International Foundation Year
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our undergraduate courses will be published from September 2025.
This European Politics BA will give you an in-depth knowledge of politics and government with an emphasis on Europe. Over the course of three years, you’ll research the domestic policies of European countries, get a detailed knowledge of the integration of the European Union and its impact on governance in member states, and analyse the position of Europe in the international system.
You’ll begin your European Politics BA studies with an Introduction to Politics, then learn about the Making of Modern Europe. You’ll get to choose from a range of modules to really focus your studies. For example, you could learn about the modern German state, get an understanding of Russia, or study global Iberian perspectives. You can also tackle topics such as British politics, international economics, or the causes of war. Your second year will teach you Political Analysis and Research Methods in Political Science, and you’ll learn about the Integration of the European Union. You’ll also get to study a variety of topics such as resisting racial capitalism, comparative European politics, Foreign Policy Analysis and International Political Economy. You can also focus on specific countries, with modules on everything from nationalism in Spain or politics and society in France, to institutions, identity and society in Russia, and more. The final year of your European Politics degree is entirely composed of optional modules, allowing you to truly tailor your specialism. Optional modules in your final year include The Political Economy of the Financial Crisis, European Public Policy, and The Middle East in the Global Political Economy. You could choose to focus on specific countries with modules on contemporary French, German or Spanish politics. You could study authoritarianism, EU-Africa relations, or European gender politics. You can even choose to be taught about corporate social responsibility or the political economy of inequality – or to complete a 10,000 word dissertation on a research topic that inspires you.
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.
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.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
ABB Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
36 points overall or an aggregate score of 18 from three Higher Levels.
Note: The total point score of 36 includes TOK/EE.
33 points overall or an aggregate score of 16 from three Higher Levels. Note: The total point score of 33 includes TOK/EE.
Modules which require a language qualification
Some modules which are available to choose will require a minimum level of language ability, therefore, will require an additional language qualification.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 36 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 9 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities, or similar - to be considered.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 30 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 15 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities, or similar - to be considered.
Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above
English language band: B
Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Contextual consideration
We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.
Deferrals
Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.
Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.
Foundation courses
Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.
We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.
The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.
Graduates
Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.
Resits
We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.
Transfers
Transfers into this programme are not permitted.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.
Teaching
Check out further information about our European Politics course 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.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
The majority of learning for this degree takes place at the 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.
The primary methods of assessment for this course are coursework, assessed essays, written examinations and individual and group presentations.
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.
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.
This is a three-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 360 credits.
This is a three- year study course that comprises modules totalling 360 credits. Each year, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. Each year, you can choose up to 30 credits of optional modules from outside your programme. Additionally, you can choose to study a further 30 credits in languages at the King’s Language Centre.
You are required to take:
In addition, you are required to take 60 credits from a range of optional modules. 15 credits must focus on one European country. Optional modules may typically include:
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.
Your European Politics BA will give you a firm grounding that opens up a range of careers, including in EU institutions and national governments, in journalism or public relations, or in consultancies, think tanks and charitable organisations or NGOs. Recent European Politics BA graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
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.
Where can a degree like this take you? Hear from 2019 graduate Anna Vondrakova:
As the Community Fundraising Assistant at Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice, my primary purpose is to play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial stability of our institution. In a formal capacity, I am entrusted with the responsibility of organising and coordinating various events, including the prestigious Open Gardens and the lively Summer Salsa gathering. One of my most significant career achievements as a Fundraising Assistant has been successfully securing gifts in kind worth £6,000 from local businesses to support our Hospice events. Without a doubt, King's College London has been instrumental in shaping my unexpected yet immensely fulfilling career as a fundraiser. During my time at King's, I delved deep into the world of EU Politics, developing skills in research, communication, and critical analysis. These skills, though initially tailored for politics, have been invaluable in my fundraising role. Beyond academia, King's College London provided me with access to a rich network of alumni and dedicated career services.
My advice to prospective students who may be interested in pursuing a career path similar to mine as a fundraiser would be as follows; embrace diverse learning, cultivate soft skills, leverage the resources available at your university, gain practical experience, stay up-to-date with trends and best practices in fundraising, find an organisation whose mission aligns with your values and fuels your commitment, be open to continuous learning and professional development.
The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.
The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £30000 per year.
Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.
If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. 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. Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
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.
