Are you keen to learn about global affairs and what shapes the society we live in? International Relations and Politics explores how society is organised and governed across the globe. It is the study of culture, economics, organisations, and ultimately, power. At Keele, our wide-reaching regional expertise and our broad approach to the disciplines will provide insights into how to interpret global, social, political, and economic interactions. You will join a close-knit and supportive academic community, encouraging you to discover new ideas, understand different perspectives and debate big questions. With applicability to various careers and industries, a degree in International Relations and Politics provides you with the knowledge and transferable skills to pursue a wide range of professional roles.

Course overview

International Relations and Politics provides an understanding of society and how the world operates. On these combined honours course, you will explore key societal events that shape the world around us, engaging with questions of power, justice, conflict, and governance, from mass education to global pandemics.

International Relations is the study of global politics, the relationships between nations, and 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.

Politics at Keele helps you to understand society and the events and forces which shape it, engaging with questions of power, justice, conflict, and governance. Our programme allows you to study the foundations of this subject area as well as tailoring your studies to suit your individual interests, whether these are theoretical, historical, empirical or related to specific issues.

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.

Your future career

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

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. These skills will equip you for a variety of roles across a wide range of careers. You might choose to work in sectors such as:

The Civil Service

Local Government/Parliament

Charities and NGOs

Diplomacy

Business and Law

International Relations

Marketing

Education

The Health Sector

Further study

Duration of study: 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year