POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme Title: Awarding Body: Final Awards: Teaching Institution: MA International Relations MA International Policy and Diplomacy Staffordshire University MA, PG Diploma, PG Certificate Staffordshire University Intermediate Awards: Mode of Study UCAS Codes: On-Site N/A QAA Subject Benchmarks: N/A Professional/Statutory Body: Date of Production: 16 January 2009 Date of Revision: If you require this document in a larger text or a different media please contact us.
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you should be able: PROGRAMME OUTCOMES Postgraduate Certificate- International Relations and International Policy & Diplomacy Locate and analyse developments in IR theory as a series of intellectual debates in the context of changing twentieth century events (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis) Demonstrate a critical understanding of some policy related theory in the context of global policy issues (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; communication) Understand the key functions that some global policy forums have served in the past and in the present (knowledge & understanding; learning) Analyse aspects of the changing nature of diplomacy (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; application) Locate practical research problems against selected methodological concerns (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; reflection) Understand the development and application of certain selected methodologies (knowledge & understanding; learning) Apply appropriate skills of research (for individual assignments) with awareness of methodological problems using secondary sources (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; problem solving; application; reflection) Demonstrate a level of communicative skill appropriate for the Masters level utilising standard notational and referencing conventions (communication) Postgraduate Diploma- International Relations Locate developments in IR theory as a series of intellectual debates in the context of changing world events (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; Understand the key functions that diplomacy in its various forms has served in the past and in the present (knowledge & understanding; learning; Analyse the changing nature of diplomacy in the context of globalisation and the growth of international organisations (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; application; Locate practical research problems against selected methodological concerns (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; reflection) Understand the development and application of certain selected methodologies (although you will not be trained in the specifics of each methodology) (knowledge & understanding; learning; Apply appropriate skills of research (for individual assignments) with awareness of methodological problems using secondary sources (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; problem solving; application; reflection) Apply different perspectives to international relations issues and critique theoretical approaches to IR (analysis; problem solving; application; reflection) 1
Demonstrate a level of communicative skill appropriate for the Masters level utilising standard notational and referencing conventions (communication) Masters IR Locate developments in IR theory as a series of intellectual debates in the context of changing world events (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis) Understand the key functions that diplomacy in its various forms has served in the past and in the present (knowledge & understanding; learning) Analyse the changing nature of diplomacy in the context of globalisation and the growth of international organisations (knowledge & understanding; learning enquiry; analysis; application) Locate practical research problems against methodological debates and ethical concerns (knowledge & understanding; learning enquiry; analysis; reflection) Understand the key debates that have informed the development and application of a variety of methodologies (although you will not be trained in the specifics of each methodology (knowledge & understanding; learning) Apply extensive skills of research. Students will be expected to integrate elements of their learning on the programme as a whole, as well as applying skills of research (using primary and/or secondary sources), and be cognizant and appreciative of methodological issues relevant to undertaking a sustained Dissertation (knowledge & understanding; learning enquiry; analysis; problem solving; application; reflection) Apply different perspectives to international relations issues and critique. theoretical approaches to IR in module assignments and at a more sustained level in the Dissertation (analysis; problem solving; application; reflection) Demonstrate communicative skills appropriate for the Masters level utilising standard notational and referencing conventions (communication) Postgraduate Diploma IPD Locate and analyse developments in IR theory as a series of intellectual debates in the context of changing twentieth century events (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis) Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of policy related theory and apply this to analyse a range of global policy issues and case examples (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; communication; application) Understand the key functions that global policy forums, in their various forms, have served in the past and in the present (knowledge & understanding; learning) Analyse the changing nature of diplomacy in the context of globalisation and the growth of international organisations (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; application) Locate practical research problems against selected methodological concerns (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; reflection) Understand the development and application of certain selected methodologies (although you will not be trained in the specifics of each methodology) (knowledge & understanding; learning) Apply appropriate skills of research (for individual assignments) with awareness of methodological problems using secondary sources (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; problem solving; application; reflection) Demonstrate a level of communicative skill appropriate for the Masters level utilising standard notational and referencing conventions (communication) 2
