Course Catalogue

To understand the world we live in today, and to develop opinions and determine how we want to engage with the world, this programme provides students with a thorough understanding of international relations. Alongside this knowledge of the world, this programme develops the necessary transferable skills essential to succeeding in the work place. The programme supports these aims through a grounding of the subject alongside an in-depth research project, engagement with practitioners, and an optional study abroad, or work placement in an international relations-related organisation. The distinctive features of the programme are: Its core emphasis on the ability to reflect critically on the international system, the methods used by International Relations scholars and the subject’s function in society. The close relationship between research and teaching. Staff research outputs and analysis employed for learning and teaching, and students have direct experience of the work conducted at the frontiers of International Relations. Its commitment to internationalisation, in terms of the broad geographical and thematic range of modules but also the opportunity to engage in a year-long work placement or study abroad with partner institutions for one to two semesters, alongside field trips to relevant places. Within this context the aims of the programme are: To offer a balanced and coherent programme of study to students from varied backgrounds choosing International Relations and Politics. To provide students with a range of concepts, theories and methods used in the field of International Relations and Politics. To encourage critical engagement with the concepts, theories and methods in order to support the student’s own political development. To provide an intellectually challenging programme that develops knowledge and critical insight into the origins, evolution and contemporary dynamics of the international system, and the challenges to it. To support the student’s development of subject-specific and transferable skills within a practical and critical environment that progressively encourages increased responsibility for autonomous learning. To encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement.

The programme tops-up students who have completed the HD International Relations to complete Level 6. Level 6 is the culmination of the International Relations degree at which point students, building upon their independent learning and research skills developed in the HD. Modules in Level 6 enable students to develop a high degree of specialisation in their chosen topics. In acknowledging that Politics and International Relations ‘reach[es] out to other subjects such as anthropology, cultural studies, economics, sociology, geography, history, languages, law, literature, international development, philosophy, marketing and media’, this undergraduate programme has co-validated a number of modules from other disciplines, in particular History, Sociology, Law and Criminology (QAA Politics and International Relations benchmark statement 2015, p. 7). 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. Critical awareness is achieved through a variety of learning and assessment activities, as well as 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). International Relations students will be encouraged to engage actively in the learning process. 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 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’ knowledge and skills are assessed through the self-direction, innovation and judgement required to complete exams, research essays, presentations and the dissertation. The development of transferable skills is a core aim of the programme, with the study of International Relations enabling students to apply their knowledge and aptitude in a variety of employability settings. 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. Attention is paid to those students with particular needs (SENDA compliant) and alternative assignments will be given if required. All teaching and learning activities, including lectures, workshops, seminars, independent study and research, presenting work and the production of assessments all contribute to the development of professional practical skills. Students will develop an awareness of professional skills in discussion with practitioners in the expert workshops. Preparation and independent study, as with other related subjects, outweighs contact time and students are supported to work independently.