MA/MRes Politics and International Relations (International Relations)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Keele University

Program Overview

The MA/MRes Politics and International Relations (International Relations pathway) at Keele University equips you with the analytical tools to understand global politics, diplomacy, conflict and power in the contemporary world while letting you specialise deeply in issues that matter most to you. This programme suits graduates who want to combine rigorous academic insight with real-world relevance, sharpening your research skills and critical thinking in areas such as international security, global governance and transnational political dynamics.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-Time / Core Learning)

In your first year of the one-year full-time MA or the initial phase of the two-year part-time route, you will build a solid foundation in both the theory and practice of international relations. Core modules such as Continuity and Change in World Politics introduce you to the evolution of global political systems, while Foundations of Social Research: Design and Philosophy develops your grasp of research design, methods and the philosophical underpinnings of academic inquiry. You’ll also explore pressing Contemporary Political Challenges, engaging with real world issues such as security, inequality and diplomacy from both national and international perspectives.

Year 1–2 (Advanced Study and Dissertation/Research Project)

Later in the programme, you tailor your studies with a mix of optional modules that align with your interests in international relations — such as conflict studies, diplomacy and global governance — giving you flexibility to explore specialised topics in depth. Crucially, you undertake a dissertation or research project that allows you to pursue a topic of your own choosing, applying learned methods to produce original research and demonstrating your ability to think independently and critically about complex global issues. This personalised study prepares you for professional or further academic paths.

Focus Areas (in a string)

Global politics, diplomacy, international security, political research design, global governance, conflict and societal change.

Learning Outcomes (in a string)

Develop advanced analytical and research skills, understand and interpret global political systems, design and execute academic research, apply theoretical frameworks to real world international issues, engage critically with debates in international relations.

Professional Alignment (accreditation)

This programme draws on research-led teaching within Keele’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences, preparing you for careers in international organisations, policy analysis, diplomacy and research-intensive roles — and aligns with standards expected by political science and IR professional networks.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Keele University’s MA/MRes Politics and International Relations (International Relations) programme, your learning goes well beyond traditional lectures and textbooks — you’ll actively develop practical research skills, participate in vibrant seminar discussions and engage with expert staff as you grow into an informed, confident political analyst. The course is taught primarily in interactive seminar formats where you’re encouraged to debate, present and think critically with your peers and tutors, mirroring real-world political environments and decision-making contexts. You’ll also complete substantial independent research projects, supported by experienced supervisors, and have access to excellent postgraduate facilities, scholarly resources and research communities that help bring your ideas to life.

To give you a clear sense of how this translates into hands-on practice:

Interactive Seminars and Group Projects: Much of your teaching takes place in seminar formats that foster active discussion, debate and collaborative analysis of contemporary international issues — meaning you regularly work with others to present, critique and defend ideas.
Advanced Research Training: The Research in Action module gives you practical experience in designing and conducting your own small-scale research project, including evidence gathering and analysis that are core to political science practice.
Independent Dissertation: Whether on the MA or the more research-intensive MRes, you will undertake a substantial independent dissertation that develops real-world research project planning, problem-solving and academic writing skills under expert supervision.
Access to Postgraduate Research Community: Postgraduate students benefit from high-standard facilities and networks within Keele’s research environment, including office space, research training seminars and academic events that enrich your learning experience.
Extensive Library Resources: You’ll have full access to Keele’s Scott Library and other academic resources — packed with political science and international relations texts, digital journals and specialist databases that support your coursework and research.
Internship & Work Experience Support: Keele’s Internships service can help you identify and secure work experience opportunities (e.g. in NGOs, policy organisations or research roles), with toolkits and application support to help build your CV and professional readiness.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Politics and International Relations at Keele go on to meaningful roles where they inform global decision-making, shape public policy or work within international organisations. Typical roles include Analyst in Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy, Civil Service Policy Officer, International NGO Specialist and Research Professional in social and political research sectors, reflecting the broad relevance of your skills and knowledge: Keele’s approach prepares you not just for your first job, but for a career with impact and purpose.

Careers & Employability Support: While you’re studying and for up to three years after graduation, Keele’s Careers and Employability team offers personalised guidance, CV and interview preparation, career workshops, employer events and access to job opportunities — helping you navigate your transition from study to work.
Graduate Outcomes & Employment Stats: According to graduate outcomes data, around 85 % of Politics and related discipline graduates go on to work or further study within 15 months of completing their degree, showing strong progression into relevant sectors.
Salary Growth Potential: While specific postgraduate figures aren’t published for this course, Politics graduates at Keele report average earnings around £24,500 15 months after graduation and graduates in the broader region earn significantly more over time than non-graduates.
University Reputation & Employability Rankings: Keele University is ranked in the UK Top 15 for graduate employability prospects in the latest UniCompare rankings, reflecting strong student confidence in employment readiness and graduate success.
Embedded Industry Skills: The programme’s emphasis on critical analysis, research, communication and teamwork — plus support from Keele’s job search tools — equips you with transferable professional skills that employers across government, public affairs, NGOs and international institutions actively seek.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing your MA or MRes, you can build on your academic foundation with advanced research degrees such as a PhD in Politics, International Relations, Public Policy or related social science fields — ideal if you’re passionate about contributing new insights to political science or aiming for academic, high-level research or policy advisory careers. Keele also supports progression to professional qualifications and specialist training that align with careers in diplomacy, international development, governance or strategic analysis.