, per People's Republic of China Ministry of Education regulations.

Renmin's contact details are as follows:
Ms Pan Haiyan
Ph: +86 10 6251 0626
E-mail: panhaiyan@ruc.edu.cn
Room 816B, Mingde International Building, School of International Studies, Renmin University of China, 59 Zhongguancun Street, Haidian, Beijing, China, 100872

Personal statement and supporting information

In the personal statement, students should outline likely dissertation topics, and try to provide a breakdown of the courses/modules studied at undergraduate level. They should also explain fully their motivation for applying to the Double Masters in Asian & European Affairs, and how they believe it will contribute to their own intellectual and professional development.

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement	Yes	A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
Previous Academic Study	Yes	A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References	Yes	One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Other	Optional	Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures

Seminars

Self-Study

Check out further information about our European & International Studies courses including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

You will have regular contact with our staff, who are world-leading experts in their fields, through lectures, seminars and supervision.

Year	Lectures, seminars and feedback	Self-study
1	Students are expected to successfully complete 32 RUC credits as required by Renmin
2	6-8 hours per week	34 hours per week

For Renmin University of China, one credit equates to 18 class hours.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work at King’s.

Location

This course is taught at Renmin University of China in Beijing and King’s College London Strand Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.

Assessment

• Exams
• Coursework
• Practicals
• Dissertation

Your performance is assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Assessment you may typically expect:

Year	Examination	Coursework	Practical
1	50%	50%	-
2	-	100%	-

 

Year 1: Assessment at Renmin will be through a variety of assessment patterns mixing essays, exams and/or presentations. You will also be required to pass a dissertation.

Year 2: The majority of European and International Studies modules are assessed by coursework but this can vary depending on the module. You will also be required to pass a dissertation.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Required modules

Year 1: International Relations MA, Renmin University of China You will normally take modules totalling 32 RUC credits, and transfer four of them to your Year 2 at King’s College. Please note, you only transfer-in your best four credits from the required list. Year 1 - Required Modules You are required to complete and pass • Dissertation in English or Chinese You are also required to take 27 RUC credits from a range of modules:

Contemporary Chinese Politics and Governance (3 credits)

Asia-Pacific Security and Strategy (4 credits)

Basic/Intermediate Chinese Language (4 credits)

Asia-Pacific Energy Cooperation (4 credits)

Theories of International Relations and Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation (4 credits)

Nations and Nationalism in Asia (3 credits)

Contemporary Chinese History and Culture (3 credits)

Methods of Academic Paper Writing (2 credits)

Optional modules

Year 1 – Optional Modules In addition, you are required to take 5 RUC credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

Contemporary Chinese Foreign Policy (3 credits)

Contemporary Chinese Society (3 Credits)

Key Issues and Institutions of Modern-Day China – Lecture Series and Visits (2 Credits)

Research Methods in Social Science (3 Credits)

The Political Economy of China and Developing Countries Relations (2 Credits)

Sino-US Relations (2 Credits)

Investment in China (2 Credits)

China’s Foreign Economic Relations (3 Credits)

The Political Economy of Southeast Asia (2 Credits)

Overseas Chinese and International Migration (2 Credits)

You may also take extra optional modules from the School of International Studies at Renmin or can audit any course offered by Renmin University (both in English and Chinese).

Year 2: Asian and International Affairs MA, King’s College London Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 210 credits (180 King’s credits and the best 4 RUC credits which equate to an additional 30 King’s credits). Year 2 - Required Modules You are required to take the following modules:

Global Politics: Transatlantic, Transpacific and Eurasia (15 credits)

Research Design (15 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

Year 2 - Optional modules In addition, you are required to take 90 credits from a range of optional modules in the School of Politics and Economics and from another School, subject to approval, which may typically include:

European Identities and the EU (15 credits)

Foreign Policies of the European Union (15 credits)

Democratic Legitimacy of International Cooperation (15 credits)

Capitalism, liberalism and democracy (15 credits)

European Union: History, Institutions, Politics (15 credits)

The Political Economy of International Migration (15 credits)

Lobbying and Policy Making in the EU (15 credits)

International Political Economy of Energy Markets (15 credits)

The Political Economy of Europe: Political Science Perspectives (15 credits)

Platform capitalism: platform firms and the state (15 credits)

The International Political Economy of Production (15 credits)

