Politics
Politics is the academic study of power, how it is organised, contested and exercised, and of the ideas, institutions and processes through which collective decisions are made. It examines government, political parties, social movements, international relations and the competing values that different political traditions represent. At its best, studying politics develops your ability to analyse complex situations, construct evidence-based arguments and engage seriously with the big questions that face any society: questions about justice, authority, democracy, freedom and the common good.
At Keele University this three-year full-time BA takes a wide-ranging approach to the discipline, covering government, political theory, institutions and the forces, including ideology, culture, economics and conflict, that shape political outcomes. The programme is designed not only to develop your knowledge but to empower you to think critically, solve problems analytically and conduct independent research. Keele emphasises real-world engagement, and you will have opportunities to develop your understanding through applied work and engagement with contemporary political questions.
The course includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and a work placement, giving you significant professional and international experience alongside your academic studies.
Graduates from Politics degrees go on to careers across a wide range of fields. Many find roles in government and the civil service, local authorities, political parties and campaign organisations, and think tanks and policy institutes. Others work in journalism, public relations, international organisations, the diplomatic service, law and the voluntary sector.
The analytical and communication skills that political study develops are valued by employers across virtually every sector. For those wishing to continue their studies, the degree provides solid preparation for postgraduate work in political science, international relations, public policy, law or related disciplines.