SCHOOL OF POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PHILOSOPHY POSTGRADUATE STUDY 2015 ENTRY

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1 SCHOOL OF POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PHILOSOPHY POSTGRADUATE STUDY 2015 ENTRY

2 WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PHILOSOPHY AT QUEEN S UNIVERSITY BELFAST THE SCHOOL OF POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PHILOSOPHY HAS THIRTY-THREE FULL-TIME ACADEMICS, MAKING IT THE LARGEST INSTITUTIONAL CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF THESE SUBJECTS IN IRELAND AND ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE UK. Research and education in the School are driven by a concern to encourage innovative and critically incisive ways of thinking about a wide range of problems we encounter as citizens and as human beings. We need to find ways of living and working together in harmony, of promoting good public policies that effectively serve the needs of all members of society, and of sharing space and resources in ways that are fair to all groups and peoples of the world. The subjects we research in the School all contribute to the scholarly investigation of these challenges and our teaching provision facilitates the development of skills that will equip our postgraduate students to effectively address these issues in their future careers. We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional education experience in an exceptional city. Belfast is a vibrant, cultural and friendly city with a unique history. It offers an ideal setting for the study of politics, international studies and philosophy as a society which has overcome a past of political and ideological conflict. The School is proud to be part of the driving force in Northern Ireland s cultural, political and intellectual renaissance.

3 POSTGRADUATE STUDY AT QUEEN S THERE ARE MANY REASONS FOR CHOOSING TO COME TO QUEEN S UNIVERSITY BELFAST FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDY BUT, MOST SIGNIFICANTLY, THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF SOMETHING EXCEPTIONAL. A RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITY Queen s is a member of the Russell Group of 24 leading research-intensive Universities. Our students are provided with a world-class education underpinned by world-class research. Queen s is a global player - among the University s dynamic partnerships are academic links with Georgetown University in Washington DC and leading institutions in Malaysia, India, China, Japan and Australia. A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION Students are taught by world-leading academics at the cutting edge of their disciplines. Many of the staff within the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy are globally recognised experts in their field of research and are called upon regularly to advise on policy formulation across the world. Our programmes focus strongly on rigorous academic standards set against research and teaching excellence. A postgraduate qualification from Queen s provides students with the platform to flourish and create an inspired career path. DEDICATED POSTGRADUATE FACILITIES The new Graduate School aims to provide a vibrant and ambitious postgraduate culture. Opened in Spring 2015, the historical building formerly known as the Lynn Library, will offer a new dedicated space for postgraduates within the heart of Queen s main campus. A range of facilities will be available from study rooms, training facilities and social spaces. RESEARCH WITH GLOBAL IMPACT Queen s is ranked joint eighth for research intensity (Research Excellence Framework 2014). Research excellence that gets dramatic results is a key performance indicator for Universities. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 results, announced that over 75 per cent of Queen s researchers are undertaking world-class or internationally leading research. On research impact, Queen s outperformed the majority of the University sector. In 16 of the 28 units submitted to REF2014, all impact was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. A STUDENT CITY LIKE NO OTHER Belfast has been selected as one of the top 10 hottest destinations in Europe (CNN, 2013). Belfast, Northern Ireland s vibrant cosmopolitan capital, is on a par with some of the greatest cities in the world. In the last decade rapid social, economic and political change has put the city on the global map. Small enough to feel everything is on your doorstep, Northern Ireland is the perfect student destination and offers chic city living and beautiful coastal scenery in equal measure.

