Taught course

Politics and International Relations (Middle East Politics)

Institution
Keele University · School of Social Science and Public Policy
Qualifications
MAMRes

Entry requirements

For up to date details, please see the course page on the Keele website.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The Middle East is one of the most diverse, dynamic and important regions on earth. On this programme, you will learn about its traditions, histories, cultures and identities. You will explore its domestic and regional politics, and analyse its strategic importance to stability and security both in the region and the rest of the world. With these skills, you will become equipped to pursue a wide range of careers in government, diplomacy or foreign affairs, international organisations, security, and many other fields in the public, private, or voluntary sectors.

Why study Politics and International Relations (Middle East Politics) at Keele University?

  • Keele has a longstanding reputation for high quality research in Politics and International Relations
  • Opportunity to tailor your programme based on your interests and career aspirations
  • High staff-to-student ratio, small group teaching, supportive and inclusive learning environment
  • Research expertise in British, European, American, Middle East and international politics, and in international relations and security studies

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

The Middle East Politics pathway explores the traditions, histories and cultures of the Middle East, investigating the area’s domestic and regional politics, and analysing the geopolitical significance of this important region and its strategic impact on the rest of the world. Our modules focus on a wide range of topics, including the identities and ideologies of the region, its state structures and political organisations, its stability and security and the related international implications, and the challenges it faces from environmental change and resource scarcity.

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 this field is designed and conducted.

You will then select five (on the MRes) or six (on the MA) optional modules, tailoring your studies based on your interests. You may explore the domestic politics of various states in the Middle East, examine patterns of inter-state relations in the region, or analyse the international impact of regional tensions and conflicts. You may select modules that explore themes from a theoretical perspective, or choose modules that engage in empirical research.

Finally, the dissertation offers you the chance to further pursue your particular interest in Middle East Politics, giving you opportunity to examine a topic of your own choosing in considerable depth.

Other courses you may be interested in:

Information for international students

Students whose first language is not English can draw on the support and guidance of Keele’s Language Centre. The Centre runs language and academic skills modules for international students.

For up to date details, please see the course page on the Keele website.

Fees and funding

For up to date details, please see the course page on the Keele website.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
  • MRes
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course Structure:

This course is offered either as a Master of Arts (MA) or as a Master of Research (MRes). Both have similar overall aims, giving you the opportunity to study Middle East Politics at an advanced level, but the MRes route includes a higher component of research training. It is therefore suited to those who wish to go on and pursue future research, be it in academia (e.g. through a PhD) or in research-intensive employment.

On the MA, students take:

  • Two 15-credit core modules.
  • Six 15-credit optional modules.
  • At least one optional module must be Middle East Politics pathway-specific.
  • You will then complete a 15,000-word dissertation on a Middle East Politics topic of your choosing (worth 60 credits).


On the MRes, students take:

  • Three 15-credit core modules.
  • Five 15-credit optional modules.
  • At least one optional module must be Middle East Politics pathway-specific.
  • You will then complete a 20,000-word dissertation on a Middle East Politics topic of your choosing (worth 60 credits).

To achieve the MA or MRes you must complete 180 credits. Both the MA and the MRes can be studied as either a one-year full-time course, or a two-year part-time course, each with a September or January start date.

For more details, please see the course page on the Keele website.

Course contact details

Name
Admissions
Email
enquiries@keele.ac.uk