Masters IPD Locate and analyse developments in IR theory as a series of intellectual debates in the context of changing twentieth century events (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis) Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of policy related theory and apply this to analyse a range of global policy issues and case examples, and apply them at a more sustained level in the Dissertation (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; communication; application) Understand the key functions that global policy forums, in their various forms, have served in the past and in the present (knowledge & understanding; learning) Analyse the changing nature of diplomacy in the context of globalisation and the growth of international organisations (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; application) Locate practical research problems against methodological debates and ethical concerns (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; reflection) Understand the key debates that have informed the development and application of a variety of methodologies (although you will not be trained in the specifics of each methodology) (knowledge & understanding; learning) Apply extensive skills of research. Students will be expected to integrate elements of their learning on the programme as a whole, as well as applying skills of research (using primary and/or secondary sources), and be cognizant and appreciative of methodological issues relevant to undertaking a sustained Dissertation (knowledge & understanding; learning; enquiry; analysis; problem solving; application; reflection) Demonstrate communicative skills appropriate for the Masters level utilising standard notational and referencing conventions (communication) 3
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS Award: MA INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Teaching Block 1 AM25134-7 International Relations in the Twentieth Century AM25137-7 Diplomacy and the Global World Options (30) (15) YEAR 1 Teaching Block 2 AM25140-7 Contemporary International Relations Theory AM25622-7 Research Methods in Social Studies (30) (15) (30) Teaching Block 3 AM25350-7 Dissertation in International Relations (60) Option Modules Teaching Block 1 Cats Teaching Block 2 Cats AM25297-7 Conflict and Journalism 15 AM25364-7 Contemporary Politics of the World Economy 15 AM25304-7 AM25305-7 The Politics of International Migration US Power and the Global Political Economy 15 AM25298-7 Globalisation 30 15 AM25299-7 Globalisation 15 AM25302-7 International Politics of South Asia 15 AM25303-7 International Security 15 AM25301-7 Human Rights 15 AM25139-7 Global Policy Analysis 30 AM25574-7 The War on Terror Explained 15 AM25574-7 The War on Terror Explained 15 Potential Awards: Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) - comprises AM25134-7, AM25137-7 and 15 credits of option modules Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) comprises PG Cert plus AM25140-7, AM25622-7 and 15 credits of option modules Master of Arts (180 credits) comprises PG Dip plus AM25350-7 Progression: In order to progress from one stage of an award to another (i.e. PgC to PgD, PgD to Masters), you must normally obtain a Pass in all modules. Otherwise, award specific regulations must permit compensation of a failed module or retrieval of failure at a subsequent stage of your programme of study. 4
Award: MA INTERNATIONAL POLICY AND DIPLOMACY Teaching Block 1 AM25134-7 International Relations in the Twentieth Century AM25137-7 Diplomacy and the Global World Options (30) (15) YEAR 1 Teaching Block 2 AM25139-7 Global Policy Analysis AM25622-7 Research Methods in Social Studies (30) (15) (30) Teaching Block 3 AM25330-7 Dissertation in International Policy and Diplomacy (60) Option Modules Teaching Block 1 Cats Teaching Block 2 Cats AM25297-7 Conflict and Journalism 15 AM25298-7 Globalisation 30 AM25304-7 AM25305-7 The Politics of International Migration US Power and the Global Political Economy 15 AM25299-7 Globalisation 15 15 AM25302-7 International Politics of South Asia 15 AM25303-7 International Security 15 AM25301-7 Human Rights 15 AM25364-7 Contemporary Politics of the World Economy 15 AM25574-7 The War on Terror Explained 15 AM25574-7 The War on Terror Explained 15 Potential Awards: Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) - comprises AM25134-7, AM25137-7 and 15 credits of option modules Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) comprises PG Cert plus AM25139-7, AM25622-7 and 15 credits of option modules Master of Arts (180 credits) comprises PG Dip plus AM25330-7 Progression: In order to progress from one stage of an award to another (i.e. PgC to PgD, PgD to Masters), you must normally obtain a Pass in all modules. Otherwise, award specific regulations must permit compensation of a failed module or retrieval of failure at a subsequent stage of your programme of study. 5
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? Teaching and Learning The Programme delivery is supported by an academic team that has a wide experience of innovative approaches to curriculum development, teaching, learning and assessment. The team s expertise is the culmination of many years involvement with a variety of postgraduate and undergraduate awards (for example: BA (Hons) Modern Studies; BA (Hons) International Relations; BA (Hons) Politics; BA (Hons) History; and previous versions of the Masters awards in International Relations and International Policy and Diplomacy). In devising the teaching, learning and assessment strategy for the awards within the programme, the team has drawn from this expertise and has also been cognisant of current National, University and School wide concerns with the following principles and issues: Widening student access and recruitment Inclusion and diversity Promotion of life-long learning Student focussed and student led learning Transmission of transferable skills Employability The team has also been influenced by the challenges presented by the current emphasis on employability and the need for the majority of students to find paid employment on graduation. Our teaching, learning and assessment strategy has therefore been influenced by both the need to address the requirements of students at point of entry and to create an active learning environment which strengthens their position regarding employability in future job markets. We recognise, however, that students choosing postgraduate study are often pursuing specific interests rather than seeking employability skills per se. The programme therefore offers an academic route (International Relations) suited as preparation for further postgraduate training in the discipline (i.e. a research degree) where the