Politics and International Relations (Global Security)

Keele University

United Kingdom, Keele

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795

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Home/United Kingdom/Keele /Keele University/Politics and International Relations (Global Security)

Keele University

United Kingdom , Keele

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Research

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Keele University campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 19,500 / year

Next Intake September-2026

Politics and International Relations (Global Security)

About

Why study Politics and International Relations (Global Security) at Keele University?

Keele has a longstanding reputation for high quality research in Politics and International Relations

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

High staff-to-student ratio, small group teaching, supportive and inclusive learning environment

Research expertise in British, European, American, Middle East and international politics, and in international relations and security studies

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:

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Postgraduate research entry requirements

Before submitting an application to undertake a research degree at Keele, you are advised to contact the relevant Research Office. This will allow you to discuss your research proposal, available supervision and the entry requirements of the research degree.

Before applying for a PhD, MPhil, DM or Professional Doctorate:

You are advised to contact the relevant administrator listed on the course website. Our dedicated postgraduate support staff can provide information on course-specific entry requirements. For PhD, MPhil and DM applicants, they can also provide information on potential supervisors you need to consider before applying.

Qualifications

PhD, MPhil and DMs usually require an Honours degree with a first or 2.1 classifications, or the equivalent if you have been educated outside the UK (See here for international equivalent guidelines - found here >). Any other academic and/or professional qualifications you may have are also considered, and in some cases form an integral part of the entrance requirement.
Professional Doctorates usually require a Masters Degree, or the equivalent if you have been educated outside the UK (See here for international equivalent guidelines - found here >); and hold that qualification normally in the general field you are applying within, or it's equivalent in professional experience and a professionally accredited programme. Applicants without a Masters degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis, where they can provide evidence of relevant professional experience or other experiential prior learning.

Non-standard qualifications

If your qualifications are non-standard or different from the entry requirements stated, please contact the relevant course administrator, to discuss whether your application would be considered.

Experience

Entry on to many degrees is highly competitive; consequently, we also consider industrial experience as well as the skills, attributes, motivation and potential for success of an individual when deciding whether to make an offer.

English Program Requirements

In addition to academic qualifications, you may be required to produce evidence of your English language ability. This is because in order to benefit from your studies, you need to demonstrate that you have a good level of written and spoken English before taking up a place here.

English language requirements: IELTS

For PGR students joining us from August 2024 onwards, for all subject areas, we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any subtest.

IELTS	TOEFL IBT (including home)	Person Academic (including online)	Cambridge English	Trinity ISE	NCUK English Test	Language Cert ESOL (SELT only)	Language Gallery UPP
6.5 with 6.0 in all components	87 with 19 (writing), 19 (listening), 19 (reading) and 20 (speaking	62 with 59 in each component	176 with 169 in all components	SE II with Distinction in all components OR ISE III with Pass in all component	B (with C in all components)	B2 Pass (35 in all components) OR C1 Pass (with 25 in all components)	80

If you do not have current documentation of the required level of English language you must either retake your language test (IELTS) or attend and successfully complete a pre-sessional (summer) English course before the start of your postgraduate studies.

Keele University runs 11 and 6 week pre-sessional Academic English courses online and face to face.

If you require a Visa to study at Keele and undertake a Pre-Sessional English course, you may be eligible for a Visa to cover both the pre-sessional (11 or 6 week only) and Degree course, on the basis of you achieving the required language competencies by the end of the pre-sessional course, but will be withdrawn if you fail to satisfactory progress to the equivalent level of English required. For more information please visit keele.ac.uk/visa.

All Visas to study in the UK are subject to the rules and requirements of the UK Home Office Visas & Immigration (UKVI) and the supporting (sponsoring) institution.

When you start your studies at Keele, we can assess your English language standard and recommend language modules for you to take as part of your degree course. You do not pay any additional fees for these. You can also speak to staff in the Language Centre

Career

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.