Course Catalogue

The programme is innovative and challenging because it provides a multidisciplinary approach to examining international relations. The programme will critically engage with theoretical approaches to International Relations in order to better understand the world. To further aid understanding of the world, the programme will critically examine in-depth issues of enduring international significance, including: conflict, the role of multilateral institutions, US foreign policy, state-building in the colonial and post-colonial world, and the role of humanitarian actions by state and non-state actors. The programme will enable students to carry out original and independent research through developing research methodologies appropriate to the study of International Relations. The programme will provide networking opportunities to increase the opportunity of obtaining employment in a related field by holding a series of fieldtrips and expert practitioner workshops throughout the year, along with developing internship opportunities for students.

The programme has an integrated teaching, learning and assessment strategy. The assessment strategy for the programme is underpinned by appropriate learning and teaching strategies which are relevant and provide a structured set of learning opportunities enabling achievement, of individual module, and programme level, learning outcomes. Critical awareness is achieved through interactive lectures, workshops, case studies, presentations by experts, student presentations, fieldtrips, seminars and group discussions, internships (where applicable),and individual reading and research. A blended learning approach will be adopted on the programme with resources to support learning provided via Canvas (Virtual Learning Environment).

Integration and synthesis across the programme lead to the programme's intended learning outcomes. These are assessed through a variety of formative and summative assessment including: assessed presentations, essays, research based exercises, critical review, research plan, and a dissertation. Specific details of these can be found in the module guides. International Relations students will be encouraged to engage in both primary and secondary research, and through the networking events and field trips talk to practitioners and experts about their experiences and research. Active learning in a constantly changing world provides an opportunity for reflection and critical literacy. Lectures will act as a guide to the area of study and will focus on conceptual frameworks, areas or case studies. In workshops and seminars students will be expected to work both collegially and independently. The nature of the seminars and workshops is intended to be interactive and group activities will be a significant part of student led and defined discussion.

Students will be provided with opportunities to strengthen their presentation skills and communicate within an academic community in a professional manner. They will be supported throughout the programme to formulate ideas and responses to past and current debates and research so that they can develop an advanced understanding of the field and apply these ideas appropriately. The assessment strategy provides a structure of assessment through which students can meet the intended learning outcomes of the programme. Students' skills are assessed through the self-direction, innovation and judgement required to complete research essays, presentations and the dissertation. The relationship between formative and summative assessment enables tutors to provide feedback which will support students in their development and enable them to make the most of their academic potential. Students are required to consider different means of communicating their research findings, formulate their response to critical issues and contemporary and past debates, and evaluate contemporary trends across a range of different types of assessment.

Lectures, workshops, seminars, independent study and research, presenting work and the production of assessments all contribute to the development of professional practical skills. There will be particular focus on the research design of the dissertation and its management and critique in tutorials. Students will develop an awareness of professional skills in discussion with practitioners in the expert workshops. The extent to which students have developed these skills will be assessed through essays, presentations, reports, critical reflection and the dissertation. Students will be introduced to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and be encouraged to use it. They will have Personal Development Planning tutorials and ICT will be provided. Seminars, lectures, case studies and interaction with practitioners will allow them to observe and discriminate between different perspectives, communication strategies and understand the responsibilities of academic research. 

We will provide support for establishing contact with International Relations-related organisations in order for students to obtain an internship.