PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 1 THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 1. Programme title and designation Foundation Degree in International Studies 2. Final award Award Title Credit ECTS Any special criteria value equivalent Foundation International 240 120 N/A Degree Studies 3. Nested award Award Title Credit ECTS Any special criteria value equivalent N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4. Exit award Award Title Credit ECTS Any special criteria value equivalent N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5. Level in the qualifications framework 5 - I 6. Attendance Full-time Part-time Distance learning Mode of attendance N/A Minimum length of programme 2 year 4 years N/A Maximum length of programme 4 years 8 years N/A 7. Awarding institution/body King s College London 8. Teaching institution King s College London 9. Proposing department Department of Political Economy 10. Programme organiser and contact details Professor Ken Young ken.young@kcl.ac.uk 11. UCAS code (if appropriate) L244 12. Relevant QAA subject benchmark/ professional and statutory body guidelines 13. Date of production of specification April 2010 14. Date of programme review 2015/16 Politics and International Relations Foundation Degree Qualification Benchmark
15. Educational aims of the programme i.e what is the purpose of the programme and general statements about the learning that takes place over the duration of the programme The aims of the Foundation Degree in International Studies are: to provide students with a thorough grounding in political ideas, history and institutions and their interaction to equip students with an understanding of the international and comparative context of political events and processes to broaden students horizons and extend their capabilities through the study of a modern foreign language to provide students with direct and extended experience of working in a public or third sector organisation to equip students to reflect critically on that experience to provide an open and supportive learning environment by encouraging students to draw on their own experiences and relate them to the module to prepare those students who perform to the required level to progress to an honours degree 16. Educational objectives of the programme/programme outcomes (as relevant to the SEEC Credit Level Descriptors) The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding and skills in the following areas: The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the following: Knowledge and understanding These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: the ways in which concepts are used to illuminate issues of power, conflict and legitimacy how political events and processes are understood in an international and comparative context the ways in which political events and processes are subject to different and contested interpretations how international affairs have evolved since 1945 Knowledge and understanding in these areas is acquired through a combination of: lectures designed to provide students with the basis for understanding key approaches in political studies classes, small group discussions and syndicate work independent study focused on key essential and supplementary reading an individual research project to be submitted for the dissertation option modules selected to provide depth of understanding of international issues Assessment: Assessment will be by a mix of assessment methods, including unseen examinations, extended essays, both formative and summative, and oral presentations. The areas of study in which these are acquired are shown in the attached annex
Intellectual Skills: Skills and other attributes These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: the ability to compare and contrast the ways in which political issues arise and are approached in different political systems the ability to gather, assess and deploy evidence from a variety of primary and secondary sources the ability to construct a reasoned argument the ability to manage learning critically and independently the ability to plan, develop and undertake a substantial independent study Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning strategies deployed in this programme, which are designed to facilitate the students acquisition of relevant knowledge and understanding, together with the development of appropriate critical skills; specifically by: independent critical reading and thinking in preparation for lectures, classes and assignments peer group discussion collaborative work in groups preparation of work for presentation to programme members preparation and development of an extended essay or dissertation Assessment: Intellectual skills are assessed by a mix of assessment methods, including unseen examinations, extended essays, both formative and summative, and oral presentations. The ability to plan, develop and undertake an individual study is formally assessed by the dissertation and informally in the workshops on project preparation. The areas of study in which these are acquired are shown in the attached annex Practical Skills: the ability to present findings in a professional manner, both orally and in writing the ability to identify and source and assess secondary literature and primary research material the ability to use appropriate information technology for gathering, processing and presenting material the ability to communicate effectively in a modern foreign language These are acquired through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Practical skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme which gives specific attention to basic research and literature acquisition skills as well as to competence in a modern foreign language. The dissertation is also key to the acquisition of a high standard of presentation skill. Assessment: Practical skills are formally assessed by coursework and informally by presentations, using IT appropriately as an adjunct to oral delivery, as well as in the submission of the dissertation. Generic/transferable skills: The ability to tackle problems in a rigorous and open-minded fashion, in a spirit of critical enquiry The areas of study in which these are acquired are shown in the attached annex These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Generic and transferable skills are developed throughout the teaching and learning programme outlined above and specifically