student may have an academic vocation. We also offer a route more suited for those seeking employment in international institutions, national foreign ministries or other public or private organisations with an international outlook (International Policy and Diplomacy). Overall, we are concerned to provide an educational experience that is not only distinctive in terms of curriculum content and delivery but also facilitative in terms of employability. The core modules will involve all students (except the module International Relations in the Twentieth Century not normally taken by those who have studied IR before) and will centre on the use of lectures, seminars and workshops focused on particular issues. For Global Policy Analysis, International Relations in the Twentieth Century, Diplomacy in a Global World, and Contemporary International Relations Theory this will involve a weekly lecture and weekly seminar for the one semester duration of these modules delivered in a two hour block. Lectures provide the basic structure of each module, introduce main themes, highlight debates in the literature and provide a general guide to the concerns of that module. In addition they stimulate seminar activities. For core modules this is helped by timetabling two hour blocks where the first part may be taken up by a lecture with discussion following. Seminars may be staff led where a member of staff introduces the key themes for discussion (perhaps in the form of a lecture), important issues and a range of critiques around which discussion might focus and students prepare by reading 6
around questions identified in the module handbook; or seminars may be student led whereby students in turn prepare and deliver a presentation (overhead projectors and video machines can be made available). The latter exercise is designed to help students enhance their skills of presentation and leading discussion. Workshops may be used in some modules (notably Research Methods in Social Studies). Here staff assist students to work through a focused theme. A series of workshops will be used to assist in the preparation of the Dissertation. In order to make available a wide range of specialist options the lectures may be shared with other programmes in the University. Students on the M.A. programmes in International Relations and International Policy and Diplomacy will, however, have a minimum of a weekly tutorial with the lecturer responsible for the option in addition to attending the lectures (this will enable the substantive discussion of issues and the preparation of assignments). Much of student time will be spent in self-directed study. A characteristic of postgraduate work is the ability required of students to study independently. Module handbooks are an important guide. They identify key questions on a topic-by-topic basis and provide introductory reading lists. It is expected that students will read widely and use seminars to test their own ideas and to engage their colleagues and staff on the programme in debate and dialogue. Students should be respectful of the views of others and be prepared to work with each other to enhance the overall postgraduate experience. Use of Information Technology: From the induction programme onwards students will be encouraged to use the IT facilities and electronic learning resources of the University. This is in keeping with the commitment of the University to developing and extending learning and teaching based on electronic sources to enhance independent learning and skills that are transferable to the outside world of work. Students will be encouraged to use email as a means of communication, to search the internet and use word processing and desk-top publishing skills to prepare assignments. Blackboard (VLE) is used to provide additional resources to students on the programme and in relation to individual modules taken. From within Blackboard there are links to a range of other useful sites including the Universities own web-pages designed to help in the preparation and referencing of assignments. Assessment We have sought to apply a mix of assessment methods for the programme, centred around a combination of an examination in a core module: Global Policy Analysis for IPD; and Contemporary IR Theory for IR, and assessed coursework. For each 30 credit module this will normally be 2 essays of approximately 2,000 words. However, for International Relations in the Twentieth Century the first essay will be 1,500 words and the second one 2,500 words. Modules rated at 15 credits will normally require a single essay of 2,000 words. The examinations will be an unseen paper of two hours duration. In addition for the Masters level students will have to successfully complete a Dissertation. 7
Assessment strategy The overall result will be based on three forms of assessment. For the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma student will face two forms of assessment, the written essay and the examination. Each has their merits and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills in meeting the learning objectives of the modules concerned and some general criteria outlined below. The essay, which is the main form of assessment for the programme, is modelled on the published paper to the extent that this is the main method of professional discussion in the field of international relations and associated specialist areas. Essays should therefore follow correct academic conventions of referencing and citation. The essay should also have a clear structure facilitating the presentation of an analysis or clear line of argument that directly focuses on the question under review. The essay titles for each module are designed to reflect the learning objectives and planned skill enhancements of that module, as included in the module descriptor. Some modules require two essays allowing feedback from the first to assist in preparation for the second (offering an element of formative assessment). For the remaining modules the assessment will be a single longer essay allowing a developed but specialist undertaking within the objectives of the modules. The unseen examination is designed to test student s ability to integrate ideas and to see the content of the module as a whole. It also tests their flexibility in marshalling material and ideas to address focused questions in a spontaneous fashion. The Dissertation is assessed on the basis of a range of criteria (see above and see the separate Dissertation Guidance booklet). The Dissertation itself is the result of sustained research on the part of students and is considered to be the defining element of the Masters level. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Entry Requirements (including ILETS score) What qualifications would I need to join this programme? The entry requirements for the award are normally: Admission is by one or more of the following: 1. An Honours degree of a United Kingdom institution of higher education or international equivalent. 2. A Post-graduate Diploma or Post-experience Diploma recognised as being equivalent to an Honours Degree. 3. Accredited prior experiential learning. Accredited prior learning Students may be considered for APL/APEL on the basis of credit achieved in prior study; work based training, substantial employment or other experiential learning. This will be considered in accordance with the APL/APEL Handbook. Evaluation is delegated to the School which is required to assess each application according to the specified procedure. The Faculty will ensure consistent application of the Handbook. For the Masters, postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate awards a maximum of 50% of the total credits for the award may be set against accredited prior learning/experience. 8
Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study_here/disabled_students/index.jsp 9
AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION Award programme leading to MA International Relations The MA International Relations offers a strong theory orientation with the aim of providing a programme capable of standing at the core of the current discipline. It provides a substantial introduction to the main theoretical debates that shape the discipline and offers excellent preparation for undertaking research degree. International Relations is today an exciting and important discipline of study. It addresses key issues associated with the way countries of the world co-exist in the face of rapid change. The twentieth century has witnessed two world wars and a forty-five year Cold War. It has seen huge technological changes that affect conflict, communications, trade and culture. It has witnessed the mass movement of people and the growing sophistication of global economic networks. While the world is politically and territorially divided into states there are great inequalities between them. Addressing a wide range of issues, International Relations theorists are at the heart of debates that characterise late twentieth century academic discourse. Critical theorists, post-modernists and gender theorists contrast with more traditional theorists of conflict, diplomacy and power politics. The established award at Staffordshire locates the development of International Relations within the context of twentieth century change. More pragmatically the award includes a focus on diplomatic concerns faced by decision-makers, in states and key international organisations, faced with global change and draws on the wide disciplinary experience of the team in International Relations and history. The core is completed by an examination of the importance of research methodology. Over the years many of the graduates of the International Relations Programme have gone on to successfully complete Ph.D. s in a number of Universities. A number of options are available which, with the material presented in the core and the flexibility of the dissertation enables a degree of specialisation Award programme leading to MA International Policy and Diplomacy The MA International Policy and Diplomacy addresses key issues associated with the way countries of the world co-exist in the face of rapid change. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of problems associated with developing and implementing global policy, the operation of modern diplomacy and the process of governance in a complex world. With no political authority above that of sovereign states, the means to achieve order and stability are both uncertain and necessary. Diplomacy and international institutions play a hugely important role - but both must accommodate the massive transformations associated with globalisation. The process of globalisation has increased the importance of policy making and implementation in a wide range of universal and regional organisations as well as between states (and especially in a multilateral context). A study of diplomacy can be appropriately grounded in the global policy context. State-centric images of the world have come under considerable challenge and there is important scope for a focus on the policy context of this trend. Diplomacy is studied in terms of the complex and wide-ranging means for official communication and in the context of the many types of intergovernmental organisations and their links with a growing transnational 10
environment of international non-governmental organisations. The award is given clear direction through its core modules. We provide a thorough overview of perspectives on the international politics of the twentieth century and the problems faced by states in their efforts to co-exist. An analysis of the problems of developing and implementing global policy, directed towards a range of complex international issues, sets the scene for addressing diplomacy and global governance in the contemporary world. The core is completed by an examination of the importance of research methodology in political studies. The award draws on the wide disciplinary experience of the team in International Relations and history. The core is completed by an examination of the importance of research methodology. An ever-increasing number of people are working in international oriented institutions, of many sorts, and may require a practical international understanding located in an appropriate conceptualisation of the modern world. This programme is designed to be attractive to students from a variety of social science backgrounds who may wish to take their career in these directions, or who may simply want to pursue an interest in such issues. Past graduates have, for example, obtained posts in national Foreign Offices. A number of options are available which, with the material presented in the core and the flexibility of the dissertation enables a degree of specialisation. Thus the Masters in International Policy and Diplomacy is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to specialise in policy and diplomacy in the context of the modern world. Moreover, it is designed to be very attractive to students from around the world who wish to follow a programme with clearer international vocational elements. Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, student support, and academic regulations. ==================================== 11