SPIRE Links

SPIRE's blog now live.

University Welcome Web for new Students MA in Environmental Politics on YouTube Philosophy @ Keele Virtual Visit and Open Days Quick Guide for students: Accessing KLE (Flash File) Keele European Parties Research Unit (KEPRU) British Journal of the History of Philosophy In-spire: the post-graduate e-journal The International Law Section of the International Studies Association (ISA) The World Affairs Series

Welcome to SPIRE

In SPIRE we regard teaching students as an important part of our mission. At the undergraduate level we teach exciting and innovative courses in Politics and International Relations and Philosophy. Both Politics and International Relations can be taken as single Honours degrees, and all three can be can either be taken in combination with each other, or, in Keele's unique Dual Honours structure, with a wide variety of other subjects tailored to students individual choice. All our courses are designed to be stimulating and intellectually challenging, and to provide the skills needed for success in the employment market.

And it is not just us saying this! All our courses were awarded the maximum score of 24 out of 24 by the QAA (the official review body for courses) in their last assessments. Fewer than 10% of courses across the whole of the UK can claim this.

We also teach a total of six highly regarded Masters programmes in the areas of diplomatic studies, environmental politics, European politics, global security, international relations, and human rights. An MA can give you an edge in a competitive job market or lay the basis for further study.

Staff in SPIRE enjoy an international reputation for their research, with Politics and International Relations being rated 5A in the last national Research Assessment Exercise. Particular areas of research strength include political and international theory, the politics and international relations of the environment, European politics, international history, social movements, international law and political violence. Research is organised through the Research Institute for Law, Politics and Justice, which is also responsible for organising research degrees.

Our students come from all parts of the UK, Europe and across the world, creating a rich and diverse intellectual milieu. Moreover, our students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities to study abroad for one semester, and benefit from another culture and a different educational experience. The School prides itself on its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and commitment to providing a quality environment for all students.

Keele University is situated within a beautiful campus location, close to the town of Newcastle-under-Lyme and the City of Stoke-on-Trent. A very high proportion of students (and some staff) live on campus, and the University guarantees campus accommodation to all First and Third year students who want it. As a campus University, Keele provides a safe and supportive physical environment and caters pretty much for all day to day needs, including sporting facilities and a lively social life. Not forgetting that there is always the city not far away.

I hope that you will be encouraged to find out more about our School and the opportunities we offer. Should you require further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Professor Chris Bailey
Head of School