Politics and International Relations - MA
Keele's MA in Politics and International Relations is a gateway to mastering the complexities of power, conflict, diplomacy, democracy and policy in a rapidly changing world. Our forward-thinking programme blends academic insight with real-world relevance, empowering you to think critically, act decisively, and make a difference on the global stage. Advance your career with skills to uncover the contemporary challenges of today's society, engaging with political issues, debates and challenges.
Month of entry
- September, January
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2025/26 academic year
- UK - Full time £10,100 per year. Part time £5,600 per year.
International - £16,600 per year.
Duration of study
- Full time - 1 year, Part time - 2 years, Modular - Up to 5 years
Why study Politics and International Relations at Keele University?
Course summary
Master the complexities of democracy, power, conflict, and diplomacy in a rapidly changing world. Our MA explores key issues, debates and contemporary challenges of politics and international relations on a global stage, enabling you to build advanced skills in research and practice.
Investigate the influence of political systems and structures in the modern world, and explore developments within political, societal, security and economic contexts. You will consider current issues in today's society on a national, international and global scale, whilst critically evaluating and proposing solutions for positive change. The programme is designed to explore key issues and debates connected to your chosen specialism (Politics or International Relations), enabling you to gain a thorough grounding in the philosophical, conceptual and methodological foundations of Politics and International Relations.
As you progress through your degree, you will develop high-level skills in research design, planning and methods, and will refine your analytical and critical thinking skills. This will prepare you for your personalised dissertation project where you will have the opportunity to focus on a topic, issue or question of your own choosing in considerable depth.
At Keele, you will be taught by, and receive support from, academic staff who have in-depth knowledge and expertise in a range of areas of politics and international relations. Our teaching takes place primarily in seminar format, encouraging debate and interaction, fostering collective academic enquiry, and enabling you to increase your knowledge base and develop key analytical and critical thinking skills.
Next steps
Course structure
Our MA Politics and International Relations programme can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September or January start date. It is also possible to study more flexibly part-time on a modular basis, accumulating degree credits by taking individual modules over a period of a maximum of five years.
As a full-time student, you will complete 180 credits to obtain the Master’s qualification, comprising four compulsory modules and one optional module as shown below. Please note, the teaching delivery may differ for part-time students. The information below outlines a one-year full-time study schedule.
Modules
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, as well as student voice. 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.
Compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
Continuity and Change in World Politics (30 credits)
How have national and international political systems, structures and alliances developed and evolved in the post-World War II period? This module explores the global and national orders that structure the modern world, focusing on the institutions and practices within, between and beyond nation-states, and examining how and why these have evolved in response to changing political, societal, security and economic contexts.
Researching Politics and International Relations (30 credits)
This module explores key approaches, principles, and methods employed in Politics and International Relations research. You will develop an advanced understanding of the core philosophical and analytical approaches adopted in the field; increase your awareness of how research projects may be designed; and expand your knowledge of evidence-gathering in the discipline. You will also develop the ability to select and deploy research designs and methods best suited to a chosen task, and to later critically evaluate these choices.
Contemporary Political Challenges (30 credits)
National and global politics face urgent and wide-ranging challenges in today’s world. This module focuses on the most pressing contemporary problems confronting people, society, and actors at the national, international and global levels. Based upon cutting edge research, you will examine the root causes of, and responses to, these challenges. In addition, you will also assess why barriers to addressing these challenges remain and reflect on how these could be overcome.
Masters Dissertation in Politics and International Relations (60 credits)
The dissertation in Politics and International Relations allows you to research and investigate a topic, issue or question of your own choosing, in considerable depth. It is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to focus on the themes, theories, problems, or cases that you are most passionate about and to apply your learning and research skills to your own project. You will be supported and guided in your dissertation work by a supervisor who has expertise in your chosen field.
Optional modules
Optional modules
Please note: You will choose one of the following optional modules.
Analysing Public Policy (30 credits)
Public policy seeks to address the biggest problems facing society. But how does it find solutions to these problems and how successful are the solutions proposed? This module examines the theory and practice of policy-making in a number of different policy areas. You will investigate the ways in which these problems emerge, how they are defined and constructed, how policy agendas are set, how decision-making takes place, how policies are implemented, and how successfully policies achieve their intended goals.
Conflict, Security and Diplomacy (30 credits)
Why is global politics increasingly conflict-ridden and insecure, and what can be done to change it? This module explores the root causes of contemporary global tensions by investigating geopolitical power struggles, economic instability, and the rise of non-state actors. It examines the efforts of international organizations, states, and civil societies to tackle these challenges, assessing the effectiveness of diplomatic initiatives, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution strategies in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Next steps
Entry requirements
Next steps
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a private university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject or 65% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in any Humanities, or Social Science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience.
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any humanities or social science subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer 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.
