Keele University Prospectus Postgraduate | 2016 | Page 40

POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS European Politics and Culture Overview The nature and role of the state and its institutions and the relationship between the state, these institutions and society are undergoing fundamental transformations. Arguably, nowhere are these developments more evident than in contemporary Europe. European integration has undoubtedly challenged the role and powers of the nation state, while developments within nation states have challenged the ways political decisions are made and how citizens are linked with this decision making. This course is unique in the UK in that it examines developments within Europe through an interdisciplinary lens, combining political science and international relations perspectives with historical and cultural ones. This broad outlook is made possible by the range of expertise of the teaching staff at Keele and by the School of Politics, International Relations and the Environment’s (SPIRE) research strengths. Additional information The aims of this master’s course are to provide you with the conceptual and analytical skills and the factual knowledge to think critically about, and develop an understanding of, the political and cultural dynamics of contemporary Europe, viewed in a global, regional and national context. In addition, the course aims to assist you in developing a range of c ognitive and social skills relevant to your intellectual, vocational and personal development. In pursuing these aims, the course seeks to prepare you for a variety of professional careers, including those in governmental and non-governmental organisations, the European institutions, the media and business, or for research beyond master’s level. Module titles Course type MA, MRes Mode of study Full-time or part-time Entry requirements Applicants are required to hold a second-class honours degree (2.2 or equivalent), along with the relevant language qualifications. For further information please visit the website. Contact email [email protected] You are required to complete 180 credits to be awarded the MA in Politics and International Relations in any given pathway. You will study the following core modules: • Advanced Approaches to Politics and International Relations • Research in Action • Perspectives in Politics and International Relations • Dissertation The following is a list of indicative elective modules: • Comparative European Politics • European Culture and Politics • Approaches to European Integration: History and Practice • The EU and the Global Commons • Political Parties: Origins and Organisation • The Changing International Agenda • Comparative Public Management 40 Key Information www.keele.ac.uk/spire/postgraduate/ europeanpoliticsculture Good to know In the 2015 Research Excellence Framework, 93% of the research submitted in Politics and International Studies was judged to be in the top three categories of world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised.