Partner Details
Awards
Target Award
Programme Offerings
Full-Time
Educational Aims of the Course
Learning Outcomes
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The programme follows a three-stage progression through L4, L5 and L6. Via core modules at L4, students will be introduced to a variety of conceptual, theoretical and methodological issues. They aim, through a varied assessment matrix, to develop the key skills and practices necessary for them to advance at Levels 5 and 6. Including for example, developing the ability to understand a range of appropriate concepts, theories and methods used in the field of International Relations and Politics, work independently and in a group, understand how to use sources and critically analyse them, and be able to understand relevant texts. Level 5 is a bridge between Level 4 and 6 as it builds on the subject-specific, intellectual and transferable skills developed in the first year and prepares students for their final year. In line with the QAA subject benchmark statement for Politics and International Relations (December 2019), students will further develop understanding of the various concepts, theories and methods used alongside real world events and issues by offering a broad range of modules. Level 6 is the culmination of the International Relations and Politics degree at which point students, building upon their independent learning and research skills developed at Levels 4 and 5 take increasingly more responsibility for their learning. Driven by the research knowledge and output of the academics, the optional modules in Level 6 enable students to develop a high degree of specialisation in their chosen topics. Students at Level 6 also utilise the research and independent learner skills developed in Levels 4 and 5 to pursue an original and independent research project in International Relations and Politics in a yearlong module. In acknowledging that International Relations and Politics 'reach[es] out to out to other subjects such as anthropology, cultural studies, economics, sociology, geography, history, languages, law, literature, international development, philosophy, marketing and media, this programme has co-validated a number of modules from other subjects including, in particular History, MCC, Sociology and Law (QAA Politics and International Relations benchmark statement 2019, p. 4). The programme has an integrated teaching, learning and assessment strategy. The assessment strategy 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. Please see Curriculum Map for specific details. Critical awareness is achieved through interactive lectures, workshops, case studies, presentations by experts, student presentations, fieldtrips, seminar and group discussions, and individual reading and research. A blended learning approach will be adopted on the programme with resources to support learning provided via the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). International Relations and Politics 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. These small group settings are 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.