Course Catalogue

These are distance learning courses which will be managed over the internet using a dedicated online learning management system. These courses aim to connect a diverse body of domestic and international students across time zones, to share knowledge and develop expertise in the fields of diplomacy and security studies. The courses aim to introduce students to emerging paradigms within security studies, security, and diplomacy at both local and global levels. It will account for what we mean by the concept of 'Security' and to explore some justifications for the increasing ‘securitisation’ of social life. Students will examine, among other questions, the growing diplomatic presence on the world stage of international organisations, non-governmental organisation and other actors, thanks in large part to developments in information and communication technology, and how this development impacts the formulation of treaties and international conventions. The courses aim to provide an overview of important security events and issues of the 20th and 21st centuries including the evolving tensions of the Cold War. Finally, the courses will connect the conceptual basis of the discipline to some of the practical issues facing the international system and to some of the emerging security threats and issues pertaining to law enforcement, government agencies and the private sector. These include a critical view of threats from terrorism, organised crime, radicalisation, international negotiation and decision making. The courses key aims are as follows: • To provide a distance learning programme in Diplomacy and Security Studies for full-time employees. • Encourage an advance understanding of the principles and developments of Diplomacy and Security Studies. • To enable students to make an original contribution to the disciplines of Diplomacy and Security Studies and the advancement of professional security practice. • To produce competent, informed reflectively and ethically competent students who have a developed academic understanding the key issues within Diplomacy and Security Studies and the theories which underpin the disciplines.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated. On the course, there is an especial emphasis on a sound grasp of the relevant academic literature, including substantial use of key scholarly journals in the field of security studies, intelligence analysis and policing. The assessment strategy also concentrates on how theory relates to and enhances good practice. This is assessed through a variety of summative assessments but with a focus on producing well written essays and reports. Students on the programme will be delivered research-informed teaching that is relevant and current to those seeking to understand the challenges facing societies The input of LJMU based experts actively researching across the disciplines of (amongst others) policing studies, security studies, International relations, and criminology will be supplemented with teaching inputs from Security and Policing stakeholders drawn from such diverse backgrounds as police leaders, the military and Civil Servants. In a programme designed with the demands to balance work and study commitments the MSc in Diplomacy and Security Studies combines the extensive use of Informa Connects virtual learning environment to tutor and support students through the development of their agendas for work-based research activity. The diversity of the talents within the teaching team, drawing together as it does established LJMU based researchers and staff currently or recently employed in policing or security professions , enhances the learning development opportunities for students to engage with whilst also ensuring that course content is relevant to, and informed by, professional practice. A range of learning strategies and a variety of modes of interactive delivery conducive to on-line distance learning will be utilised throughout the programme and delivered by the LJMU VLE Canvas or Informa Connects learning platform, including an introductory lecture and a range of on-line activities; e.g. presentations, workbooks, podcasts, blogs, forums both tutor-led synchronous (which can be recorded) and asynchronous, Skype tutorials in addition to utilising suitable OER (open educational resources),such as ‘You Tube’ videos, supported by digital key readings. Knowledge and understanding is assessed via summative assessment methods suitable for on-line distance-learning, such as formal and reflective essays, and full-scale individual report,. A range of periodic formative study skills and knowledge checks will be completed by the students on-line which feedback will be given in order to enable on-going development via reflective practice and aimed at research and compilation of the summative assessment tasks. Target Award Learning Outcomes 1 – 22 are taught through on-line lectures and developed via on-line forums, knowledge checks and appropriate formative tasks designed for on-line learning. These skills are assessed across all modules while the variety of assessments across the programme ensures that these skills are assessed in different ways and in a mode suitable for on-line distance-learning. Formative assessment is used to develop knowledge, understanding and skills, while summative assessment is used to assess the student’s success in achieving the learning outcomes.

It is envisaged that many of those undertaking this course will already be employed within policing institutions or security related agencies. However, for those based in Merseyside opportunities are available for students to work as Special Constables within Merseyside Police and British Transport Police.