4 WE HAVE IMPACT Professor David Phinnemore, Head of School An Academic in Whitehall Professor Phinnemore was appointed Head of School in His academic focus in European Politics has given him an international reputation as an expert on key elements of the EU and led to an inward loan to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as a senior research analyst. Professor Phinnemore s expertise in EU enlargement was utilised by the FCO to inform proposals on Parliament s processes for assessing the transfer of powers and sovereignty from the UK to the EU. Professor Dave Archard Influencing the Live of Future Generations Professor Archard has been a key member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) for the past nine years. HFEA is dedicated to licensing and monitoring UK fertility clinics and all UK research involving human embryos. Professor Archard is also chair of the HFEA s Statutory Approvals Committee. In his research at Queen s, Professor Archard s focus is on addressing practical problems using moral theory. For example, is there anything wrong with designer babies and genetic enhancement? Professor Yvonne Galligan The Voice for Change Professor Galligan is Director of the Queen s Centre for the Advancement of Women in Politics and Director of the University s Gender Initiative. She is one of the most respected and influential voices on the relationship between gender and democracy and her sustained research on reforming political processes in Ireland to address the under-representation of women has changed the attitudes of politicians, political parties and government. ABOUT THE SCHOOL WE ARE GLOBAL Queen s University was ranked by the Times Higher Education as the 20th most international University in the world We pride ourselves on our global outlook within the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy too. This is reflected in our wide range of international partners and in the diverse nationalities represented across the staff and student bodies. The School hosts international visitors and speakers throughout each academic year and students benefit from the wide range of national and international topics being discussed and researched within the school. WE ARE WORLD-LEADING The recently completed Research Excellence Framework REF 2014 assessment confirmed the School s standing as one of the leading centres in the UK for world-class research in Politics, International Studies and Philosophy. In terms of research intensity a measure of the quality of the research across all academic staff in the School both Politics and International Studies and Philosophy were ranked by Times Higher Education in the top ten units in the United Kingdom. WE ARE PART OF QUEEN S UNIVERSITY BELFAST The success and prestige of the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy goes hand-in-hand with the growth and achievements of Queen s University at large. We are proud to be part of Queen s University and we build on its renowned history and research excellence. Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards The objective voice making an impact on Middle East Policy Professor Milton-Edwards has a deep understanding of the politics of the Middle East which has made her a unique source of influence in dealing with the problems of that region. She has acted as an advisor to, among others, the UK governments, the Governments of Norway and the Netherlands and to the EU Foreign Policy and Security Chief. Professor Lord Paul Bew Life Peer in the House of Lords Lord Bew, Professor of Irish Politics, was appointed as a life peer in the House of Lords in recognition of his considerable contribution to the Good Friday Peace Agreement of Lord Bew was also a historical advisor to the Bloody Sunday tribunals. He is one of Northern Ireland s most renowned academics and has been a member of Queen s faculty since 1979.

5 School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy MA IN LEGISLATIVE STUDIES AND PRACTICE This unique programme provides an opportunity to gain transferrable professional skills by combining academic study with working in a devolved legislature. It provides a distinctive blend of work placement in the Northern Ireland Assembly (e.g. for a Committee, in the Bill s Office, or in the Research and Information Service) and advanced academic study of devolved government and EU politics. It develops students analytical, communication and research skills. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Placement The placement involves working for the Northern Ireland Assembly four days per week from late September to the end of May, and a monthly individual meeting with the module convenor. Two taught modules The Government and Institutions of Northern Ireland (first semester) The Institutions and Politics of the European Union (second semester) Each module requires attendance at a weekly two-hour seminar at Queen s. Assessment Essays, learning journal, portfolio, themed report, project/ dissertation. SPECIAL FEATURES Nine-month placement, four days a week at the Northern Ireland Assembly. Study trips to the Oireachtas, Westminster and Brussels. Our graduates go on to have careers in political research, the Civil Service, local and devolved institutions, finance and consultancy, the voluntary sector, journalism, and teaching. Others undertake postgraduate research degrees with a view to pursuing an academic career. After completing a few different internships, I wasn t fully convinced that working in a law firm was for me, but at the same time I wasn t ready to jump straight into the big bad world of full time employment just yet. I began to research a Master s programme combining not only an academic qualification, but also that vital work experience that employers desperately crave when seeking to employ a graduate. The MA in Legislative Studies and Practice is a unique course where postgraduate students are given the opportunity to work in the Northern Ireland Assembly full-time for an academic year as well as combining academic modules in Queen s. Every day within the Assembly is different. Whilst there is some routine with regards to Committees as they have weekly meetings, Bills and Research can be very unpredictable as to what s going to come through the door next. So far this year, we have seen the resignation of the Speaker, the election of a new Speaker, the Stormont House Agreement and parties beginning to plan for the 2015 Westminster Elections. As research deals with MLA research requests, there is really no way of knowing what an MLA is going to ask you to research. The course gives a fantastic insight into how a legislature works in practice and what politics in Northern Ireland is really like. Peadar O Lamhna, current student COURSE CONVENOR BACKGROUND David Phinnemore is a Professor of European Politics and has extensive teaching experience and research interests in the politics of the European Union. He has researched and written widely on the development of European integration, in particular the EU s treaties and its enlargement. He has also been a Senior Research Analyst at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and is a Visiting Professor at the College of Europe in Bruges. David Phinnemore (PhD Kent) d.phinnemore@qub.ac.uk Elodie Fabre is a Lecturer in Politics and International Studies. Her research focuses on political parties and party competition. She has published on party organisation and devolution in Spain and in the UK, in particular on how statewide parties have adapted their organisation and electoral strategies to the context of devolution. Elodie Fabre (PhD KU Leuven) e.fabre@qub.ac.uk

