Politics and International Relations Keele University

Overview

The Politics and International Relations BA (Hons) at Keele University offers a comprehensive exploration of power at local, national, and global levels. This degree investigates how policy is formulated, the functioning of modern democracies, and the significant challenges facing contemporary regimes. Students examine a diverse range of topics, including environmental change, foreign policy, and global conflict, to understand the forces shaping our modern world.

Why Politics and International Relations at Keele University?

• Ranked 1st in the West Midlands and Top 10 in the UK for Politics by the Guardian University Guide 2026.
• Ranked 1st in the West Midlands and Top 3 in the UK for International Relations by the Guardian University Guide 2026.
• Keele University holds a Double Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
• Unique opportunity to take a Parliamentary Studies module co-delivered by officials from the Houses of Parliament.
• Engage in practical learning through crisis simulations, model United Nations, and genocide-prevention workshops.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 18200 per year
• National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Contemporary World Politics
• Making Sense of Politics
• Becoming a Social Scientist
• Global Democracy under Threat
• Social Science Research Methods and Data Analysis
• Environmental Politics and Policy
• Genocide and Death in World Politics
• Parliamentary Studies
• Global Challenges: War, Terrorism and Global Violence

Careers with Politics and International Relations

Graduates are equipped with transferable skills in analytical thinking, social research, and problem-solving, making them highly employable across various sectors. The programme prepares students for professional roles in government, the Civil Service, and international non-governmental organisations. Many graduates also find success in fields such as journalism, diplomacy, law, and the media.

The university provides extensive support through its Careers and Employability team, offering guidance on CV writing, mock interviews, and networking. Students can also pursue careers in education, marketing, and public relations, or progress to postgraduate study. The practical experience gained through placements and simulations ensures graduates are ready for the demands of the global workplace.