The development of effective and sustainable independent learning skills the ability to work effectively as a member of a team the ability to manage time and task within a pressured workplace environment the ability to make effective use of IT the ability to present findings to audiences with clarity and confidence through individual and group assignments in the core modules and, where applicable, across the spectrum of option modules. Assessment: Generic and transferable skills are informally assessed primarily through coursework assignments and exercises, where students are required to work both jointly and individually, and formally by performance during the creditbearing work placement, which will be assessed by means of analytic report and presentation. The areas of study in which these are acquired are shown in the attached annex 17. Statement of how the programme has been informed by the relevant subject benchmark statement(s)/professional and statutory body guidelines There is no specific Foundation Degree level benchmark statement for Politics and International Studies, within which this programme falls. However, regard has been paid to the Revised (2007) Honours statement for that discipline (QAA 162 02/07), both as regard coverage of the subject, knowledge and understanding of the subject, skills, and standards and levels of achievement. The revised flexibility criteria of the QAA Foundation Degree Qualification Benchmark (QAA. 065 10/2004) stress the desirability of a direct link to at least one honours degree to enable progression, and it is planned to introduce a BA in International Politics, to provide such a link, in 2011/12. Accordingly, while this programme is designed to be free-standing, the cognisance taken of the Subject Benchmark reflects this intention to provide a route to the honours degree. The Subject Benchmark acknowledges the broad, fluid and contested scope of the subject, while assuming a somewhat rigid distinction between politics and international relations. This programme is designed to span that boundary by introducing students to the study of politics in its European and global settings. The starting point, which is as applicable at the Foundation Degree level as at the honours level, is that the study of politics is concerned with developing a knowledge and understanding of government and society. The interaction of people, ideas and institutions is central to shaping the outcomes of political processes and government decision-making at many levels, global, regional, national, local and sectoral. The special characteristic of this programme as a Foundation degree is to provide the opportunity to enrich that understanding through an extended work experience in a public or third sector body. In accordance with the Subject Benchmark, this programme gives a central place to questions of political order and decision making. The programme will equip students to think critically and independently about these issues and to develop the range of skills that will support their intellectual, vocational and personal development. They will be able to gather, organise and deploy evidence, discriminate appropriately to synthesise relevant information, construct reasoned arguments and reflect on their own learning so as to be better equipped for life-long learning. 18. In the case of joint honours programmes please provide a rationale for the particular subject combination, either educational or academic N/A
Programme structure Please complete the following table and, if appropriate, include joint, major/minor or other variations Title = title of each module available for the programme, plus its credit level and credit value Status = please indicate whether the module is introductory, core, compulsory or optional for each type of programme. For postgraduate programmes use the "single honours" column Assessment = please indicate in broad terms the assessment for the module eg written examinations, coursework (Note: the availability of optional modules may vary slightly from year to year; the following are the modules available at the commencement of the programme) Code Title Credit level Credit value Status (I, Cr, Cp, CrCp, O P) for each type of module [Single Joint Major/ honours] honours minor Foundation Assessment Full-time study First Year TBA World Politics since 1945 4 30 Cp Essay and written examination 4SSPP103 Comparing Political Systems 4 30 Cp Essay and written examination 4SSPP104 Introduction to Political Theory 4 30 Cp Essay and written examination TBA Modern Foreign Language 4/5 15 Cp Progress test, oral and written exam; portfolio 4SSPP101 Studying Politics 4 15 Cr Essay and written examination Second Year TBA Work Placement 5 30 Cr Formative presentations, summative presentation and report TBA Modern Foreign Language 4/5 15 O Progress test, oral and written exam; portfolio 5SSPP201 Political Economy: Concepts and Issues 5 15 Cp Essay and written examination TBA Individual Research Project 5 30 Cp Written dissertation and presentation 5SSPP202 Modern Political Thought: Order & Conflict in the Modern 5 30 O Essay and written examination State 5SSPP203 International Civil Society 5 15 O Essay and written examination TBA An approved option module 5 15 O Varies 5SSPP205 Political Change in Europe 5 15 O Essay and written examination 5SSPP206 Research Methods for Politics 5 15 O Essay and written examination TBA The International Politics of Energy 5 15 O Written exam coursework
Part-time study First year TBA World Politics since 1945 4 30 Cp Essay and written examination 4SSPP101 Studying Politics 4 15 Cr Essay and written examination TBA Modern Foreign Language 4/5 15 Cp Progress test, oral and written exam; portfolio Second Year 4SSPP103 Comparing Political Systems 4 30 Cp Essay and written examination 4SSPP104 Introduction to Political Theory 4 30 Cp Essay and written examination Third year TBA Work Placement 5 30 Cr Formative presentations, summative presentation and report 5SSPP201 Political Economy: Concepts and Issues 5 15 Cp Essay and written examination TBA Modern Foreign Language 4/5 15 O Progress test, oral and written exam; portfolio Fourth year TBA Individual Research Project 5 30 Cp Written dissertation and presentation 5SSPP202 Modern Political Thought: Order & Conflict in the Modern 5 30 Cp Essay and written examination State 5SSPP203 International Civil Society 5 15 O Essay and written examination 5SSPP205 Political Change in Europe 5 15 O Essay and written examination 5SSPP206 Research Methods for Politics 5 15 O Essay and written examination TBA The International Politics of Energy 5 15 O Written exam coursework If a Masters programme, are level 6 credit levels permitted within the programme? N/A Maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded) 15 Are students permitted to take any additional credits, as per regulation A4; 5.8? Yes Are there any exceptions to the regulations regarding credits, progression or award requirements? No Other relevant information to explain the programme structure As a Foundation Degree, this programme combines the academic rigour equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree and practical engagement with the world of work. Flexible
