How to Get Into King’s College London: Politics, International Relations, European Politics & PPE
Are you interested in international relations, government, and all things politics? Kings College London (KCL) sits in the heart of London, and boasts a range of world-ranking Politics, International Relations, European Politics, and PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics) programmes.
But how easy is it to get in? And what’s the best application strategy for one of the most competitive universities in the UK?
Search no further: your ultimate guide to getting into KCL’s prestigious political programmes is right here.
What This Guide Covers:
Why King’s College London is nearly unbeatable for political studies
What each program teaches (Politics, IR, European Politics, PPE)
Entry requirements: grades, diplomas, and English tests
Full step-by-step UCAS application guide
Timeline reference table
Advice for a standout personal statement
Final insights
Why KCL & London?
King’s is ranked among the UK’s top 5 institutions for political and international studies (QS 2024). Situated in the beating heart of London’s political scene, KCL’s Westminster location gives it a front row seat to the UK government and global embassies.
To study in London is nothing short of a privilege - KCL students have the opportunity to attend seminars with leading UK MPs and debates in tea rooms, visit policy hubs, and immerse themselves in a city where global policy is shaped around every corner.
Academic Programs Explained
BA/BSc in Politics
A rigorous program focusing on how governments, public policy, and political systems operate today. Coursework includes statistics, political philosophy, and contemporary governance, with final-year dissertations and research projects.
BA in International Relations
Designed for students fascinated by global affairs, this program explores diplomacy, conflict, security, and international law, using interdisciplinary resources from Kings’ War Studies Institute and its robust law school.
BA in European Politics
A unique program analyzing European governance, policy frameworks, EU law, and integration through a multicultural lens, with the option to study languages or spend time in Brussels and other EU institutions.
BA in PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics)
An interdisciplinary powerhouse program combining economic theory, political analysis, and moral/philosophical thinking. Graduates are equipped for careers in policy, public service, consulting, global NGOs, and everything in between.
Entry Requirements: What You’ll Need to Get Into King’s
Getting into King’s College London is competitive, and for good reason. It’s one of the most respected universities in the UK. To secure a spot in Politics, International Relations, European Politics, or PPE, you’ll need to meet rigorous academic benchmarks.
For A-levels, expect offers in the range of A*AA-AAA. PPE and Politics usually ask for the higher end (A*AA), while International Relations and European Politics typically request AAA. No single subject is mandatory, but essay-based disciplines - like History, Politics, or English - are strongly preferred.
For the IB, you’ll need at least 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level. Strong results in Politics, Economics, or Philosophy make your application more competitive.
Other diplomas such as the French Baccalauréat, German Abitur, or US High School Diploma with APs are accepted if they meet the equivalent academic level. In practice, that means around a 3.5 GPA plus APs for US applicants, or top grades in European systems.
As with any UK undergraduate programme, your grades do a lot of the talking when it comes to application season…!
Make sure your grades match - and exceed - the university’s requirements with TS Admissions, experts in top European university applications.
English Language Requirements
Since all courses are taught in English, fluency is essential. Unless you studied entirely in English, you’ll need to prove proficiency with one of the following:
IELTS: 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5)
TOEFL iBT: 100 overall (25 in writing, 23+ in others)
PTE Academic: 69 overall (62 minimum per skill)
Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency: 185 overall (176+ per skill)
If your test isn’t ready by the UCAS deadline, King’s may still issue a conditional offer, but you’ll need to submit scores before enrolment.
Booking early is smart, since language test centres fill up quickly.
The UCAS Application Process
All applications to King’s run through UCAS, the UK’s central admissions system. It’s a structured process with strict deadlines.
Here’s how it works:
Pick up to 5 courses (King’s, and four other universities).
Write a single personal statement (4,000 characters max) that all 5 choices will read - so it must be general yet impactful. There are three questions that make up the personal statement:
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Submit references (usually from a teacher).
Pay the small UCAS fee (£27 for multiple choices).
Apply by 14th January (UNLESS you’re also applying to Oxford or Cambridge, in which case you need to submit several months earlier - October 15th).
King’s review applications, sometimes requesting extra info via the King’s Apply portal.
Decisions arrive Feb-May: either conditional (if you haven’t yet taken final exams and received results) or unconditional (if you’re applying after e.g a gap year, and already have confirmed grades).
You choose a Firm (first choice) and Insurance (backup) on UCAS, effectively rejecting your other 3 offers.
Results confirmed in August, or whenever you receive final results. If you meet conditions, your place is secured.
Want your application to stand out for King’s College program? Think Smart Admissions can help you strengthen your extracurriculars and craft a unique profile that gets noticed - contact us for personalised support today!
Personal Statement Tips
Your personal statement is the most important part of your UCAS application. King’s is looking for students who can demonstrate:
Genuine passion for politics, IR, PPE, or European governance
Evidence of independent reading and engagement with current affairs
Critical thinking - don’t just list achievements, reflect on why they mattered
A clear sense of why King’s is a place where you’d want to study (modules, faculty, London location)
Remember: you only get one statement for all five choices, so don’t make any very university-specific references.
Final Thoughts
The UCAS system can feel intimidating at first - but once broken into steps, it’s straightforward. With strong grades, solid English proficiency, and a compelling personal statement, you’ll be in an excellent position to secure an offer.
If you’d like a friendly guiding hand, feel free to get in touch with us - we’ll connect you with a KCL politics graduate and access to a team of admissions experts.