Politics BA (Hons)

At Keele University, we’re proud to be consistently ranked in the Top 3 UK universities for student satisfaction, which is testimony to the safe, supportive and welcoming campus we hope you’ll soon call home.Politics is everywhere. It dominates the news and affects our everyday lives, from how we choose those who govern us, to how much tax we pay. In this course you will explore how political systems work and delve into the core issues which shape political decisions and change. Politics is not just a concern of politicians. It is about big issues such as the environment and human rights. Political engagement can change lives and encourage changes in government in the UK and elsewhere.Politics at Keele seeks to understand society and the events and forces which shape it, engaging with questions of power, justice, conflict, legitimacy, accountability, and governance. You will explore why citizens are increasingly disillusioned with politics; what a democracy is; when and how it’s legitimate to protest; and the effects of different models of government. You can tailor your studies to your interests, whether theoretical, historical or oriented to specific issues. You can study abroad for a year, or learn a language as part of your course. Politics at Keele is informed by our research expertise in environmental politics, security studies, European and American politics, and international relations.You will learn to think critically, take a balanced approach, and to present your ideas persuasively. You might work as a politician’s assistant, a researcher for an MP or think-tank, or a public-affairs consultant. You could work in the civil service, in local government, or for a campaigning or lobbying group. A number of Keele politics graduates have become MPs themselves.A wide range of other employers also see a politics degree as evidence of your ability to think critically, take a balanced approach, make reasoned arguments and collaborate with colleagues. Therefore many graduates go into careers like journalism or management.