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Politics, International Relations & Philosophy

International Relations

SPIRE has a reputation for being a pioneering centre of International Relations scholarship in the UK. 

International Relations is not merely the study of current affairs or foreign places: it is a distinctive way of looking at the world that will enable you to understand complex, global political events. The study of International Relations covers key issues of conflict, human rights, environmental change and globalisation. It will give you a solid understanding of international organisation, the UN and European Union.  In an interdependent world, such skills are of increasing relevance to many areas of business, industry and government. The dual and single honours degree routes in SPIRE offer you an overview of key features and trends in International Relations, as well as a range of analytical skills to help interpret and explain the processes at work.

flags Course Structure

Our course, whether studied as a single or dual honours degree, is designed to develop your knowledge of International Relations progressively. The first year provides a foundation for more flexible choices in the second year and considerable specialisation in the third year.  One of the benefits of studying in SPIRE is the range of extra modules from Politics that is also available to International Relations students. Students are also allowed to take elective modules from any subject throughout their degree. For example you can learn a language as part of your degree.  For further details please follow this link to Keele's undergraduate prospectus.

Single or Dual Honours?

International Relations can be taken on its own; in combination with one of SPIRE's other courses (Politics or Philosophy); or in combination with a vast range of other subjects such as Law, History or Management.

Single Honours

The single honours route allows for a concentrated focus on International Relations, but with the possibility of taking some modules from other courses to reflect a special interest you may have. This route is for you if you think that International Relations is the most important and interesting subject and you want to devote most of your time and energy to understanding it in depth.

Dual Honours

The dual honours route will enable you to explore the connections between IR and another subject.  Because International Relations is connected to so many other disciplines, it makes an ideal choice to combine with other complementary subjects such as Criminology, Law or Economics.  If, on the other hand, you thrive on difference, then you can study International Relations alongside a natural science subject, such as Applied Environmental Science, or with an Humanities discipline such as History, Music or French.  Please refer to Keele's undergraduate prospectus for the full range of International Relations combinations. 

That sounds interesting, but will it get me a job?

Our graduates have an excellent employability record and go on to work in a range of careers. The ability to make and evaluate arguments, work collaboratively, and to make well reasoned decisions based on analysis of evidence is vital in any professional field.   Please see our Careers page or take a look at what our former SPIRE students say about our programmes, the school, and life at Keele and after.

See our International Relations leaflet