Programme Specification. BA (Honours) Economics, Politics and International Relations. Valid from: September 2012 Faculty of Business

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1 Programme Specification BA (Honours) Economics, Politics and International Relations Valid from: September 2012 Faculty of Business

2 SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION Awarding body: Teaching institution and location: Final award: Programme title: Interim exit awards and award titles: Brookes course code: UCAS/UKPASS code: JACS code: Mode of delivery: Mode/s of study: Language of study: Relevant QAA subject benchmark statement/s: External accreditation/recognition: (applicable to programmes with professional body approval) Faculty managing the programme: Date of production (or most recent revision) of specification: Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes University, Oxford BA (Honours) Economics, Politics and International Relations Degree without Honours Named Diploma in Higher Education Diploma in Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education IX LL21 BA/IX L900 On Campus Full-time, part-time and sandwich English Economics (2007) Politics and International Relations (2007) Not Applicable Business April

3 SECTION 2: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS 2.1 Rationale for distinctiveness of the programme In recent years both financial turmoil and ecological change have shown how political and economic developments cannot be separated and how both of these are international in character. Longer-term economic questions such as poverty, migration, trade relations and the rise of powers such as China and India all affect, and are influenced by, national governments and their relations with each other. This programme enables students to explore these relationships in detail, linking theory and practice at each stage to achieve a better understanding of these key issues which are central to the lives of most of the world's population. 2.2 Aims of the programme to provide an intellectually challenging and engaging training in the disciplines of economics and politics or in economics and international relations to enhance students lifelong learning capabilities and personal development so as to enable them to work with self-direction and originality and to be able to contribute to society at large to prepare students for entering careers in a wide range of national and international organisations and businesses or for entry to further study and research at postgraduate level SECTION 3: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES Knowledge, understanding and skills: 3.1 Academic literacy 1. Demonstrate understanding of the core theoretical principles of economics, politics, and international relations from both a national and an international perspective 2. Develop a holistic perspective recognising the links between economic and political issues at both a practical and a theoretical level 3. Appreciate the diversity of theoretical frameworks that have been developed in the area of economics, politics and international relations and show a critical awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of such frameworks 4. Construct reasoned arguments, including the presentation of complex material to non-specialist audiences, for example in a policy-making context (also research literacy) 5. Develop problem solving skills through practice in identifying the main features of a given problem and in devising strategies for its resolution (also research literacy) 3.2 Research literacy 6. Select and critically apply research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) appropriate to the study of economic, political and international relations issues and be able to use such methods to 3

4 develop creative solutions to a wide range of practical problems arising in the context of markets, political arenas and international organisations. 7. Critically analyse material of both a theoretical and an empirical nature 3.2 Critical self-awareness and personal literacy 8. Develop skills in self management through practice in planning and managing their own learning experience 9. Demonstrate an awareness of one s own strengths and weaknesses as a learner and be aware of how to improve the effectiveness of different learning strategies. 10. Work creatively and productively in different kinds of teams (formal, informal, project-based, committee based etc.) (also global citizenship) 3.3 Digital and information literacy 11. Gather, organise and deploy evidence and information from a variety of sources 12. Select and be able to use appropriate information technology to describe and solve a range of problems in the economic, political and international arena. 13. Express ideas and opinions, with confidence and clarity, to a variety of audiences for a variety of purposes (also global citizenship) 3.4 Global citizenship 14. Understand the implications of economic and political debates and decisions for the welfare of those affected by them. 15. Evaluate different interpretations of economic and political events and of developments in global politics and society SECTION 4: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM 4.1 Programme structure and requirements: N.B. Students follow a common first year including all three component disciplines of the degree and then opt for one of two possible concentrations; either Economics and Politics or Economics and International Relations. Year One (common to students following both the Economics and Politics Concentration and the Economics and International Relations Concentration) U23101 Introduction to Politics (Compulsory) U23102 Politics in Comparative Perspective (Compulsory) U23201 Introduction to International Relations (Compulsory) U23202 Contemporary Issues in World Politics (Compulsory) U52001 Macroeconomics 1 (Compulsory) U52002 Microeconomics 1 (Compulsory) 4

