Politics with Foundation Year

Politics as an academic discipline examines how power is organised, contested and exercised in human societies, from local government and national institutions to international organisations and global governance. It is concerned with governments and their policies, with ideologies and political ideas, with the behaviour of citizens and political parties, and with the forces that drive political change and stability. Understanding politics means understanding some of the most consequential forces that shape everyday life, from economic policy and public services to foreign affairs and constitutional design.

At the University of Keele, this four-year full-time programme includes an integrated foundation year for students who need additional preparation before progressing to degree-level political study. The degree develops your knowledge and understanding of government, people, ideas, institutions and their interactions, engaging with a wide range of topics across the breadth of the discipline. You will develop core skills in analytical thinking, problem-solving and research through engagement with real-world experiences, building the capabilities that careers across government, public relations, business, policy research and many other sectors value highly.

Politics graduates go on to careers in the civil service and government, local and national politics, public affairs and lobbying, journalism, broadcasting, think tanks, policy research, the voluntary sector and international organisations. The analytical and communication skills the degree develops are valued across many other sectors as well, including law, business, education, management consultancy and the charitable sector. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in politics, public policy, international relations or law, and the degree provides a strong foundation for doctoral research and academic careers.