International Relations

Are you intrigued by how world politics shapes our everyday lives? The influence of power and global affairs? International Relations at Keele covers world politics and the challenges associated with global order. This may include topics such as human rights protection, climate change, war and peace, populism, diplomacy and foreign policy. Our wide-reaching expertise and our broad approach to the discipline will teach you how to interpret global, social, political, and economic interactions. Develop your skills and expertise and become a change maker for future generations. A degree in International Relations from Keele prepares you for a career of your choice in politics, business and beyond.

Why choose this course?

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

• Opportunity to tailor your degree programme based on your interests and career aspirations

• Research active staff providing a worldwide perspective of key topics, challenges and issues

• Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at a partner university and gain awareness of new cultures

• Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Employability (Uni Compare rankings, 2026)

Explore how global relationships impact everyday lives and how the international order is being challenged and redefined. Studying International Relations at Keele explores the complexities of world politics, examining personal, local, and global aspects of power, order, conflict, violence, and justice.

Our aim is to develop your expertise as a critical thinker, with insights into contemporary challenges, preparing you to become a future change maker. You'll study the politics and international relations of the West as well as the global majority world, investigating critical issues ranging from power and inequality, to race and decolonisation, environmental change, security and conflict, foreign policy, gender, activism, war and more.

Our curriculum is designed to be engaging and interactive, with opportunities to put theory into practice in real-world applications including crisis simulations, model United Nations, activist strategy development, funding proposals, and policy report writing. You will also have opportunities to network with practitioners in the field, discuss your ideas, and develop your analytical, research, and practical skills ready for various careers.

We support your academic and professional growth, with year-long and team-taught modules catering to diverse learning styles, and varied assessments to build and enhance your expertise. The course is built around three main themes: Understanding World Politics in Year 1, Making a Difference in World Politics in Year 2, and The Future of World Politics in Year 3. You can also opt to broaden your horizons by studying abroad, learning a language, or undertaking a work placement year, enriching your learning and career prospects.

By the end of your degree, you’ll have a deep understanding of global politics and how it shapes our future. You'll be equipped with the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to make a significant impact in an ever-changing world.

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.