5 U52007 Interpreting Economic and Financial Data (Compulsory) U52008 Skills for Economic Enquiry (Compulsory) Economics and Politics Concentration Year Two U23132 Researching Politics and International Relations 2: Methods (Compulsory) U52031 Macroeconomics 2 (Compulsory) U52032 Microeconomics 2 (Compulsory) At least two and not more than four modules from the following list (list A) U23120 Political Thought 1 U23124 State and Society in Europe U23126 Modern British Politics U23128 Russia and East Europe after Lenin U23130 Researching Politics and International Relations 1: Analytical Modes and Controversies U23131 Political Thought 2 U23133 Understanding Europe: History, Culture and Political Economy U23135 American Politics and Society At least one and not more than three modules from the following list (list B) U51069 Independent Study Community Engagement U52022 International Finance U52025 Financial Markets and Institutions U52026 International Labour Markets U52030 Quantitative Techniques in Economics and Finance U52041 Regional Studies: Africa, Asia or Europe U52042 Skills and Knowledge of a Graduate Economist U52043 Economic Integration Year 3 optional work placement U58065 Placement Module Sandwich mode students are required to take U58030 Skills for Placement Search (non-credit) in year 2. Year Four (or Year Three if no work placement is undertaken following year two) U52097 Economics, Politics and International Relations dissertation (double module) (Compulsory) At least two modules from the following list (list D) U52070 Contemporary Issues in Economics U52071 Econometrics U52072 Environmental Economics U52073 Finance and Development U52075 Political Economy of International Trade U52088 Independent Study in Economics U52093 Economics of Business Strategy(double) At least two modules from the following list (list E) 5

6 U23170 Freedom, Justice and Political Thought U23171 Comparative Welfare States U23173 Conflict and Post-war Reconstruction U23174 Identity, Politics and Violence U23176 Counter Terrorism in Comparative Perspective U23177 Globalisation, Democracy and Civil Society U23178 State and Society in Contemporary Russia U23179 Political Sociology of Crime and Disorder U23182 Global Environmental Politics U23183 South African Politics: From Apartheid to Democracy U23188 Independent Study for Politics U26170 Theory and Practice of Human Rights Plus two further modules to be chosen freely from lists A, B, D and E Economics and International Relations Concentration Year Two U23132 Researching Politics and International Relations 2: Methods (Compulsory) U52031 Macroeconomics 2 (Compulsory) U52032 Microeconomics 2 (Compulsory) At least two and not more than four modules from the following list (list C) U23130 Researching Politics and International Relations 1: Analytical Modes and Controversies U23133 Understanding Europe: History, Culture and Political Economy U23222 Structures of Global Governance U23223 Contemporary Security Studies At least one and not more than three modules from the following list (list B) U51069 Independent Study Community Engagement U52022 International Finance U52025 Financial Markets and Institutions U52026 International Labour Markets U52030 Quantitative Techniques in Economics and Finance U52041 Regional Studies: Africa, Asia or Europe U52042 Skills and Knowledge of a Graduate Economist U52043 Economic Integration Year 3 optional work placement U58065 Placement Module Sandwich mode students are required to take U58030 Skills for Placement Search (non-credit) in year 2. Year Four (or Year Three if no work placement is undertaken following year two) U52097 Economics, Politics and International Relations Dissertation (double module) (Compulsory) At least two modules from the following list (list D) U52070 Contemporary Issues in Economics U52071 Econometrics 6

7 U52072 Environmental Economics U52073 Finance and Development U52075 Political Economy of International Trade U52088 Independent Study in Economics U52093 Economics of Business Strategy (double) At least two modules from the following list (list F) U22170 International Institutions and Law U22171 International Human Rights Law U23172 America and Europe: The Political Economy of Global Hegemony U23173 Conflict and Post-war Reconstruction U23174 Identity, Politics and Violence U23175 International Development U23176 Counter Terrorism in Comparative Perspective U23177 Globalisation, Democracy and Civil Society U23178 East Asian Regionalism U23182 Global Environmental Politics U23183 South African Politics: From Apartheid to Democracy U23281 The Global Political Economy U23288 Independent Study in International Relations U26170 Theory and Practice of Human Rights Plus two further modules to be chosen freely from lists B, C, D and F 4.2 Professional requirements Not applicable. SECTION 5: PROGRAMME DELIVERY 5.1 Teaching, Learning and Assessment Academic literacy requires students to have a firm grasp of the theories and methods that form the fundamental toolbox of enquiry in the fields of Economics and Politics/International Relations In Economics this is provided by the Level 4 modules Micro I, Macro I, and Quantitative Techniques in Economics and Finance I. In Politics/International Relations this is the focus of the modules Introduction to Politics and Introduction to International Relations. Development continues at Level 5 in Economics through Micro II and Macro II, with increasing emphasis on encouraging recognition of the limitations of different theoretical perspectives and on developing an appreciation of alternative approaches to modelling economic problems. In Politics/International Relations similar development is achieved through alternative compulsories, for example Political Thought I which introduces students to the ideas of different political thinkers and their role in the development of historic theories of national and international politics. At Level 6 in both Economics and Politics/International Relations a range of alternative compulsories such as Current Issues in Economics and in Finance, Global Environmental Politics and International Development enable demonstration of academic literacy through encouraging application of relevant theories to practical problems of the modern state and to analysis of fundamental world problems such as climate change, poverty and inequality. Skills for Economic Enquiry provides opportunities for developing both critical self-awareness and personal literacy and Digital and Information Literacy. These are developed both through the approach to learning and through the assessments. This module has a strong focus on Problem- Based Learning (PBL) which enables students to undertake research on their own rather than as 7

