Politics and International Relations

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 choose this course?

• No.1 in the West Midlands for Politics (Guardian University Guide, 2026)

• 2nd in England for International Relations (Guardian University Guide, 2026)

• Politics ranked Top 10 in England (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)*

• Enhance your employability with study abroad and work placement opportunities

• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in UK Parliamentary Studies in Year 3

Keele's Politics and International Relations degree is the study of power at the local, national, regional, and global level. Explore how politics and policy are made, how democracy functions, and the many challenges democratic regimes face. You will cover topics from environmental politics and foreign policy, to security and conflict. On this course you will examine a range of influential factors in world politics and how this shapes society. Prepare to understand politics and international relations, how to make a difference and its future on a global scale.

Taking an active role in your learning experience, you will benefit from participating in real-world opportunities like crisis simulations, model United Nations and devising activist strategies for change which will enable you to gain hands-on experience in preparation for your career. You will also have the chance to engage with preparing funding proposals, participating in genocide-prevention workshops, and writing case study analyses and policy reports.
Become a social scientist through the development of key skills and expertise in research and critical analysis, preparing you for an exciting career across various sectors. Whether you wish to make a difference in the world or are intrigued by the future of politics, our programme provides opportunities to enhance your career prospects.

At Keele, you will have the opportunity to engage with projects and placements to combine your degree programme with practical experience, applying your learning to real-world scenarios and kick starting your career. You can tailor your degree programme based on your future aspirations, and also have the opportunity to study abroad with a partner university, developing global perspectives or learning a foreign language and building cultural awareness.

*We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges).

About Keele

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.

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.

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.