MA International Relations and European Studies Programme Specification Primary Purpose: Course management, monitoring and quality assurance. Secondary Purpose: Detailed information for students, staff and employers. Current students should refer to the related Course Handbook for further detail. Disclaimer: The University of Portsmouth has checked the information given in this Programme Specification and believes it to be correct. We will endeavour to deliver the course in keeping with this Programme Specification but reserve the right to change the content, timetabling and administration of the course whilst maintaining equivalent academic standards and quality. Copyright The contents of this document are the copyright of the University of Portsmouth and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the University of Portsmouth.
Contents Programme Specification 1. Named Awards... 1 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable)... 1 3. Awarding Body... 1 4. Teaching Institution... 1 5. Accrediting Body... 1 6. QAA Benchmark Groups... 1 7. Document Control Information... 1 8. Effective Session... 1 9. Author... 1 10. Faculty... 1 11. Department... 1 12. Educational Aims... 1 13. Reference Points... 2 14. Learning Outcomes... 2 A. Knowledge and Understanding of:... 2 B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to:... 3 C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to:... 4 D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to:... 4 15. Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements... 5 16. Employability Statement... 5 17. Support for Student Learning... 5 18. Admissions Criteria... 6 A. Academic Admissions Criteria... 6 B. Disability... 6 19. Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching... 6 A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation... 6 B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation... 6 C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback... 7 D. Staff Development Priorities... 7 20. Assessment Strategy... 7 21. Assessment Regulations... 8 22. Role of Externals... 8 23. Indicators of Standards and Quality... 8 A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition... 8 B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent)... 8 C. Quality Assurance Agency... 8 D. Others... 8 24. Other Sources of Information... 9
Programme Specification 1. Named Awards MA International Relations and European Studies Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and European Studies Postgraduate Certificate in International Relations and European Studies 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) C2281F/P 3. Awarding Body University of Portsmouth 4. Teaching Institution University of Portsmouth 5. Accrediting Body None 6. QAA Benchmark Groups Not applicable 7. Document Control Information Version: August 2015 8. Effective Session 2015/16 9. Author Dr Angela Crack 10. Faculty Humanities and Social Sciences 11. Department School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies 12. Educational Aims To provide a challenging and stimulating study environment To provide a coherent and flexible programme of study which corresponds to the differing backgrounds, needs and interests of students To enable students to develop specialist interests, skills and knowledge to an advanced level in the fields of International Relations and European Studies To provide students with the skills and knowledge base to undertake research within the areas of International Relations and European Studies To ensure that the research and specialist expertise of staff informs the curriculum Programme Specification for [MAIRES] Page 1
To expose students to a broad range of themes, issues and debates in International Relations and European Studies To promote the University of Portsmouth s aims of internationalisation in its strategic plan through a programme which enhances students capacity to be effective through emphasis on global citizenship and an international curriculum. 13. Reference Points 1. The University of Portsmouth Curriculum Framework Document 2. The University of Portsmouth and QAA codes of practice for assurance of academic quality and standards 3. The accumulated experience of staff in the School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies over more than ten years of successfully running the MA programmes in European Studies, European Law and Policy and International Relations and European Studies 4. The research and scholarship expertise of academic members of staff. This is especially reinforced by the Centre for European and International Studies Research. Our research was rated at international level in the latest and previous RAEs 5. The regular feedback from undergraduate students on the International Relation and Politics and International Relations and European Studies degrees who have sought the opportunity to continue their studies at a postgraduate level at Portsmouth 6. The evidence collected by the International office of the demand for postgraduate International Relations and European Studies programmes from non-uk and particularly new entrant EU countries 7. Consultation with external examiners and external assessors on both the MA European Studies degrees and the BA Politics and International Relations degree programmes 8. Consultation with colleagues nationally through professional associations such as the Universities Association of European Studies 14. Learning Outcomes A. Knowledge and Understanding of: 1. the changing nature of concepts such as security, identity and governance in European Studies and International Relations 2. the range of theoretical approaches applied to the study of such issues as multi-level governance and European integration 3. how to assess and critically engage at an advanced level with key debates in European Studies and International Relations 4. the relative roles played by states, institutions and other actors in policymaking and governance at an international, European and regional level 5. the multi-faceted nature of key problems and issues in contemporary international and European affairs 6. the range of research methods and resources available for the advanced study of International Relations and European Studies 7. the process of undertaking detailed research at an advanced level into an aspect of international or European affairs Programme Specification for [MAIRES] Page 2
Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods There are a variety of ways in which student learning is advanced by the programme. Lectures are used to set out the key themes, theories, issues and debates. Seminars provide an opportunity for students to debate the issues and reinforce their learning. At a postgraduate level the content and structure of these and the relationship between the two are, however, fluid and will vary depending on students backgrounds, prior knowledge and needs. Awareness of research methods and resources, the use of primary sources, use of data-bases and study skills at masters level are emphasised in the taught units and also reinforced by workshops and library/ computer sessions which form part of the study skills/research methods classes running throughout the year. For the research for the dissertation and the preparation of the association dissertation proposal students are also assigned a supervisor with whom they have regular one-to-one tutorials. Learning across the programme is also facilitated by student access to Victory sites for each unit. Assessment Knowledge and understanding of the subject area are assessed by a variety of artefacts - extended essays, projects, reports, portfolios. These enable students to research into an aspect of a unit in depth and to develop the range of research and analytical skills. The core units also include formative proposals through which students can receive feedback before embarking on their main piece of work. Development of skills in research and knowledge of research resources are assessed by the dissertation proposal and the dissertation itself. B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to: 1. critically engage with key debates and theoretical approaches in the areas of International Relations and European Studies 2. examine critically change in the meaning of key concepts such as security and order, global and multi-level governance 3. critically evaluate and assess debates on the process of policymaking and governance at a European and international level 4. apply relevant theoretical approaches and strategies of analysis to key themes and issues in International Relation and European Studies 5. synthesise, analyse and interpret with critical awareness sources for research in International relations and European Studies 6. plan, execute and present a sustained piece of critical analysis and research at an advanced level mobilising a wide range of relevant and up-to-date sources within a chosen field Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Cognitive skills are developed via preparation for seminar discussion, seminar presentations and ultimately in the seminars and lectures themselves. Work on essays, projects and the dissertation develop research skills such as accessing resources and interpreting and analysing data. These are supported by individual tutorials with supervisors and in the case of essays, tutorials with relevant lecturers. Skills in the latter are also explicitly developed through induction sessions in the library and through the library and workshops which form part of the study skills/research methods support classes running throughout the year (B5-6) Assessment All the forms of assessment used in some way assess the cognitive skills outlined. However, the following help to assess particular aspects of the skills outlined:- short reports/papers facilitate assessment of the students ability to identify, summarise and elucidate succinctly and accurately crucial areas of knowledge in the subject (B 1,3-5). Extended essays, the dissertation and projects particularly facilitate the assessment of students ability to analyse, interpret and critique material and display research skills (B 1-6) The research proposal which forms part of the dissertation unit and the plans which constitute a formative exercise in some units involve consideration of the key debates (B1) as well as showing explicit ability to retrieve information (B6). Programme Specification for [MAIRES] Page 3
C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to: 1. use critical skills with a high level of expertise in the analysis of texts and sources 2. critically assess and evaluate key debates in International Relations and European Studies 3. apply relevant approaches and strategies including multi-disciplinary approaches to the analysis of complex problems 4. select appropriate research methodologies 5. produce well-structured, clearly written, cogently argued and well sourced pieces of extended academic work at an advanced level 6. apply scholarly conventions of presentation accurately and consistently Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Induction sessions provide an introduction to use of the library, IT facilities and includes introduction to what is expected of masters=- level work. Practical skills are further reinforced through study skills/research methods sessions which extend throughout the year. In addition the course handbook and unit handbooks provide guidance on such aspects as conventions. Tutorial support for the dissertation and personal tutorial consultations for essays, projects etc. and discussion in seminars are also vehicles for the development of practical skills. In some options students develop negotiating and lobbying skills and in the work-based unit they have the opportunity to reflect on the workplace and develop a project of practice relevant to their work situation. Assessment The effectiveness of students application of practical skills is assessed via essays, projects, reports, the research proposal and the dissertation. In each case assessors are asked in mark-sheets to remark on criteria, which include skills developed such as presentation, structure, clarity and coherence. D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: 1. demonstrate advanced literacy and oral skills including the ability to present rhetorically effective, coherent and well researched and sustained arguments 2. critically analyse, assess and evaluate sources and debates 3. access relevant research resources and databases and use electronic searching tools and appropriate research software for the investigation of a project 4. work effectively within groups, engage critically but respectfully in informed debate with others and are able to negotiate and handle conflict in groups with confidence 5. to mobilise and synthesise a broad range of sources and data with a high level of skill 6. work independently and manage time effectively to meet a range of set goals Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods The process of preparing assessments such as essays, projects, reports and the dissertation involves extensive reading, collecting data, organising material, developing an argument and applying analytical skills to a high level. In addition writing and presentation are key parts of the criteria for success. Support for this is provided in the seminars and lectures, the study skills/research methodology sessions throughout the year and workshops and database sessions in the library. Group work skills are developed in the seminar discussions across different units. Assessment The above skills are assessed as part of the marking criteria for all units and the research skills are particularly extensively assessed through the dissertation and the dissertation proposal. Time management skills are ultimately assessed as part of the successful completion of the MA. Deadlines are set such that students have to manage their own programme of work and pace themselves through the programme. Groups work skills (D4) are not explicitly assessed. However, non-assessed group work in seminars and discussion develops this skill. Programme Specification for [MAIRES] Page 4
15. Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements The degree is based on the University credit rating for taught masters degrees of 180 credits. In the programme all taught units are rated at the 30 credits now standard for masters degrees. The dissertation is rated at 60 credits. Awards follow the university regulations i.e.: - MA International Relations and European Studies - 180 credits Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and European Studies - 120 credits (i.e. all taught units except the dissertation Postgraduate Certificate in International Relations and European Studies - 60 credits (i.e. 2 taught units) The programme is offered in two modes full- time over one year and part-time over two years. 16. Employability Statement Throughout the teaching year there will be a study skills/research management support course consisting of at least 2 hours contact time per week. This will run in parallel to the assessed units. This course will cover masters- level academic skills which will be useful in further employment such as report writing, data collection and analysis. It will also cover research skills such as accessing data-bases and bibliographic searching. Part of the study/skills research management course will also include explicit advice on careers for postgraduates in conjunction with the university s career service. The core unit EU Institution, Law and Theories also includes a two hour session discussing working in EU institutions. Assessment and activities in individual units are also designed with workrelated learning in mind such as simulations of meetings of committees in the EU, preparation of briefing papers for the Commission on external policy, the development of lobbying strategies for network groups, presentations. In addition, especially for those part-time students who are in employment a work-based unit is available in which students currently in work can reflect on their work for the benefit of their masters degree. Finally, within the structure of the assessment for the dissertation there is an opportunity for students to develop a more work-related extended document in place of the normal academic dissertation e.g. a commissioned assessment and analysis of a specific problem/issue in a work environment. These would have to be approved and relate to the overall subject area of International Relations and European Studies. Postgraduate students will also have access to the advice on internships and within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences opportunities for internships will be open to MA students, particularly with EU/International Organisations content. Opportunities also exist via Purple Door for development of career opportunities and work placements. Personal development and career planning is provided within the teaching team of the programme. 17. Support for Student Learning The Course is managed by a Course Leader. Collaborative programmes are managed on a day-to-day basis by the University Contact who may or may not be the Course Leader. The Combined Honours Degree is managed bya Course Leader from one subject area and a Deputy Course Leader from the other. Extensive induction programme introduces the student to the University and their course. Each student has a personal tutor, responsible for pastoral support and guidance. University support services include careers, financial advice, housing, counselling etc. Programme Specification for [MAIRES] Page 5
The Academic Skills Unit (ASK). The Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre (ASDAC). Excellent library facilities. The University of Portsmouth has consistently been awarded an excellent rating for student support and guidance in a number of Quality Assurance Agency inspections. Student course and unit handbooks provide information about the course structure and University regulations etc. Feedback is provided for all assessments. Personal Development Planning (PDP) for all awards. 18. Admissions Criteria A. Academic Admissions Criteria an honours degree at a good standard in a social science, humanities or related discipline exceptionally other applicants may be admitted to the programme providing they can demonstrate an ability to study successfully at masters level students for whom English is a second language must demonstrate that they have a high level of competence in English equivalent to an ITLS score of 6.5 or above B. Disability The University makes no distinction in its admissions policy with regard to disability and will endeavour to make all reasonable adjustments in order to make it possible for students to study at Portsmouth on a course of their choice. 19. Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation Course Leader s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review. Head of Department s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review. Unit and Course Level student feedback considered at Board of Studies. Unit Assessment Board consideration of student performance for each programme. Annual Standards and Quality Reports to Board of Studies, including consideration of Subject and Award External Examiner Reports. Periodic Programme Review. Student Representatives and Student/Staff Consultative Committees. National Student Survey. Staff Performance and Development Review. Peer Review and Development Framework. Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee. B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Co-ordinators for unit content and delivery. Course Leader for day-to-day running of course. University Contact for day-today running of course. Board of Studies with overall responsibilities for operation and content of course. Combined Honours Management Board. Head of Department. Associate Dean (Academic). Programme Specification for [MAIRES] Page 6