8 passive absorbers of content. Assessment on the module involves students in preparing research proposals and tests abilities to select appropriate methodologies, understanding of the purpose of research as well as skills in information sourcing and problem identification. Ability to become a critical consumer of research and ability to assess the work of others is developed through assignments which involve evaluation of video presentations by students on the second year module Skills and Knowledge of a Graduate Economist. Level 5 Researching Politics and International Relations 2:Methods introduces students to a range of research methods and their implications and provides the foundation for students to carry out their own small scale research project at level 6 when they undertake the interdisciplinary dissertation. Internationalisation of the curriculum enables the attribute of Global Citizenship to be developed progressively across successive years of the programme. An understanding of intercultural issues begins at Level 4 in both Contemporary Issues in World Politics and in Politics in Comparative Perspective. The latter focuses on diversity in different countries political systems and the former is concerned with major issues affecting global society such as war, conflict and terrorism and human rights and humanitarian intervention. and Both modules have a focus on intercultural issues in communications. Appreciation of cross-cultural understanding is then further embedded in the international Level 5 alternative such as Regional Studies: Africa, Asia or Europe. A major focus of International Labour Markets is developing awareness of issues relating to inequality and discrimination. Critical engagement with the welfare implications of globalisation is then further developed in the final year alternative compulsories such as Contemporary Issues in Economics and Globalisation, Democracy and Civil Society. All teaching on Level 6 modules in Economics and in Politics/International Relations is led by research active staff. Learning is further enhanced through exposure to a diversity of teaching methods including traditional lectures, seminars, hands-on workshops and practical sessions. PBL is common across a range of modules, including Macro II. Students participate in activities such as group presentations, role-plays, analyses of numerical data, discussions of topical material (for example newspaper articles, videos and web-sites), and computer-based simulations. To encourage independent learning, face-to-face learning is supplemented by a range of activities undertaken outside class with emphasis on the use of e-learning self-study quizzes and diagnostic assessments. Participation in online discussion groups and work in groups is a fundamental part of the assessment process. In line with Brookes Assessment Compact, the assessment process is seen as a fundamental tool of the learning process and learning outcomes are achieved through allowing students to engage with a variety of activities including the construction of case studies, political debates, group presentations, written reports, self and peer assessment as well as the through the use of media such as web-sites and videos. Face-to-face feedback is a feature of a number of compulsory modules such as Macro II. The programme provides for a balanced assessment load with most modules using 50% coursework/50% examination but there are a number of modules assessed wholly by 100% coursework or 100% examination. Each module involves 150 hours of study time (300 for a double module). Study time consists of time in formal classroom activities (lectures, seminars etc.) and for most modules this consists of 12 two hour weekly blocks (24 hours per single module). Thus, self-study (preparing for seminars, undertaking research for coursework and meeting to collaborate on group work etc.) takes up the majority of the time devoted to the module (126 hours). 8

