Undergraduate Prospectus 2020 Keele Undergraduate Propsectus 2020 | Page 271

Politics, Philosophy and International Relations | 281
Politics
BA (Hons)
Why study this course?
We can’t escape politics. 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.
Politics is not just the 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.
What will this mean for my future?
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. Some SPIRE politics graduates have gone on to
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.
INDICATIVE MODULES
First Year
• Why Politics Matters
• British Politics Since 1945
• Modern Democracies
• Justice, Authority and Power
• Securing Global Order
• Debates in American Politics
Second Year
• Elections, Voters and Public Opinion
• Freedom and Equality
• Why Policy Changes
• British Government and Politics
• Comparing the US and UK
• Power to the People
Third Year
• Dissertation
• The US Presidency
• The Extreme Right in Western Europe
• Human Rights
• Modern Russia
• Environmental Politics in the USA
KEY INFORMATION
UCAS Code - L200
Foundation Year
Yes
Indicative entry
requirements
Single Honours
A level: BCC-CCC
BTEC: DMM-MMM
Combined Honours
A level: BCC-CCC
BTEC: DMM-MMM
Course duration
3 years or 4 years
with an international
year
Study abroad
Yes
International Year
Yes
Learn a Language
Yes
For information on courses that combine subjects please visit keele.ac.uk/ugcourses