Politics and International Relations (International Relations) MA/MRes

Program Overview

The Politics and International Relations MA/MRes program at Keele University provides an in-depth exploration of international affairs, equipping students with advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills. Through pathway options, students can specialize in areas such as Global Security, Middle East Politics, or US Politics. The program culminates in a dissertation, offering students the opportunity to conduct independent research and pursue careers in government, diplomacy, international organizations, and other sectors related to international affairs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Title:

Politics and International Relations (International Relations) - MA / MRes

Overview:

This program provides an in-depth exploration of international affairs and the dynamics of how nation states interact and cooperate. Students delve into the role of international and regional organizations, investigate the causes of conflict and explore potential solutions to restore peace and security. The curriculum examines contemporary global challenges, from climate change and migration to cultural conflicts. The program equips graduates with the expertise to understand the complexities of today's multipolar world and pursue diverse careers in government, diplomacy, foreign affairs, international organizations, and other public, private, or voluntary sectors.

Objectives:

• Equip students with advanced knowledge and understanding of international affairs.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to interpret global events and issues.
• Enhance research skills through in-depth study and dissertation writing.
• Cultivate expertise in a chosen area of international relations through pathway options.
• Prepare graduates for successful careers in a variety of sectors related to international affairs.

Program Description:

• Pathway Structure: The program offers pathways in International Relations, Global Security, Middle East Politics, Politics, and US Politics.
Students choose a pathway to focus their studies on specific areas of interest.
• Modules: The program comprises core modules that provide a foundation in international relations theory and research methods, along with optional modules that allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests.
These modules cover topics such as war, conflict, security, international diplomacy, development, human rights, migration, and environmental change.
• Dissertation: The program culminates in a dissertation, offering students the opportunity to conduct independent research and explore a topic of their choice in depth.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 2 years
• Mode of study: Full-time or part-time
• January Start: Available

Modules:

• Core modules:
• Research in Action (PIR-40095)
• Advanced Approaches to Politics and International Relations (PIR-40144)
• Quantitative Research and Data Analysis (GRT-40020) or Qualitative Research Methods (GRT-40021) (depending on program choice)
• Optional modules:
• International Relations pathway:
• The Changing International Agenda (PIR-40093)
• International Diplomacy (PIR-40136)
• Crises, Conflict and Diplomacy (PIR-40138)
• The Theory of Global Security (PIR-40088)
• Maritime Security (PIR-40128)
• The International Politics of War and Memory (PIR-40156)
• The Geopolitics of Nationalism and Populism (PIR-40142)
• The Global Politics of Islam (PIR-40158)
• International Development: Environment and Conflict (PIR-40152)
• Post-Conflict Development: Cases and Approaches (PIR-40146)
• Human Rights and Global Politics (LAW-40046)
• Foundations of Human Rights (LAW-40048)
• Equality, Discrimination and Minorities (LAW-40047)
• International Refugee Law (LAW-40058)
• International Environmental Law (LAW-40043)
• Global Security pathway:
• The Theory of Global Security (PIR-40088)
• Maritime Security (PIR-40128)
• International Development: Environment and Conflict (PIR-40152)
• Post-Conflict Development: Cases and Approaches (PIR-40146)
• Middle East Politics pathway:
• Politics and Security Dynamics in the Middle East (PIR-40162)
• The Geopolitics of Nationalism and Populism (PIR-40142)
• The Global Politics of Islam (PIR-40158)
• Politics pathway:
• Comparative European Politics (PIR-40096)
• US Politics pathway:
• Race and Justice: Civil Rights in the US (PIR-40119)
• The US Presidency and Public Policy (PIR-40130)
• Modern Foreign Language: Students can choose to take one optional module in a modern foreign language (Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish) at various levels.
• Dissertation: 15,000 words (MA) or 20,000 words (MRes) on a topic of the student's choice.

Assessment:

The program uses diverse assessment methods to evaluate student understanding and skills development:

• Essays: Traditional essays on key topics and themes in international relations.
• Commentaries/Reviews: Analyzing specific texts or approaches within the field.
• Briefing Papers: Preparing concise summaries of relevant issues for policy audiences.
• Case Studies: Examining specific cases in international affairs to demonstrate critical analysis.
• Presentations: Individual or group presentations on research findings or course topics.
• Dissertation: Extensive research project demonstrating independent research skills and deep understanding of a chosen topic.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Small-group seminars: Interactive discussions and debates led by academic specialists in the field.
• Independent study: Preparation for assignments and research for the dissertation.
• Workshops: Enhance dissertation development and research skills.

Faculty:

• Experienced academics with expertise in various areas of international relations.
• Active researchers contributing to the field through publications and presentations.
• Committed to student learning and providing guidance throughout the program.

Unique Approaches:

• Pathway structure: Allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests.
• Dissertation focus: Provides opportunity for in-depth exploration of a chosen topic.
• Small-group seminars: Facilitates interactive learning and personalized attention.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Government: Policy advisor, diplomat, foreign affairs specialist, civil servant.
• International Organizations: United Nations, non-governmental organizations, international development agencies.
• Public Sector: Public relations, media and journalism, research and analysis.
• Private Sector: Think tanks, consultancies, public affairs, finance and IT.
• Voluntary Sector: Non-profit organizations, charities, advocacy groups.

Graduate Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in international affairs.
• Alumni have secured positions in government, international organizations, NGOs, and various sectors.
• Keele has a dedicated postgraduate students' union providing social and welfare support.
• The university offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for postgraduate students.

UK - Full time £9,800 per year. Part time £5,400 per year. International - £19,500 per year.