International Relations and Politics

International Relations and Politics - BA (Hons)

Are you keen to learn about global affairs and what shapes the society we live in? International Relations and Politics explores a wide variety of factors that impact how society is organised and governed across the globe. It’s the study of culture, economics, organisations, and ultimately, power. At Keele, you will delve into the big issues, such as human rights and the environment as well as how the big decisions are made on policies, leadership and political action.

Year of entry

2023 - for 2022 entry see here

Course type

Combined Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

Social, Political and Global Studies

UCAS code

L251

Duration of study

3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Enquire about this course Book an open day Chat to students

Why study International Relations and Politics at Keele University?

4th in the UK for Politics and International Relations (National Student Survey, 2021)

Global Top 300 for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2022)

Opportunity to tailor your programme based on your interests and career aspirations

Enhance your career prospects with an International Year and explore new cultures across the globe at a partner university

Course overview

International Relations and Politics provides an understanding of society and how the world operates. On this combined honours course, you will explore key societal events that shape the world around us, engaging with questions of power, justice, conflict, legitimacy, accountability, and governance.

International Relations is the study of the relationships between nations, global politics, and investigates the influence of power in society. You will explore how various factors contribute to the way in which the world works, including the role of government and citizens and how these interact with each other. You will develop a critical approach to the world and its events, honing your analytical skills and developing your capacity to examine the risks and challenges we confront in trying to shape the world we live in. You will build an understanding of international organisations such as the United Nations and European Union.

You will explore why citizens are increasingly disillusioned with politics; what a democracy is; when and how it’s legitimate to protest; and the effects of different models of government. You can tailor your studies to your interests, whether theoretical, historical or oriented to specific issues. Our academics in the School of Social, Political and Global Studies are active researchers, with expertise in environmental politics, European and American politics and security studies. This course will equip you with key skills for research and allow you to develop both personally and professionally in becoming an independent thinker, preparing you for a career of your choice.

Enhance your learning

The Practice of Politics

Whether you’re thinking of pursuing a career in politics or would like to explore public service more broadly, this optional module in your second year of study will help you to gain more information about the types of careers available and how you can prepare yourself for employment. From CV writing, to interview techniques, you will learn how you can enhance your prospects of finding a role suitable for you. This will help you to understand the process behind reaching your career aspirations and applying your practical skills, working with others and showcasing your independent skills.

Parliamentary Studies

In your third year, you may have the opportunity to apply for our ‘Parliamentary Studies’ module in which staff from the UK Parliament at Westminster join us to teach how Parliament operates. You will gain a practical understanding of policy making and legislative procedures that will enhance your experience and provide valuable insight into politics and law.

Work Placement Year

On this course, you will have the opportunity to opt for a Work Placement Year in the School of Social, Political and Global Studies between Year 2 and 3. This will allow you to apply your knowledge and practical skills in a workplace environment enabling you to build key skills in communication, teamwork and project management. You will be able to demonstrate your abilities and creative thinking, working with fellow professionals as well as independently.

You will be supported by staff in your preparation to apply for a work placement that suits your interests and career prospects. This opportunity will allow you to develop both personally and professionally during your studies which will assist you in your employment after university.

Study Abroad

International Year

Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at one of our partner institutions. Choosing this optional opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year can help in your employment search to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons, potentially working across the globe. You will develop a new way of understanding the world and gain insight into various perspectives whilst learning in a different environment, enhancing your university experience.

On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with a degree title ‘International Relations and Politics with International Year’. This can be highly beneficial for your career prospects and through experiencing different cultures, you will not only grow as an individual, but you will also strengthen your knowledge and interests within society. You can find more information here.

Alternatively, you may choose to study abroad for just a semester in your second year which will count towards your second year grades. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience.

Related courses

Next Steps

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"Lectures gave a great deal of breadth, covering a wide range of topics within the modules. Seminars provided scope for depth, and I often found myself getting into interesting debates with students and staff alike! The course was really stimulating, looking at the international system in theory and practice."

Duncan, International Relations and Politics

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Learn a language Placement year International year Study abroad GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

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 and International students.