6 School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy MA INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS International relations is the study of an international system composed of territorial states which acknowledge no superior authority over matters which they consider of vital interest. It deals with the nature of the changing relations between states and with non-state actors. It studies the functioning of the international system - the forces, factors and interests, the customs, rules, norms, institutions and organisations from which the theory and history of its development are formed. This programme is designed to analyse various aspects of international relations in a scholarly, critical and methodologically sophisticated manner. Having introduced the theoretical and methodological components which facilitate our study of the field, the aim is to use these tools to examine, explain and understand the issues, topics and processes that make up our world: from security and terrorism, migration and mobility, to global financial crises. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Six taught modules, plus a 15,000 word dissertation. Core Modules are: Theories and Issues in International Relations Dr Debbie Lisle The module examines some of the key theoretical approaches and debates that have defined the evolution of International Relations (IR) as a discipline (e.g. Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Feminism, Marxism & Critical Theory, Post- Structuralism, and Post-Colonialism). Students will explore the underlying assumptions of each theory, compare and contrast each theoretical approach, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each tradition. Students will examine the relevance, usefulness and viability of each theoretical approach by applying it to a contemporary issue in the field (e.g. development, intervention, poverty, nuclear proliferation). Contemporary Security Dr Mike Bourne This module will examine the key theoretical approaches and practical issues and debates that have defined the evolution of Security Studies. They will engage the changing definitions of security and approaches to understanding security. It will address both domestic and international security and the ways in which these are increasingly connected in both theory and practice. Moreover, it will introduce students to the interdisciplinary nature of engagements with security (from politics to geography to technology). International Political Economy Dr Andrew Baker This module introduces students to theories and concepts in International Political Economy related to the exercise of power and authority. It then goes onto analyze a number of key topics and issues relating to the power and politics of economic organization and management including: the future of United States supremacy; the politics of money and finance; the politics of sustainability and ecology; the politics of development and the rise of BRIC countries. Approaches to Research Design Dr Dan Bulley This module has two key purposes. First it introduces students to some important themes in the philosophy of the social sciences. Second, it develops students skills in research design through an examination of selected qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. In doing so it addresses key issues in the design and preparation of the dissertation. Plus one of: Conflict Intervention Global Terrorism Plus one module from a list including: Conflict Intervention (if not already taken) Global Terrorism (if not already taken) Institutions and Politics of the European Union Ethnic Conflict Philosophy of Conflict and War Plus a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words. Assessment will consist of continuous assessment (no examinations). SPECIAL FEATURES The degree programme does not prepare you for a specific career - it opens many doors by developing a range of intellectual and practical skills that are relevant across a wide range of career opportunities. Our graduates have found work with a wide range of employers including: multilateral and intergovernmental organisations non-government organisations (NGOs) banking and accounting services local and national governments educational establishments media and publishing companies The MA International Relations also provides an excellent foundation for PhD-level study in fields such as international relations, politics, development studies or history. The MA is taught by world-leading experts in areas such as migration and asylum, border security, visual culture and international ethics. Students on this programme benefit from an active research environment within the School, from international guest speakers to staff seminars and reading groups which students are encouraged to engage in to supplement their learning experience. I found studying on the MA in International Relations at Queen s to be a rich and insightful experience, one that constantly challenged me to better understand the complexity and difficulty of events in world politics. James Millen, MA International Relations (2011) COURSE CONVENOR BACKGROUND Dr Lisle s research interests are interdisciplinary and draw mainly from International Relations, Critical Security Studies, Visual Culture, Mobility Studies, Materialism, Social and Political Theory, Media Studies and Cultural Studies. Her work explores the relevance of culture, travel, leisure and media to world politics and argues that these unfamiliar sites tell us as much about International Relations as the official documents usually privileged in this context. Dr Debbie Lisle (PhD Keele) d.lisle@qub.ac.uk