The Middle East In The Global Political Economy (15 credits)

Foreign Policy Analysis (15 credits)

Global Governance & International Organisations (15 credits)

The Political Economy of Development (15 credits)

The Politics of Economic Inequality (15 credits)

China’s Global Rise: “Great Power Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics” (15 credits)

Quantitative Research Methods (15 credits)

Lived Democracy (15 credits)

Postcolonial Political Economy (15 credits)

Multinational Corporations and Global Supply Chains (15 credits)

Evaluating Public Policy (15 credits) [Political Economy]

The Political Economy of Corruption (15 credits) [Political Economy]

Comparative Political Economy (15 credits) [Political Economy]

The Political Effects of Climate Change (15 credits) [Department of Political Economy]

Britain & Europe Since 1945 (15 credits)

Anglo-American Relations Since 1945 (15 credits) [Political Economy]

Islam, Politics & Society (15 credits) [Political Economy]

People, Protest and Mobilisation: Exploring Social Movement Theory (15 credits) [Department of Political Economy]

Political Economy of Authoritarianism in the Middle East (15 credits) [Political Economy]

Gender, Society and Development (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Advanced Quantitative Methods for Causal Inference (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Advanced Qualitative Methods (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Industrial Economics and International Development (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Displacement and Development in the Contemporary Era (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Environment and Development: Crises, Power, and Transformations (15 credits) [Department of International Development]

Contemporary Brazilian Politics and Society (15 credits) [King’s Brazil Institute]

Contemporary India (15 credits) [King’s India Institute]

Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change in China (15 credits) [Lau China Institute]

Doing Business in China (15 credits) [Lau China Institute]

China's International Relations, 1949-Present (15 credits) [Lau China Institute]

Contemporary Chinese Society: Change and Transformation (15 credits) [Lau China Institute]

Contemporary Chinese Politics (15 credits) [Lau China Institute]

Gender in International Politics and Security (15 credits) [School of Security Studies]

Ethics in International Relations (15 credits) [School of Security Studies]

Energy Security and Energy Transition in Eurasia (15 credits) [King’s Russia Institute]

Governance and Economic Growth in Transition (15 credits) [King’s Russia Institute]

Russia’s War in Ukraine (15 credits) [King’s Russia Institute]

New and emerging security threats in post-Soviet Eurasia (15 credits) [King’s Russia Institute]

Clandestine side of Globalisation: Organised Crime, Terrorism and Corruption (15 credits) [King’s Russia Institute]

You may also continue taking Chinese language classes at King’s Language Centre. Please note that you may take one non-assessed (not for credit) Language Centre module for free.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Students undertaking this course would be ideally placed to work in the public sector and in government and international organisations, particularly in departments working on European and/or Asian issues. Graduates are also well placed to gain roles in journalism, consultancy, and think tanks in the private sector.

Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: 60,000 CNY/RMB (2025/26 - for First Year at Renmin)

International:

Full time: 60,000 CNY/RMB (2025/26 - for First Year at Renmin)

The tuition fees above refer to the year at Renmin (first year). King's UK Fee: £16,950 per year (2025/26) King's International Fee: £30,000 per year (2025/26) The tuition fees for King’s (those joining the second year in 2026/7 academic year) may be subject to additional increases, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

• If you receive an offer before March, your acceptance deadline is 20 March.
• If you receive an offer between 1 March and 7 April, your acceptance deadline is one month from the offer date.
• If you receive an offer between 8 April and 22 April, your acceptance deadline is two weeks from the offer date.
• If you receive an offer between 23 April to end of April, your acceptance deadline is one week from the offer date.
• If you receive an offer from 1 May, your acceptance deadline is three days from the offer date.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional costs/expenses

If you are studying abroad at a non-partner university, you should expect to pay tuition fees to the host university as well as King’s.

You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling. 

Further fee and deposit details for the year of study at Renmin can be found here.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
• Library fees and fines.
• Personal photocopies.
• Printing course handouts.
• Society membership fees.
• Stationery.
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
• Graduation costs.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Application closing date guidance

Related courses in this study area

Political Economy of Emerging Markets MScEconomics & Policy MScEuropean Studies MAGovernment Studies MA

Related courses including study abroad

Double Masters in Asian & International Affairs MAEuropean Studies MADouble Masters in Policies & Governance in Europe MA