A Level requirements

A Level requirement - BBC

GCSE requirements

English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

BTEC requirements DMM

International Baccalaureate

29 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.

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

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.

Next Steps

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INSPIRING ALUMNI

Once I started studying, I realized that Keele is a wonderful place for an international student. It had the feeling of one big family and the campus is simply gorgeous. I enjoyed my time immensely and made many friends, who I am still in touch with. The International Relations course at Keele is a very practical course. The course gave me an excellent grounding and understanding of diplomacy, how international law works, and about the complex, multi-layered ties sovereign states have with each other.

Dr Farah Faizal, International Relations

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"I’ve had a great time at Keele, I love the community feeling and it’s great how the library is open 24 hours a day. The support I’ve had from the School has been amazing, If I had an issue I’d get a reply from my tutors within seconds. In terms of confidence, I didn’t have much when I arrived at Keele but the course has really boosted my self-confidence."

Amanpreet, Politics

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Your future career

96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (HESA, 2017)

Enhance your employability

Having a degree in International Relations and Politics will enhance your career prospects in range of different areas based on your subject expertise and understanding of global matters. You will build a variety of skills in communication, analysis and problem-solving, equipping you with key attributes applicable to diverse industries and sectors.

Throughout the course, you will learn to work well with others and convey your understanding and expertise of subject matter and societal challenges. This experience will help to prepare you for the workplace environment, with the support of staff and academics.

You may wish to pursue a career in:

Civil Service
Local Government
International relations
Diplomacy
Politics
Journalism
Law
Business
Charities and NGOs
Education
Parliament
Marketing
Health
Further study

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.

From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

Next Steps

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Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and assessment in International Relations

International Relations will allow you to engage with research active staff through teaching in a range of core and optional modules. You will explore worldwide history and critically evaluate where we are today and what has shaped the society we live in. We currently have regional expertise in the politics of Europe, Eurasia, Africa, China, South Asia, United States and the Middle East.

You will take a critical approach to your learning, engaging with thought-provoking debates around key subject areas, and increasing your awareness of different theories and perspectives. You will delve into various topics from international relations and politics and consider how these subjects complement each other. This includes areas such as democracy, the environment, security and international systems.

You will demonstrate your learning through discussions with academics and peers as well as a range of methods that will challenge your knowledge and enhance your expertise through practical and theoretical teaching.

Teaching will be delivered through:

Lectures
Tutorials
Seminars
Workshops
Web-based learning

Assessment methods include:

Essays
Presentations
Reviews/critiques
Portfolios
Dissertation

Teaching and assessment in Politics

Politics allows you to study a range of core and optional modules which cover topics from environmental politics to the rise of China and from social movements to ideas of justice and freedom.

You will be taught through various methods including traditional lectures, tutorials and seminars where you will engage with discussions with academics and peers around current topics and challenges. This experience will encourage you to evaluate problems and consider appropriate solutions and ideas. You will learn to communicate effectively through both written and verbal methods and engage with independent and group work.

You will be assessed through methods such as:

Essays
Presentations
Reviews/critiques
Research design project
Examinations
Portfolio
Dissertation

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

Our combined honours foundation year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics degree. For example, the Foundations of Social Sciences 1 module introduces you to the ‘backbone’ of social sciences, the concept of social inclusion, the factors that lead to exclusion and the impact this may have on individuals, families and communities. Meanwhile, the Foundations of Social Sciences 2 module considers the topic of migration and mobility by exploring how migrants are framed in terms of law, economy, data and the media over time and how ideas regarding migration are often shaped by socio-political discourses of ‘race’ and the ‘other’, creating an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ narrative. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00247	Foundations: Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing	15 credits
FYO-00263	Foundations of Social Sciences 1	15 credits
FYO-00257	Foundations of Humanities 1	15 credits
FYO-00265 FYO-00259	Foundations in Social Sciences 2 Or Foundations in Humanities 2	15 credits 15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00269	Advancing Social Sciences	30 credits
FYO-00271	University Research Portfolio	30 credits

Entry requirements

Between 40-48 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

How to apply

Students will need to apply for BA (Hons) International Relations with Foundation Year (UCAS code: L2L3) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will then be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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