7 School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy MA POLITICS The goal of the MA in Politics is to deepen students understanding of important contemporary issues in political studies. Inspired by the political vitality of Belfast an ideal location to study politics the programme has a very long pedigree and tradition and is renowned for its excellence across Ireland, the UK, the EU, and beyond. It is of particular interest to those wishing to know more about Irish politics (North and South), European politics, political conflict, and political theory. The MA in Politics draws on the unique range of country and conceptual expertise in the School to provide a programme which builds on core political analysis to allow students to tailor their academic module selection to suit individual expectations and interests. Modules are taught by academics who are expert teachers and whose research has had a nationally recognized policy impact. The MA in Politics at Queen s is an excellent programme that helped me to significantly develop the skills and interests which I had built up at undergraduate level. My transition to postgraduate study was expertly managed by professional academic staff in a welcoming and vibrant educational and research environment. The opportunities provided by undertaking the MA have allowed me to successfully navigate the academic and professional worlds. I highly recommend the MA in Politics at Queen s. Sophie Long, PhD student PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Students take six taught modules in all, three in semester one and three in semester two. Students also complete a dissertation of 15,000 words on the basis of research conducted over their period of study. Semester 1 Core Module: Approaches to Research Design And either: Government and Institutions of Northern Ireland or Politics of Northern Ireland And one of: Government and Institutions of Northern Ireland (if not already taken) Politics of Northern Ireland (if not already taken) Theories and Issues of International Relations Violence, Terrorism and Security The Ethics of Recognition Semester 2 Core Module: Institutions and Politics of the European Union And two of: Politics of the Republic of Ireland International Political Economy Philosophy of Conflict and War Carbon Literacy for a Low Carbon Society and Economy Gender, Politics and Democracy Ethnic Conflict Dissertation (submitted after summer period) The programme aims to enhance students analytical skills, research and writing talent, and capacity for utilising theoretical approaches. Assessment will be continuous and through examinations. Description of Core Modules: Approaches to Research Design Dr Dan Bulley This module has two key purposes. First it introduces students to some important themes in the philosophy of the social sciences. Second, it develops students skills in research design through an examination of selected qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. In doing so it addresses key issues in the design and preparation of the dissertation. Government and Institutions of Northern Ireland Dr Elodie Fabre This module explores the roles of the devolved institutions, particularly the NI Assembly. The NI Assembly is set in a comparative parliamentary context, with relevant comparisons being drawn over the course of the module. Since 1972, a constant in British policy-making was the goal of restoring devolution on a power-sharing basis. Underpinning that policy was the theory of consociationalism, and the devolved institutions are explored in terms of that theoretical context. Their outworkings are also a focus, especially as regards the operation of the NI Assembly. Exploring the effectiveness of the NI Assembly leads to a consideration of potential reforms of its procedures and practices. Politics of Northern Ireland Professor Graham Walker This module examines the principal debates and issues in Northern Irish politics, and includes both an analytical survey of the history of the entity, and a treatment of key political themes. The aim of the module is to place Northern Irish politics in appropriate historical and ideological context. Institutions and Politics of the European Union Professor David Phinnemore The module explores the structure and institutions of the European Union (EU), as well as selected theoretical approaches to the study of European integration. It examines the nature and roles of the EU s main institutions, and provides a critical assessment of selected EU policies and political challenges facing the EU. In doing so the module explores the decision- and policy-making dynamics within the EU, as well as some of the most pressing themes in European governance. For the descriptions of optional modules, please consult our website: SPECIAL FEATURES Students on the MA Politics benefit from intensive teaching by a wide and varied range of political scientists and theorists with strong publishing profiles and international reputations in their areas of expertise. Students unsure of which precise direction they wish their career to take, will benefit from the fact that the MA Politics allows for a generalist course of study alongside excellent careers support both within the School and the University at large. The MA in Politics provides students with the opportunity to engage in a wide range of active research networks and groups on diverse themes, including Irish and EU politics, political theory/philosophy, political economy, food governance, and postcolonial politics. COURSE CONVENOR BACKGROUND Dr Keith Breen is a political theorist. His current research focuses on questions of political ethics and philosophies of work and economic organization. Dr Breen convenes the MA in Politics and a number of modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and has won awards for his teaching. He has published widely on political and social theory, including a monograph entitled Under Weber s Shadow that has been cited extensively by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, among others. Dr Keith Breen (PhD Edinburgh) k.breen@qub.ac.uk