9 5.2 Assessment regulations The programme conforms to the University s Academic Regulations; section B11 Undergraduate Modular Programme Regulations [ The Programme also embeds the principles and practices within the Brookes Assessment Compact. Assessments are carefully designed to contribute to formative developmental feedback and can incorporate peer feedback as well. All module guides include specific assessment criteria which are clearly communicated and an assessment calendar is also produced. SECTION 6: ADMISSIONS 6.1 Entry criteria Entry Requirements A-level: BCC or equivalent IB Diploma: 29 points Advanced Diploma: grade B, including A-level at grade C BTEC National Diploma: DMM AS-levels will be recognised in place of a maximum of one A-level (may include a 12-unit vocational A-level). Key skills are not required but would be a positive feature of an application, as would freestanding AS-levels such as Critical Thinking. Specific Entry Requirements GCSE: Mathematics (grade B or above) and English (grade C or above) English Language requirements Please see the university's standard English language requirements. 6.2 CRB checks Not applicable 9

10 SECTION 7: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE Induction An induction programme is provided before teaching begins in the first semester, providing the opportunity to meet fellow students outside the classroom situation. It also introduces the philosophy of the programme, the rationale for its design and delivery, and provides insight into what is expected of students. People A number of people are available to support, guide and assist personal development during the programme. The Programme Lead and Programme Administrator work as a team to ensure the programme runs smoothly. The Module Leaders and Module Tutors provide academic tutoring and answer subject specific queries during modules. Each student is allocated an Academic Advisor from within the Department and is invited to regular and structured meetings throughout the programme to review progress and get help with academic development. The Student Support Coordinators can provide one-to-one support, advice and guidance on a range of issues, such as personal and family problems, disability or sickness, learning difficulties and money worries. They offer the opportunity to talk to someone who is not connected to academic studies and can refer students to other services available within the University, which include: Counselling, Student Disability and Dyslexia Service, Medical Centre, International Students Advisory Service, plus specific support for mature students. Study skills support is provided by the University s Upgrade service, which provides bookable tutorials and a drop-in service on all campuses plus an online directory of study skills resources. English language support is also available. Programme and Module Guides Handbooks are provided for both the programme and for each module. The Module Guide provides: Contact details of the Module Leader and Tutors Specific content and learning outcomes Week by week topics and activities Details of required class preparation Recommended and required reading Coursework assessment including the task, learning outcomes, assessment criteria and deadlines. Work-placement and Careers Centre support The Work and Voluntary Experience Service (WAVES) supports sandwich-mode students in applying for and securing a work-placement. During the placement year itself students are supported by an assigned placement tutor who remains in regular contact with the student and their line manager and conducts at least one meeting at the student s place of work, WAVES also supports students in identifying volunteering or internship opportunities. The University Careers Service offers guidance on career planning as well as practical advice on CV writing, mock interviews and assessment centres, tutorials and careers counselling. Its online vacancies database Talent Bank details internship and graduate job opportunities plus volunteering and project work. 10

11 SECTION 8: GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY The knowledge and skills gained by EPIR graduates will equip them for future careers in organisations such as multinational companies, government departments, national and international regulators, non-governmental organisations, and charities. It will prepare them for work either as an economist, a political researcher, a business analyst or in more general administrative and managerial positions in the public and private sector. The course is explicitly focused around developing the skills to work in international organisations. Economics, Politics and International Relations graduates will also be well suited for work in the `third sector of notfor profit and voluntary organisations and in NGOs. The degree is further designed to provide a good basis for postgraduate study in areas such as economics, politics or international relations. SECTION 9: LINKS WITH EMPLOYERS Visiting speakers and practitioners with backgrounds in economics and politics/international relations and from a range of organisations will make contributions to the programme. Links with organisations such as the Government Economic Service are actively maintained to ensure students are aware of opportunities for summer internships. We have many links to employers such as Oxford Economic Forecasting, HM Treasury, IBM and Disney through the Work Placement Scheme. Students are strongly encouraged to undertake a third-year placement and to register with the Placements office for advice on obtaining internships. SECTION 10: QUALITY MANAGEMENT The reputation of the Faculty of Business is underpinned through programme accreditations received from the Association of MBAs; professional associations such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the European Foundation for Management Development. The Business School is widely regarded as one of the best within its peer group. The Faculty of Business's programmes benefit from rigorous quality assurance procedures and regularly receive excellent feedback from external examiners, employers, students and professional bodies. Quality assurance of the Programme is addressed in a number of ways:- Subject Committee meetings held once a semester to enable staff and students to feedback on the programme A rigorous annual and periodic review process to ensure the currency of the programme An external examining process that follows the university guidelines - Systematic end of module and end of programme monitoring and evaluation 11