Politics and International Relations (Middle East Politics)

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 Middle East Politics, International Relations, Global Security, 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 Middle East Politics pathway explores the traditions, histories and cultures of the Middle East, investigating the area’s domestic and regional politics, and analysing the geopolitical significance of this important region and its strategic impact on the rest of the world. Our modules focus on a wide range of topics, including the identities and ideologies of the region, its state structures and political organisations, its stability and security and the related international implications, and the challenges it faces from environmental change and resource scarcity.

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, tailoring your studies based on your interests. You may explore the domestic politics of various states in the Middle East, examine patterns of inter-state relations in the region, or analyse the international impact of regional tensions and conflicts. You may select modules that explore themes from a theoretical perspective, or choose modules that engage in empirical research.

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

Other courses you may be interested in:

• Politics and International Relations (Global Security)
• Politics and International Relations (International Relations)
• Politics and International Relations (Politics)
• Politics and International Relations (US Politics)
• International Development

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 might 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 other MA/MRes pathways 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 in other government agencies such as Border Force, the police, and revenue and customs.

Other graduates 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.