Politics and International Relations (US 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 US Politics, Middle East Politics, Politics, International Relations, and Global Security. Whichever pathway you choose, you will be taught by academic staff who are experts and have long-standing reputations within these areas.

The US Politics pathway enables you to analyse and understand developments and challenges in one of the most fascinating political systems in the world. The US is still widely considered the planet’s sole superpower, but it is increasingly wrestling with its changed status in a multi-polar world. Meanwhile, its domestic politics are characterised by ever-growing polarisation and division. Players in Washington DC and in statehouses vie for power in more and more forceful ways. The media reflects a coarser and more strident form of politics and the American public is increasingly split and frustrated.

Our modules focus on all of these issues and more, so that we can make sense of how the US is navigating its way in the changing international context, how social tensions have developed and what can be done to calm them, how phenomena like Donald Trump has evolved, and how extraordinary policies are created.

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 the field is designed and conducted.

You will then select five (on the MRes) or six (on the MA) optional modules, and can tailor your studies based on your interests. You will have the opportunity to take modules on US politics specifically, as well as other broader modules that consider the role of the US in international relations, diplomacy, security, human rights, development, and global environmental policy. There are also opportunities to study modules on subjects beyond the US, including Europe or the Middle East.

Finally, the dissertation offers you the chance to further pursue your particular interest in US Politics, 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 (Politics)
• MA/MRes Politics and International Relations (Middle East Politics)
• MA/MRes Politics and International Relations (Global Security)
• MA/MRes Politics and International Relations (International Relations)
• 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 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 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 in other government agencies such as Border Force, the police, and revenue and customs.

Others have 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.