International relations and politics are of vital importance to all of us in our daily lives. They concern fundamental choices about the ways in which societies are organised and the way we are governed, both within states and in the international community. You will be taught by researchers in the fields of international relations and politics, doing cutting edge research in key issues relevant to your studies and working experience.
Whether you want to understand Brexit, the crisis in the Middle East or climate change, you need to understand why governments make particular decisions and how different groups interact within states and across borders. A degree in International Relations and Politics at Keele will equip you with the necessary tools to understand and explain how power operates and how we might begin to tackle the most pressing domestic and global challenges. You will study contemporary and policy-relevant issues such as democracy, global inequality, protest, globalisation, regime change, energy security, environmental sustainability, human rights, gender politics and terrorism. You can underpin these issues through an in-depth study of particular countries such as Britain, the United States and Russia, as well as regions in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.
A Level requirements
A Level requirement - BBC-BCC
If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course with 64 UCAS points via a Foundation Year.
GCSE requirements
English Language at C (or 4)
BTEC
BTEC requirements DMM
If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course with 64 UCAS points via a Foundation Year.
International Baccalaureate
30 points
Access to HE Diploma requirements
Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
PREPARATION PROGRAMMES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.
These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.
Fees and funding
Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.
We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.
96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE, 2017)
Our graduates are to be found in a wide range of jobs from commerce to industry as well as government, the civil service, journalism, law, security services, political research, diplomacy and teaching. Some of our prominent graduates include Laurence Mann, political private secretary to David Cameron, Jonty Bloom, a Business correspondent for the BBC, Farah Faisal, High Commissioner for the Maldives and Paul Rimmer, Director at the Ministry of Defence, as well as a number of current MPs.
You can gain an enhanced degree title that includes a foreign language competency. You can also graduate with an internationally recognised qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) by taking a series of four linked elective modules as part of your degree. If you do an International Year abroad, you will also graduate with an enhanced degree title, for example, ‘BA (Hons) in International Relations and Politics with International Year’.
Recent employers:
Civil Service
International Organisations
Local Government
The Police Service
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Private Sector Companies
Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:
Public Affairs Consultant
Government Research Officer
Politician’s Assistant
Public Affairs Consultant
Social Research Officer
Civil Service Fast Streamer
Local Government Officer
FE Lecturer
Regardless of which career you pursue after Keele, employers will want evidence of the range of skills and personal qualities you possess and which are required for the job. Your degree is clearly important in this respect but don’t forget the extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility, jobs and voluntary work you may have been engaged in while studying at Keele. These activities allow you to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities required by employers and will be vital in your attempts to secure graduate employment.
It is estimated that 60% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. This demonstrates the flexibility of many graduate employers when setting out their academic requirements and that students are not necessarily restricted to careers related to their degree.