8 School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy MA VIOLENCE, TERRORISM AND SECURITY The study of violence, terrorism and security has long been an important arena of academic research and debate. Since the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, the US War on Terror and the rise of groups like al-qaeda and ISIS this has brought the subject to the forefront of academic, policymaking, media and popular debate. Questions over the nature, evolution, causes and normative justifications of terrorism and security, technology and cyber-terrorism are now an embedded aspect of public discourse, and have also driven an exponential growth in the academic field. Driving this trend, terrorism and international security continue to feature as a central element of current foreign policy for many Western and non-western states, and occupy a prominent place in current public political debate on domestic and international issues. This programme provides dynamic and critical study in Violence, Terrorism and Security. Its aim is to help students develop a critical and analytical approach to problems in history and the contemporary world of these three areas. It challenges accepted wisdom and opens up the debate about the role of violence in relation to political power in the 21st century. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Six taught modules, plus a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words. Students will take: Core Modules: Violence, Terrorism and Security Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards The central goal of this module is to provide grounding for the MA Violence, Terrorism and Security. Specifically, this module will firstly familiarize students with different concepts and approaches to violence, terrorism and security. It will secondly provide opportunities for discussing varieties of violence and terrorism, which can be empirically observed, before analysing a set of responses to the changes in threat perception. The module features a Simulation exercise. Contemporary Security Dr Mike Bourne This module will examine the key theoretical approaches and practical issues and debates that have defined the evolution of Security Studies. They will engage the changing definitions of security and approaches to understanding security. It will address both domestic and international security and the ways in which these are increasingly connected in both theory and practice. Moreover, it will introduce students to the interdisciplinary nature of engagements with security (from politics to geography to technology). Global Terrorism Dr Andrew Thomson This module introduces students to the dynamic relationships between global terrorism, counter-terrorism strategies, national security, and human rights. Students will be encouraged to critically engage with a number of contemporary debates pertaining to the use of terrorism by non-state actors, state terrorism, and some of the counterterrorism measures adopted in the current War on Terror. Conflict Intervention Dr Heather L Johnson The module will evaluate the changing nature of intervention, from unilateral forceful intervention to multi-lateral intervention, and humanitarian intervention. Focusing on state, intergovernmental and non-governmental actors interventions, it will look at various conflict intervention practices in all phases of conflict from conflict prevention to post-conflict peace-building. Approaches to Research Design Dr Dan Bulley This module has two key purposes. First it introduces students to some important themes in the philosophy of the social sciences. Second, it develops students skills in research design through an examination of selected qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. In doing so it addresses key issues in the design and preparation of the dissertation. Optional modules include: International Political Economy Philosophy of Conflict and War Ethnic Conflict Internship Assessment - continuous assessment and examination. SPECIAL FEATURES Careers: This programme provides an opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge of current violence, security and terrorism related issues for those at any stage of their career. Our graduates now serve in the most senior ranks of a number of National Police Services, and Law Enforcement Agencies, Border and Immigration Control, National Armed Forces including the US Army, US Air Force, British Army and Irish Defence Forces. Graduates also now serve as senior government policy advisors, work in international NGOs in diverse parts of the globe including major conflict zones and the media. Location: Belfast offers a unique opportunity for our students to access and engage with a community context challenged by Violence, Terrorism and Security and the international links to other parts of the world, such as the Middle East, which are also affected by such factors. It is anticipated that internship opportunities in Belfast will be available for students. Completing the MA in Violence, Terrorism, and Security at Queen s University Belfast has proven to be one of my most educationally thought-provoking and rewarding life experiences to date. Brian C. Mueller, MA VTS 2011, Marshall Scholar, US Air Force COURSE CONVENOR BACKGROUND Professor Milton-Edwards has been an academic at Queen s for 20 years. Her particular focus is on radical Islam and the politics of the Middle East. Professor Milton-Edwards has written nine books on the subject, most recently a co-authored study of Hamas which has been well received notably by those who have a close interest in that organisation. In 2013 Professor Milton- Edwards was awarded a Queen s Teaching Award- Student nominated category and, in 2004, awarded an Oscar of Higher Education a National Teaching Fellowship. Professor Milton-Edwards expertise in terrorism is regularly requested by national governments such as the UK and US as well as international organizations such as the EU CFSP activities. Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards (PhD Exeter) b.milton-edwards@qub.ac.uk