You’ll begin your European Politics BA studies with an Introduction to Politics, then learn about the Making of Modern Europe. You’ll get to choose from a range of modules to really focus your studies. For example, you could learn about the modern German state, get an understanding of Russia, or study global Iberian perspectives. You can also tackle topics such as British politics, international economics, or the causes of war. Your second year will teach you Political Analysis and Research Methods in Political Science, and you’ll learn about the Integration of the European Union. You’ll also get to study a variety of topics such as resisting racial capitalism, comparative European politics, Foreign Policy Analysis and International Political Economy. You can also focus on specific countries, with modules on everything from nationalism in Spain or politics and society in France, to institutions, identity and society in Russia, and more. The final year of your European Politics degree is entirely composed of optional modules, allowing you to truly tailor your specialism. Optional modules in your final year include The Political Economy of the Financial Crisis, European Public Policy, and The Middle East in the Global Political Economy. You could choose to focus on specific countries with modules on contemporary French, German or Spanish politics. You could study authoritarianism, EU-Africa relations, or European gender politics. You can even choose to be taught about corporate social responsibility or the political economy of inequality – or to complete a 10,000 word dissertation on a research topic that inspires you.
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.
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.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
ABB Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.
36 points overall or an aggregate score of 18 from three Higher Levels.
Note: The total point score of 36 includes TOK/EE.
33 points overall or an aggregate score of 16 from three Higher Levels. Note: The total point score of 33 includes TOK/EE.
Modules which require a language qualification
Some modules which are available to choose will require a minimum level of language ability, therefore, will require an additional language qualification.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 36 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 9 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities, or similar - to be considered.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total. Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 30 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 15 at Merit. The Access to Higher Education Diploma should be in a relevant subject - Humanities, or similar - to be considered.
Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above
English language band: B
Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Contextual consideration
We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.
Deferrals
Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.
Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.
Foundation courses
Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.
We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.
The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.
Graduates
Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.
Resits
We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.
Transfers
Transfers into this programme are not permitted.
If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.
If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.
Teaching
Check out further information about our European Politics course 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.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
The majority of learning for this degree takes place at the 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.
The primary methods of assessment for this course are coursework, assessed essays, written examinations and individual and group presentations.
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.
Courses are divided into modules. Each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.
This is a three-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 360 credits.
This is a three- year study course that comprises modules totalling 360 credits. Each year, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. Each year, you can choose up to 30 credits of optional modules from outside your programme. Additionally, you can choose to study a further 30 credits in languages at the King’s Language Centre.
You are required to take:
In addition, you are required to take 60 credits from a range of optional modules. 15 credits must focus on one European country. Optional modules may typically include:
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.
Your European Politics BA will give you a firm grounding that opens up a range of careers, including in EU institutions and national governments, in journalism or public relations, or in consultancies, think tanks and charitable organisations or NGOs. Recent European Politics BA graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
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.
Where can a degree like this take you? Hear from 2019 graduate Anna Vondrakova:
As the Community Fundraising Assistant at Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice, my primary purpose is to play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial stability of our institution. In a formal capacity, I am entrusted with the responsibility of organising and coordinating various events, including the prestigious Open Gardens and the lively Summer Salsa gathering. One of my most significant career achievements as a Fundraising Assistant has been successfully securing gifts in kind worth £6,000 from local businesses to support our Hospice events. Without a doubt, King's College London has been instrumental in shaping my unexpected yet immensely fulfilling career as a fundraiser. During my time at King's, I delved deep into the world of EU Politics, developing skills in research, communication, and critical analysis. These skills, though initially tailored for politics, have been invaluable in my fundraising role. Beyond academia, King's College London provided me with access to a rich network of alumni and dedicated career services.
My advice to prospective students who may be interested in pursuing a career path similar to mine as a fundraiser would be as follows; embrace diverse learning, cultivate soft skills, leverage the resources available at your university, gain practical experience, stay up-to-date with trends and best practices in fundraising, find an organisation whose mission aligns with your values and fuels your commitment, be open to continuous learning and professional development.
The UK tuition fee for the 2025-26 academic year is currently £9,535 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap.
The International tuition fee for the 2025-2026 academic year is £30000 per year.
Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King's.
If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. 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. Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
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.
Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.
‘Enriching, stimulating, and inspiring’ – just three words to describe the experience on the King’s study abroad programme.
Take a look at our comfortable, safe residences to suit your budget, located close to King's teaching campuses.
Art, food, music, shopping – you'll never find yourself with nothing to do in the world's most vibrant city.
Information about living in London, including events, budgeting and expenses, travel and safety.
During your time at King's College London, a range of academic and personal support and guidance is available to you.