Politics And International Relations (International Relations) - Ma/Mres

at Keele University

Core Modules - Semester 1 and 2
 

SEMESTER 1
 

On both the MA and the MRes programme, you must study the core Research in Action module.
 

• PIR-40095 Research in Action (15 credits)
  Setting the scene for your master’s programme, this module provides an in-depth and hands-on advanced introduction to the various ways in which advanced empirical research in the social sciences is designed and conducted. You’ll be given an overview of key research methodologies and the different approaches to evidence and data gathering, including interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, documents and texts, as well as the ethical considerations when carrying out such activity. Staff currently engaged in research will offer guidance about the suitability of certain design methods, sharing their experiences of good practice and potential pitfalls. Working in small teams, you’ll then design and conduct your own small-scale practical research project. Students on the international relations pathway have previously, for example, investigated how the British public viewed the handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and how refugees are perceived by UK citizens.
   

SEMESTER 2
 

On both the MA and the MRes programme, you must study the core Advanced Approaches to Politics and International Relations module.
 

• PIR-40132 Advanced Approaches to Politics and International Relations (30 credits)
  In preparation for your dissertation, this module provides an overview of the philosophies, assumptions and approaches underlying the study of Politics and International Relations topics. It aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to handle different concepts, frameworks and methods (normative and analytical) and use these in the generation of knowledge for your research project. Adopting an intensive workshop approach, you will examine how scholars have approached the issues of what to study and how to study, and the ways in which these issues are bound up with historical and current power structures within the world. For example, considering the nature of social science knowledge or key trends in Politics and International Relations, such as rational choice theory, game theory, institutional theory chaos and complexity theory.
   

Compulsory Modules - Semester 1 and 2
 

For the MA, you must study one core pathway-specific module in either Semester 1 or 2.
 

• LAW-40046 Human Rights and Global Politics (International Relations pathway)
  The overall focus of this module is on exploring evolving political and legal strategies to advance human rights in a global political framework. You will be introduced to the main debates on the ways that political structures shape human rights: the relationship between democratisation, development, human rights and violence; the possible emergence of a global civil society to understanding human rights practices; the expansion and role of transnational human rights monitoring and activism; and the need for an understanding of political violence and terror to assess and address causes of human rights violations. To deepen your understanding of the connections between global and local causes and responses to contemporary human rights issues, you will examine a number of key issues, such as the responsibility to protect (r2p), humanitarian interventions, aid and development, security in the post 9/11 era and more.
   
• PIR-40093 The Changing International Agenda (International Relations pathway)
  In the period since the end of the Second World War, we have witnessed radical shifts in the nature of the international system, such as the rise and fall of the Cold War, the birth of the UN, European decolonisation and the 'war on terror'. This module offers an in-depth critical assessment of the development, change and nature of the international system post-1945. Engaging with key themes in contemporary international relations, you will explore the reasons underlying these transformations: the policies made within states or non-state actors; how policy makers are constrained by the international system; why various actors behave in the ways that they do; and the implications of their actions. You will examine some of key debates that serve to question the contemporary nature of the international system, such as the legitimacy of humanitarian intervention, the meaning of the 'war on terror', and whether globalisation makes nation states irrelevant.
   
• LAW-40048 Foundations of Human Rights (International Relations or Politics pathway)
  Focusing on gender, sexuality, race, class, ethnicity, religion and power in relation to human rights, you will develop a practical and theoretical understanding of human rights law, politics and philosophy at domestic, regional and international levels. You will explore historical, philosophical and structural aspects of human rights, including Enlightenment perspectives, theories of rights/history of rights theory, universalism/relativism debates, sovereignty and non-intervention concerns and other ‘structural’ issues pertinent to international law and relations. This broad foundation module provides a background in which to study and critique human rights theory and practice.

ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You should have a first or a good second-class honours degree or it's equivalent. Your undergraduate degree should be in Politics, International Relations or any social science subject (e.g Law or Sociology), or a humanities subject (e.g History, Philosophy, English, or Modern languages). 
 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Where English is not a first language, evidence of english language competence will be required (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-test). 

International - Full time £16,800 per year
 

The advanced research and cross-cultural communication skills you develop on this course, together with a critical insight into global concerns, politics, economics, governance and advocacy, 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 work for a political party, campaign or lobby group or pursue advisory and management roles in central or local government, charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations, social research organisations, think tanks and universities.
 

Specialist routes include: diplomacy; public policy; development politics; conflict resolution and mediation; human rights and social justice; environmental politics; sustainable development; international law; international security; and cross-cultural communication.
 

Our graduates follow a wide range of careers, working for governments, think tanks and NGO's as diplomats, advisors and consultants, as well as moving into broader fields, such as journalism and banking. Many of our alumni return to Keele to share their experiences with current students. Recent speakers, for example, have included a BBC correspondent, former British Ambassador and Governor of the Virgin Islands and former UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Somalia.
 

The personal and professional skills learned on this philosophy degree include clear and analytical thinking, originality, problem-solving, persuasive writing and speaking, innovative questioning and effective reasoning, all of which can open a wide range of careers.