Politics, International Relations & Philosophy

As a discipline, International Relations is undergoing many transformations.  From a discipline which focused closely on a certain set of interactions between sovereign states, it has expanded greatly to encompass a much wider set of questions about the nature of international or global political structures and processes.

Correspondingly, a whole set of theoretical tools have also emerged to try to explain or interpret this newly expanded field.

The course aims to provide you with an innovative grounding in the central theoretical and practical aspects of both the traditional and the expanded conceptions of International Relations. It also aims to equip you with the conceptual and analytical skills to think critically about the nature of global structures and processes. These skills are fundamental to postgraduate study and invaluable for vocational and personal development and for future professional life.

Prospective students should have a first or good second-class honours degree, or its equivalent. This first degree should be in Politics or International Relations, or any other social science subject (e.g. Law or Sociology), or a humanities subject (e.g. History, Philosophy, English, or Modern languages).

Where English is not a first language, proof of English language competence will be required (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with a minimum of 6 in each sub-test).

Optional modules include:

• Perspectives in International Relations
• The Changing International Agenda since 1945
• The Theory of Global Security
• The Politics of Global Security
• Diplomatic Law
• Diplomatic Theory and Practice
• Environmental Diplomacy
• The EU and the Global Commons
• Approaches to European Integration: History and Practice

Postgraduate teaching and learning generally takes place in a combination of large seminars and smaller discussion groups.  Our academics typically lead the sessions, encouraging discussion between all students. Sometimes students will give presentations, either individually or in groups.

There is a strong emphasis on independent learning and students are expected to work on their own to produce their essays and dissertation. Most modules are assessed by a diverse range of coursework (e.g., essays, critiques, reports, presentations), though some modules may also be assessed by seminar contributions and/or written exams. Students take three modules in each semester. The taught modules are completed by May, leaving the summer months for students to write their dissertation.

SPIRE is a thoroughly international school, and is particularly welcoming to international students, as well as providing plenty of opportunities for home students to broaden their horizons.

We have staff with educational backgrounds in a wide variety of countries, such as Columbia, Canada, Bulgaria, Italy, Austria, Romania, and Turkey, who present their research all around the world. Students have the opportunity to hear visiting lecturers from various different countries, arranged through our ERASMUS partnerships.

International students will join established international communities at Keele, and will find plenty of support mechanisms in place to help them make the transition to study in the UK (see the ‘International Applicants’ button above).