Funding
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Next steps
Your career
You will develop a wide range of key transferable skills on this MA, including critical thinking and analysis skills, research skills, and written and oral communication skills. You will also be able to show that you have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
With these skills and the knowledge that you have gained on your course you will be well placed to pursue a career in a wide range of sectors, such as:
- Foreign affairs and diplomacy
- International Organisations
- The Civil Service
- Local or National Government and Administration
- Non-governmental Organisations
- Public Affairs
- Social research
- Public Relations
- Journalism
During your studies, Keele’s Careers and Employability team can help you think about your future options and consider how to enhance your employability.
Next steps
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
Engage with various learning styles on this programme including:
- Interactive seminars - Sharing, discussing and evaluating ideas and debates.
- Presentations - Demonstrating your knowledge, ideas and opinions on subject topics.
- Small group work - Working as a team to research a topic and then share your ideas with peers and academics
- Independent study project (dissertation) - An opportunity to explore a topic of your choice with support from a supervisor.
You will also engage in independent study, both when preparing assignments for your taught modules, and when researching and writing your dissertation. This may involve guided reading lists to support your learning and assessments, with access to a range of electronic resources via the Keele Learning Environment (KLE).
How you'll be assessed
On this programme, you will be assessed using a variety of methods. These various types of assessments allow you to showcase the broad range of knowledge and skills that you will develop over the course of the programme.
Assessments will include:
- Essays
- Research reports
- Case studies
- Analyses of an analytical or methodological approach
- Policy evaluations and recommendations
- Podcasts
- Group oral presentations
- Research proposals
- Dissertation
Next steps
Keele Postgraduate Association
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
Our expertise
This programme will be delivered by a range of staff in the School of Social Sciences.
Teaching team includes:
Dr Elisabeth Carter, Senior Lecturer - Elisabeth's research mainly focuses on political parties in Western Europe, particularly those of the extreme right, party systems, elections, and electoral institutions. Elisabeth has written on these topics in books published by Manchester University Press, Oxford University Press, Routledge, Sage, and Bloomsbury, and in articles in the European Journal of Political Research, the Journal of Political Ideologies, Representation, and West European Politics.
Dr Philip Catney, Senior Lecturer - Phil's teaching and research is focused on public policy, particularly urban and environmental policy. He is a member of the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity. Phil has published in journals including Public Administration, Environment and Planning C, Local Environment, Energy Policy, Journal of Environmental Management, and Social Movement Studies.
Dr Jon Herbert, Senior Lecturer - Jon’s primary focus is the US Presidency, although he has broader interests in both public policy and US government as a whole. He has written and edited books on recent presidencies, various forms of presidential leadership and a number of policy areas including foreign policy, economic policy and criminal justice policy. He co-edits the Developments in American Politics series.
Dr Gemma Loomes, Lecturer - Gemma’s interests focus specifically on party systems and elections in Europe, but more broadly on political parties and democracy, electoral systems and institutional engineering. She has written on these topics in books published by Routledge and Bloomsbury.
Dr Moran Mandelbaum, Lecturer - Moran teaches and researches global politics, security, and nations and nationalism from a psychoanalytical lens. He has written peer-reviewed research papers on the Brexit vote, the inclusion of LGBTQ population as a form of sovereign legitimation in Israeli society, the ideal of nationally congruent societies in modernity, and the power of belonging in global politics. His book, The Nation/State Fantasy, offers a psychoanalytical genealogy of nationalism from early modernity to contemporary political and IR theory.
Dr Jonathan Parker, Senior Lecturer and National Teaching Fellow - Jonathan teaches U.S. politics, public policy, and research methods. He researches higher education policy, particularly curriculum and teaching. He has written about teaching research and methods in Political Studies, PS: Political Science & Politics, and the Journal of Political Science Education. His book Challenge to the Liberal Arts: Undergraduate Education in the United States and United Kingdom is forthcoming from SUNY Press.
Professor Helen Parr - Helen’s research focuses on Britain's relations with the European Community and Union, Britain in the Cold War, international history, and on war and society, particularly the 1982 Falklands war, experiences of violence, memory and commemoration. She is author of Our Boys: The Story of a Paratrooper (Allen Lane, 2018) which was awarded several prizes.
Dr Rebecca Richards, Lecturer - Becky's research focuses on post-conflict reconstruction, statebuilding, and political development. She also has expertise in unrecognised states and in the Horn of Africa. She has written on these topics in solo and multi-authored books, as well as in journals, including Third World Quarterly, the Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding, and Global Faultlines. She has also undertaken consultancy work for projects funded by the MOD and is an academic advisor/expert contact for the African Peacebuilding Database Project.
Dr Barry Ryan, Senior Lecturer - Barry’s expertise lies in the field of Security Studies. His research focuses on the relationship between security and governance and the politics of maritime security. He is a co-editor of the Routledge Handbook on Maritime Security and his research has been published by Review of International Studies, Security Dialogue, and International Political Sociology.
Next steps
Supporting you
At Keele, you will have access to a range of support including an Academic Mentor and staff from the Student Experience and Support team.
During your degree programme, you will engage with teaching staff across the School of Social Sciences, offering a series of workshops aimed at supporting postgraduate students. These workshops cover academic practice, the services available to support you during your studies and the development of your future career plans.