Politics and International Relations (Global Security)

Course summary

The MA/MRes in Politics and International Relations has a pathway structure, allowing you to gain knowledge and understanding of the key elements of the discipline and giving you the opportunity to focus on the topics, questions, and issues that interest you the most. We have pathways in Global Security, International Relations, Middle East Politics, Politics, and US Politics. Whichever pathway you choose, you will be taught by academic staff who are experts and have long-standing reputations within these areas.

The Global Security pathway explores the range of threats, both old and new, that are posing a danger to our safety, and the ways in which different actors react to them.

Our modules explore a host of global security challenges, including those emanating from conflict, migration, terrorism, organised crime, economic failure, and climate change. They examine how states and other actors perceive and respond to these threats, sometimes taking extraordinary means in the name of providing security and managing risk. They investigate the consequences of increased global security, including those that raise questions about sovereignty, borders, and independence, as well as surveillance, the use of technology, and personal information. Studying on this pathway will equip you with a better understanding of our interconnected world, as well as with the ability to explain, analyse, and critique global security.

You will take core modules which explore the key philosophies and approaches to the study of Politics and International Relations, and the ways in which research in this field is designed and conducted.

You will then select five (on the MRes) or six (on the MA) optional modules, to tailor your studies based on your interests. You may explore conflict, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, or study the challenges that environmental change poses to security, or the security of the seas. You may select modules that explore global security from a historical and theoretical perspective, or you may choose modules that engage in empirical research.

Finally, the dissertation offers you the chance to further pursue your particular interest in Global Security, giving you opportunity to examine a topic of your own choosing in considerable depth.

Other courses you may be interested in:

• MA/MRes Politics and International Relations (International Relations)
• MA/MRes Politics and International Relations (Middle East Politics)
• MA/MRes Politics and International Relations (Politics)
• MA/MRes Politics and International Relations (US Politics)
• MSc International Development

We need to make sure that your level of English is good enough for you to study at Keele University. On this page you will find a list of the English Language qualifications we accept. For UK students, we normally ask for a minimum of a grade 4/C in GCSE English Language. For EU and International students, we accept qualifications from several countries, as well as a range of international qualifications and tests.

Students who need a Visa to study in the UK must meet both the University entry requirements as well as those of the UK Home Office (UKVI). For example English Language Tests (eg IELTS) must be dated within the two years immediately preceding the programme start date as set out in any offer letter issued by the University and different tests cannot be combined. 

Your career

You will develop a wide range of skills as you progress through this programme. These include critical thinking and analysis skills, advanced research skills, information handling, and oral and written communication skills. You will also be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to work independently, and to plan activities and manage your time effectively.

These skills, together with authoritative knowledge and understanding of, and critical insight into, a range of political and global concerns place you in an excellent position to pursue a wide range of careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Depending on your interests and passions, you could pursue a career in party politics, in local or central government and administration, in the civil service, in foreign affairs or diplomacy, or in international organisations. Alternatively, you could work for a range of non-governmental organisations, including charities, campaign or lobby groups, or you may choose to join a think-tank, a public affairs or public relations company or consultancy, or a social research organisation.

Some of our former students on the MA/MRes have gone on to work for Members of Parliament, or have been active in political parties and political foundations, while others have secured jobs, both in the UK and abroad, in government ministries (including the UK Ministry of Defence and the UK Home Office), the civil service, and the diplomatic service, as well as other government agencies such as Border Force, the police, and revenue and customs.

Others have also pursued careers in healthcare management, environmental policy, transport policy, public relations, media and journalism, IT and finance, as well as in a variety of non-profit organisations and charities, both in the UK and around the world.

During your studies on the MA/MRes, Keele’s Careers and Employability team can help you think about your future options, consider how to enhance your employability, and support you in finding placements, internships, and graduate jobs.