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.<br/><br/>**Why choose this course?**<br/>- No. 1 in the UK. Britains best university, ranked by students (Student Crowd University Awards, 2022)<br/><br/><br/>- Global Top 300 for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2022)<br/><br/><br/>- Opportunity to tailor your programme based on your interests and career aspirations<br/><br/><br/>- Enhance your career prospects with an International Year and explore new cultures across the globe at a partner university <br/><br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>**About Keele**<br/><br/>Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.<br/><br/>We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.<br/><br/>Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.