Associate Dean (Students). Quality Assurance Committee. Unit, Award and Progression Board of Examiners. C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback Student Representation on Board of Studies. Student Staff Consultative Committees. Unit and Course level student feedback questionnaires. University participates in external student surveys, eg National Student Survey (NSS), Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and International Student Barometer (ISB). D. Staff Development Priorities Academic staff undertake activities related to research, scholarship, teaching and learning and student support and guidance. Annual staff performance and development reviews match development to needs. Managers undertake a variety of management development programmes. All academic staff encouraged to seek Higher Education Academy membership. Academic staff undertake initial and continuing professional development within the Academic Professional Excellence Framework (APEX) programme which is aligned with the Higher Education Academy (HEA) s UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) Support Staff are encouraged to attend short courses in areas such as minute taking, and specific IT packages. 20. Assessment Strategy Assessment of learning outcomes is progressively achieved through a range of formal assessment artefacts including academic essays, reports, case studies, literature reviews, research proposal and final dissertation. The philosophy behind this is that during the course of a unit students are exposed to the full range of relevant debates, theories and issues on a topic such as global governance. This fulfils one of the goals of the course which is to widen students knowledge and understanding of the topic. It also means that student for whom International Relations and/or European Studies is a new subject have to acquaint themselves with the full range of the subject area. The assessment however enables them to undertake a detailed study of one particular aspect of the subject area applying their wider theoretical and subject specific knowledge. In this case they are able to develop the advanced skills required at a masters level. In addition the variety of assessments means that students are able to develop a broad range of skills. In some units (such aschallenges to EU Politics and Governance) the student will be asked to answer a direct question and will be assessed on how well they can mobilise sources and develop an argument towards answering that question. In other cases such as the Contemporary Security unit students will undertake a project in which they define the issues and set the hypotheses. In the core units students undertake an assessed proposal. This enables them to receive feedback on what they are proposing to write before the submission of the final piece of work. Informally in other unit students are advised in any case to submit an outline of their proposed essay/project for feedback before work on the main essay. The assessment for the dissertation involves the submission of a dissertation proposal. In this students have to set out their ideas for the dissertation under a series of structured headings such as aims and objectives, research methodology, ethical issues. They also have to write a literature review. As well as helping the development of research skill in a structured way, this assessment ensures that students have worked out the viability of their proposed area of research in a systematic way and have received feedback from relevant staff. Programme Specification for [MAIRES] Page 7
The dissertation is the culmination of the MA programme in that it involves the development of a wide range of skills over an extended piece of work. Students have to apply the practical and technical skills of data-base searching, collection and organisation of data. They have to be able to manage their time and organise their work effectively over an extended period. They need to be able to identify a research question, develop a hypothesis and an argument. In doing this they have to apply relevant theoretical approaches, show awareness of the arguments of others and mobilise and analyse evidence effectively. Lastly they have to be able to write and present their material in a readable form according to academic conventions. Furthermore students have access to open learning materials and other learning media, including the use of Virtual Learning Environment. Assessment seeks to encourage and prompt critical engagement with course materials, competing interpretations and in some units such as work-based learning reflect on their own experiences. 21. Assessment Regulations Standard university rules apply (see Assessment and Regulations). 22. Role of Externals Subject External Examiners who will: oversee unit assessment and usually attend Unit Assessment Boards; approve unit assessment strategy; sample assessment artefacts; present report to Unit Assessment Boards. Award External Examiners (usually also a Subject External Examiner) who will: oversee and attend Award/Progression Boards; scrutinise and endorse the outcomes of assessment; ensure that the standard of the award is maintained at a level comparable with that of similar awards elsewhere in the United Kingdom. 23. Indicators of Standards and Quality A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition Not relevant. B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent) PDSQR May 2013 The programme is reviewed within the university s programme of regular review including in ASQR and PDSQR. The Masters provision underwent an External Periodic Review in May 2013. The review confirmed the fitness of purpose of the History curriculum and the effectiveness of its annual monitoring and review processes C. Quality Assurance Agency QAA Higher Education Review, March 2015, judgements about standards and quality meet UK expectations (for full report see Higher Education Review of the University of Portsmouth, March 2015[1]). [1] www.qaa.ac.uk/en/reviewsandreports/documents/university%20of%20portsmouth/universityof-portsmouth-her-15.pdf D. Others None. Programme Specification for [MAIRES] Page 8
24. Other Sources of Information Other sources of information may be found in Course Approval Document. Student Handbook. University of Portsmouth Curricula Framework. University of Portsmouth Undergraduate Prospectus. Assessment Regulations. University of Portsmouth (http://www.port.ac.uk/) and (www.port.ac.uk/sshls) website. Programme Specification for [MAIRES] Page 9
Unit Learning Outcomes Map for [Title] Page 1