modes of study are offered to accommodate part-time students and while many will enter with conventional academic qualifications, prior experience and learning, whether certificated or not, will be assessed for admission. In the first year of the Foundation Degree students will study developments in world politics since 1945 along with comparative politics and political theory. They will study a modern foreign language and acquire the skills and perspectives necessary to the understanding of politics and government. The study of politics and policy-making continues in the second year with language training to a more advanced level and further option courses. Language studies are compulsory at a level appropriate to the learner, with the assessment of that level being made by the College s Modern Language Centre. The central feature of the second year is the close linkage of learning and work, achieved through an employer work placement with an appropriate organisation. This placement, which extends across two semesters, carries considerable weight in the degree structure, is examined by means of a reflective report and presentation, and must be passed to gain the award. This requirement can also be met by part-time students remaining in employment during the course of their programme. In order to provide students with sufficient opportunity for independent self-directed learning a dissertation will be presented at the end of the second year, on an approved topic of the student s own choosing. Subject to satisfactory performance and the accumulation of 240 credits, students will be able to continue their studies at a higher level gaining a further 120 credits to achieve the BA in International Politics. The programme may be pursued by part-time study, with the modules taken as indicated above. By the end of the programme all students should have completed 240 credits, of which a minimum of 120 credits must be from level 5,
20. Marking criteria The College s generic criteria for assessment of undergraduate work apply to the assessment of this Programme. 21. Will this Programme Board of Examiners report to an existing Board, and if so, which one? If a new programme Board of Examiners is to be set up, please note name of the Board here. A new Politics Board of Examiners will be established for this and other programmes. 22. Please confirm that the process for nominating External Examiners has commenced, and, if known, note who the nominated External Examiners may be The externals examiners will be: Professor Richard Grayson, Department of Politics, Goldsmiths College, University of London (Intercollegiate examiner) Dr David Howarth, Senior Lecturer in European Politics, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Edinburgh 24. Particular features of the programme which help to reduce the barriers experienced by disabled students and ensure that the programme is accessible to all students who meet the entry requirements All sessions are taught in Strand or Waterloo main buildings, which are accessible to students with disabilities. Teaching staff are located in a building which is also accessible to students with mobility problems. Mobility issues will be taken into account in arranging student placements. Apart from the College s Disability Support Team, academic staff provide more general pastoral care to students with disabilities. All students will have one member of the Department s academic staff as their Personal Tutor. It is the department s practice to post all lecture material and required reading on WebCT (Blackboard) and lecture handouts are provided in advance to students with disabilities who request this. Staff liaise with the School s disability advisor, on any issue affecting a disabled student and all students have access to Student Welfare Services.
PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 3 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Not all of the information in this section will be relevant for all programmes and for some programmes this section will not be relevant at all 1. Programme name 2. Foundation Degree in International Studies 2. Is this programme involved in collaborative activity? Yes X No If yes what type of Collaborative Provision is it (tick appropriate box)? Does the programme have an access/feeder Programme for entry into it? Does the programme have an articulation/ progression agreement for entry into it? Dual Award Franchised Provision Joint Award Partnership Programme Recognition of Study or Award of Credit through off-campus study or placement X Staff and student exchange Validated provision
Have the relevant stages and appropriate paperwork been approved and the paperwork forwarded onto QA&AA Office? Yes No Not applicable X 3. If the programme is a joint award with an institution outwith the University of London, validated provision or franchised provision, has the necessary approval been sought from College Education Committee? Yes No Not applicable X Please attach a copy of Part 1 of the Partner Profile and checklist submitted to the College Education Committee 4. Partnership programme - in cases where parts or all of the programme are delivered away from one of the College campuses by a body or bodies external to the College please provide the following details N/A Name and address of the off-campus location and external body Percentage/amount of the programme delivered off-campus or by external body Nature of the involvement of external body Description of the learning resources available at the off-campus location What mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the ongoing monitoring of the delivery of the programme, to include monitoring of learning resources off-site or by the external body? Please attach the report of the visit to the off-campus location
5. Recognition of study or award of credit through off-campus study or placement - please indicate how the time will be spent, the length of time out, the amount of credit and whether it is a compulsory or optional part of the programme Year abroad Year in employment Placement Other (please specify) X Time spent two semesters Credit amount 30..Compulsory/optional.. Compulsory 6. Please provide a rationale for any such time outside the College, other than that which is a requirement of a professional, statutory or regulatory body Students are required to undertake a 30 credit placement in a policy-orientated work environment during the course of their second year. The placement forms part of students' programme assessment, and provides an opportunity for critical examination through practical experience of how issues of political or governmental importance are addressed within selected governmental, non-governmental and voluntary organisations. Students will be visited at least once each semester during their placement by a member of the academic team, and will be expected to maintain contact with their Personal Tutor throughout their placement. 5. Please give details if the programme requires validation or accreditation by a professional, statutory or regulatory body Name and address of PSB N/A Frequency of validation/ accreditation Date of next validation/ accreditation