Year of entry
- 2025
UCAS code
- L521
Duration of study
- 3 years or 4 years with international or placement year
Politics and International Relations - BA (Hons)
Course summary
Learn how politics shapes everyday lives, the influence of power, security concerns, and current geopolitical transformations. Our Politics and International Relations BA brings together the study of domestic and international politics, whilst investigating current issues such as environmental change, threats to democracy, and foreign policy calculations. Our degree will equip you with key skills in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and social research, as well as provide opportunities to work with community groups, activists, and professionals in the public and private sectors.
Why study Politics and International Relations at Keele University?





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"During my time at Keele, I have studied International Relations, and I can truly say that the skills and experiences that the programme has offered, has developed me into a confident student, with vital knowledge of how the world works. International Relations as a discipline, has encouraged me to immerse in debates and independent thinking about the relations between states, roles of international organisations, security, and the political environment. This I believe has become crucial to better understanding the world which is an important skill to take into the working world. Throughout the course, the lecturers are supportive and encouraging with no question about the lecture materials or assessments too big or too small."

Parliamentary studies module
A total of just 23 UK universities including Keele have been granted the right to offer the unique and highly regarded Parliamentary Studies module from the academic year 2024/25, with Keele academics and officials from both Houses of Parliament co-delivering the module. Parliamentary Studies will be an optional module choice for final year undergraduate students on select SPGS courses.
Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework
Keele is one of only 15 broad-based universities in England - out of over 100 - to have been awarded Gold in both the 2017 and 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercises, demonstrating our consistent teaching excellence.

Additional opportunities






There are a range of additional opportunities for this course.
Please note that undertaking one may impact the availability of another.
Parliamentary Studies
Intrigued by how the UK Parliament operates? In your third year, you can apply to take our Parliamentary Studies module, delivered through a partnership between the Houses of Parliament and Keele Politics. The module provides a detailed knowledge of how Parliament works in both theory and practice. Keele is one of only 23 universities delivering the course and has done so successfully since 2019.
Keele provides academic and theoretical content, and Parliament provides practical teaching about the work, processes and business of Parliament. You will visit Parliament and develop a wide range of analytical skills, examining the role of Parliament as a policy maker and completing assessments set by Parliamentary staff.
Work placements
Our Politics programme at Keele offers the chance to engage with work placements as part of your degree programme to gain valuable experience in the workplace on real-world case studies. You will collaborate with professionals in industry by demonstrating your knowledge and expertise and learning new skills which will support your professional journey. From analytical thinking, problem-solving, leadership and organisational skills, you will be well equipped for a range of careers.
You also have the option to gain hands-on experience with a placement year in between years two and three of your degree programme and prepare for employment after university at greater lengths. This will enable you to build confidence and demonstrate your abilities in a professional environment, using the skills you have gained throughout your degree programme.
Study abroad
Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at one of our partner institutions. This 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 an enhanced degree title. 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.
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. Find out more about our study abroad opportunities.
Learn a language
Discover languages at Keele. Whether you are a complete beginner or already have a foundation of knowledge, we offer a flexible and guided route to developing your skills. We currently offer British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.
Being multilingual can assist with your career prospects and encourage you to stand out against competition, as well as increasing your employment prospects overseas. This is also a fantastic opportunity for your personal development where you can practise your reading, writing and oral skills and build key characteristics such as time management, adaptability, and motivation.
Entry requirements
These are the typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If your qualifications aren't listed, please contact us to check if we can accept them. If you don't think you'll meet the stated requirements, you may be able to access this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and/or English language requirements.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
BBC in three A Levels.
Contextual Offer: CCC in three A Levels.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.
Contextual Offer: MMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Merit and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
T Level
Merit in any T Level.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
International Baccalaureate Diploma
554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points.
Contextual Offer: 444 in three Higher levels or 27 points.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
112 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
China - Gaokao
70% in the Gaokao.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
India - Standard XII
Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Germany - Abitur
2.4 overall average in the Abitur.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
France - Baccalaureate
12 in the French Baccalaureate/International Option Baccalaureate/Baccalauréate Français International.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Hong Kong - Diploma
443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
75% in the Esame di Stato.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Cyprus - Apolytirion
17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Portugal
Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Canada - Diploma
60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
443 from three Advanced Placement subjects.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
BBC in three Advanced Levels.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
BBC in three H2 Levels.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
70% overall.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
NCUK
Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC and a C in EAP English Language module.
Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education
BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE
BBC in three Advanced Level subjects.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).
English language requirements
All our courses require an English language qualification or test. Most students meet this through a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please visit our English Language pages for details, including test information for international students. For students who require a test, this course requires a result from Group A.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. We offer alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying in the Keele region, and recognition of a range of additional qualifications.
General information
The entry grades outlined indicate the typical offer, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary conditions based upon a candidate's application.
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"Studying International Relations and Politics at Keele has allowed me to build an in-depth understanding of international and regional organisations and their functions while developing my perspectives on a wide range of events in the history of International Relations. The course has not only facilitated the development of a critical perspective on current global events but has also equipped me with a strong comprehension of the theoretical foundations that underpin the field of IR. Moreover, despite facing adversity during my time at Keele, I have always felt supported within the department."
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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.
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"While I was at Keele, I feel like I really grew in confidence. I understood so much about my own skills and I also found new interests across policy and international politics. The caring and dedicated network of teachers and peers at Keele really allows you to apply that knowledge later in life. For me, that's been things like policy formulation and parliamentary process, but I can definitely attribute that back to the modules and also the knowledge-based work that happens at Keele, but also the wonderful people that I met."
Foundation year
Foundation year overview
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.
On our Foundation Year, you'll join our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
Discover the Keele difference
Everything’s on your doorstep at Keele, and you’ll soon feel at home and make friends wherever you go.
We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.
Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.