International Relations

Partner Details

Unicaf

Awards

Target Award

Award Description:Master of Arts - MA

Alternative Exit

Award Description:Postgraduate Diploma - PD

Award Learning Outcomes:Display a critical awareness of political, historical and legal aspects of international relations. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of debates that inform an appreciation of International Relations, International Relations theory and related subjects. Draw upon knowledge of the ways in which theories and concepts have developed in particular contexts in their assessment of relevant issues and debates. Demonstrate a detailed and critically informed knowledge and understanding of the role and contribution of state and non-state actors in shaping international politics. Display an ability to critically reflect upon their research and, if relevant, professional practice. Engage critically with theories and concepts relating to International Relations and put them to productive use. Consider and critically evaluate their own work in a reflexive manner with reference to academic and/or professional issues, debates and conventions. Develop substantive and detailed knowledge and understanding in one designated area of the field(s). Engage with new and emerging forms and arguments, drawing upon a variety of professional and academic skills. Conduct advanced forms of research for essays involving sustained independent enquiry. Propose, design, conduct and present sustained independent research at an advanced level that will demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of International Relations related issues. Understand the limits of the major research methods associated with the study of International Relations, and be able to apply this knowledge critically to their own work. Appreciate how diverse audiences and communities engage in the discussion of International Relations at local, regional, national and international levels. Manage time and resources effectively, by drawing on planning and organisational skills. Work in a flexible and independent way, showing self-discipline and reflexivity. Plan and implement tasks in a professional manner. Retrieve and generate information, and critically evaluate sources, in carrying out independent research Communicate ideas at an advanced level, deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas and adapting a problem-solving approach demonstrating professionalism

Alternative Exit

Award Description:Postgraduate Certificate - PC

Award Learning Outcomes:Display a critical awareness of political, historical and legal aspects of international relations. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of debates that inform an appreciation of International Relations, International Relations theory and related subjects. Draw upon knowledge of the ways in which theories and concepts have developed in particular contexts in their assessment of relevant issues and debates. Demonstrate a detailed and critically informed knowledge and understanding of the role and contribution of state and non-state actors in shaping international politics. Engage critically with theories and concepts relating to International Relations and put them to productive use. Develop substantive and detailed knowledge and understanding in one designated areas of the field(s). Engage with new and emerging forms and arguments, drawing upon a variety of professional and academic skills. Conduct advanced forms of research for essays involving sustained independent enquiry. Propose, design, conduct and present sustained independent research at an advanced level that will demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of International Relations related issues. Appreciate how diverse audiences and communities engage in the discussion of International Relations at local, regional, national and international levels. Manage time and resources effectively, by drawing on planning and organisational skills. Work in a flexible and independent way, showing self-discipline and reflexivity. Plan and implement tasks in a professional manner. Retrieve and generate information, and critically evaluate sources, in carrying out independent research. Communicate ideas at an advanced level, deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas and adapting a problem-solving approach demonstrating professionalism.

Programme Offerings

Part-Time

DL-UIC-APR

DL-UIC-AUG

DL-UIC-DEC

DL-UIC-FEB

DL-UIC-JAN

DL-UIC-JUL

DL-UIC-JUN

DL-UIC-MAR

DL-UIC-MAY

DL-UIC-NOV

DL-UIC-OCT

DL-UIC-SEP

Educational Aims of the Course

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 and warfare, the role of multilateral institutions, the role of humanitarian actions by state and non-state actors, human rights and international law. The programme will enable students to carry out original and independent research through developing research methodologies appropriate to the study of International Relations.

Learning Outcomes

Display a critical awareness of political, historical and legal aspects of international relations.

Conduct advanced forms of research for essays, projects, or dissertations involving sustained independent enquiry.

Propose, design, conduct and present sustained independent research at an advanced level that will demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of International Relations related issues.

Understand the limits of the major research methods associated with the study of International Relations, and be able to apply this knowledge critically to their own work.

Appreciate how diverse audiences and communities engage in the discussion of International Relations at local, regional, national and international levels.

Manage time and resources effectively, by drawing on planning and organisational skills.

Work in a flexible and independent way, showing self-discipline and reflexivity.

Plan and implement tasks in a professional manner.

Retrieve and generate information, and critically evaluate sources, in carrying out independent research.

10.

Communicate ideas at an advanced level, deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas and adapting a problem-solving approach demonstrating professionalism.

11.

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of debates that inform an appreciation of International Relations, International Relations theory and related subjects.

12.

Draw upon knowledge of the ways in which theories and concepts have developed in particular contexts in their assessment of relevant issues and debates.

13.

Demonstrate a detailed and critically informed knowledge and understanding of the role and contribution of state and non-state actors in shaping international politics.

14.

Display an ability to critically reflect upon their research and, if relevant, professional practice.

15.

Engage critically with theories and concepts relating to International Relations and put them to productive use.

16.

Consider and critically evaluate their own work in a reflexive manner with reference to academic and/or professional issues, debates and conventions.

17.

Develop substantive and detailed knowledge and understanding in one or more designated areas of the field(s).

18.

Engage with new and emerging forms and arguments, drawing upon a variety of professional and academic skills.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The programme at Unicaf integrates teaching, learning, and assessment methodologies to ensure comprehensive educational outcomes in International Relations. This framework emphasises aligning assessment strategies with diverse teaching methods, providing a structured yet dynamic learning environment.

A cornerstone of this approach is cultivating critical awareness through case studies, discussion forums, and individual research endeavours. By engaging with real-world scenarios and debates, students deepen their understanding of complex issues.

Assessment methods, ranging from traditional essays to specialised tasks like historical essays and research project plans, evaluate students' comprehension and application of concepts. The dissertation project allows for independent research under experienced guidance.

Online interactions serve as pivotal tools for guiding students and facilitating collaborative learning experiences. Discussion forums foster a sense of community and encourage the exchange of diverse perspectives.

The programme prioritises developing practical skills essential for professional success in International Relations. Assessment tasks assess students' ability to communicate effectively, critically analyse information, and engage with contemporary debates.

Furthermore, the programme embraces a decolonised approach to teaching and assessment, promoting inclusivity and diversity. This is reflected in the range of case studies examined throughout the programme, the resources available in each of the modules (with authors and topics covered ranging from different parts of the world), and the range of instructors and students engaging with Unicaf's programmes, who are from different areas of the world and bring to the learning journey their personal experiences and perspectives.

Teaching methods accommodate different learning styles, with various approaches tailored to enhance the learning experience.

Moreover, Unicaf is responsive to recent advancements in Higher Education, particularly in AI tools. Adhering to LJMU guidelines, detailed instructions on responsible AI usage and acknowledgement in assessments are provided. Summative assessments are updated to reflect current trends, with a focus on open-ended questions and a rotating pool to insure a fresh and dynamic evaluation process. Continuous evaluation of VLE resources ensures content remains relevant, showcasing a commitment to high-quality education in International Relations.

Programme Structure

Programme Structure Description

The programme is taught and assessed within the Academic Framework. Students must take 180 credits of modules at Level 7. To obtain the MA International Relations, students need to pass 180 credits across all the core modules. To obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations, students need 120 credits across all the core modules (with the exception of the dissertation project). To obtain a Postgraduate Certificate in International Relations, students need 60 credits from three of the core modules (with the exception of the dissertation project). Students will register for one new module at a time and must complete the programme within 5 years.

Course Catalogue