9 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FEES The standard tuition fees for the year are outlined below. NI, GB, ROI and EU Students International Students Postgraduate Taught 5,060 13, 430 FUNDING HOW TO APPLY WHEN TO APPLY SCHOOL OF POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PHILOSOPHY BURSARIES Every year the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy has a number of bursaries available for students wishing to study a postgraduate taught programme. For , there are up to four bursaries available to outstanding students. The bursaries will either cover tuition fees in full (Home/ EU students) or subsidise the costs (international students). For full details on the criteria for the bursaries please visit the School website at QUEEN S UNIVERSITY STUDENTSHIPS There are a range of University studentships available for both postgraduate taught programmes and postgraduate research programmes. For details on the studentships currently available, please visit the University website at Applying for funding is part of an integrated, online, postgraduate admissions process. An offer of a place at Queen s does not constitute an offer of financial support. Applications for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes are submitted online. The online system also allows applications for funding where appropriate. To make an online application for a postgraduate programme, please visit go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply For further advice on the admissions procedures please contact: Admissions and Access Service Queen s University Belfast BT7 1NN T +44 (0) E postgrad.admissions@qub.ac.uk In general, there are no closing dates for postgraduate taught degrees, however, we would encourage you to apply as early as possible. Some of our courses receive more applications than there are places available (e.g. the MA Legislative Studies and Practice) and in some instances there may also be interview arrangements in place. Applications submitted before Friday 28 June will be considered for a PG Taught bursary of 5,060.

10 CAREERS AT QUEEN S UNIVERSITY BELFAST DID YOU KNOW? Employability is at the heart of the Queen s curriculum. Key to this is the delivery of an education programme that fully equips all of its students to succeed in their careers and give them a competitive edge in the graduate job market. Social science graduates are in demand for their critical thinking skills as they are equipped to question received views and explore new approaches and solutions. Graduates of the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy have found success in a wide range of careers including journalism, PR, marketing, policy research, social work, teaching, civil service and government posts. OUR STAFF HAVE WON AWARDS FOR THEIR TEACHING SUCH AS THE OSCAR OF HIGHER EDUCATION - A NATIONAL TEACHING FELLOWSHIP. WE OFFER A RANGE OF TUITION FEE BURSARIES FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENTS WHO WISH TO PURSUE POSTGRADUATE LEVEL STUDY. Eric D Gardner MA Violence, Terrorism and Security graduate Council on Foreign Relations, New York The School of Politics, International Studies, and Philosophy has the unique distinction of being situated against the history, politics, and culture of Belfast. The School is infused with the city and vice versa and that s what makes it so incredible. To my knowledge, there is no university in the world better suited to studying conflict and its resolution. The thing I enjoyed the most about the programme was that the School s incredibly diverse group of professors made rich use of Belfast s past and present. To be able to study political violence in an openly post-conflict environment is a tremendous opportunity that cannot be replicated. Donnie O Sullivan MA Legislative Studies and Practice Journalist, Storyful The legislative studies and practice programme offered me the perfect opportunity to transition from university to my chosen career. The course, unique in the United Kingdom and Ireland, offers a work placement in the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont that is truly integrated with the academic element of the programme at Queen s. To study politics while working in a lively legislature was an experience I will never forget. The research and analytical skills I gained as part of the programme, as well as the thorough understanding of British, Irish, Northern Irish, and European politics I gained while at Queen s has been of enormous benefit to me in my role as a journalist with Storyful news agency, where I cover world affairs with a particular focus on politics and elections. THE SCHOOL OF POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PHILOSOPHY IS THE LARGEST CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF THESE SUBJECTS IN ALL OF IRELAND AND ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE UK. THE SCHOOL S RESEARCH AREAS OF POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PHILOSOPHY WERE RANKED BY TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE TOP TEN UNITS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR RESEARCH INTENSITY. WE ARE ONE OF THE LEADING CENTRES IN THE UK FOR WORLD- CLASS RESEARCH IN POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PHILOSOPHY QUEEN S UNIVERSITY IS RANKED IN THE TOP 200 UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD (QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2014/15)

11 School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy 25 University Square Queen s University Belfast BT7 1PB Tel: +44 (0) pisp@qub.ac.uk Website: