Course specification and structure
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PMHURIIC - MA Human Rights and International Conflict

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Master of Arts Level Masters
Possible interim awards Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Total credits for course 180
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Social Sciences
Subject Area Politics and International Relations
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 1 YEARS 6 YEARS
Part-time Day and Evening 2 YEARS 6 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The core of the MA in Human Rights and International Conflict comprises four class-taught 20-credit modules: GI7002 History and Theory of Human Rights, GI7064 International Conflict Resolution, GI701 Human Rights and the International Order, and GI7028 Theory and Research Methods in International Relations. Each of the first two of these modules,

both of which run in the Autumn semester, survey one of the MA’s two constituent subjects, which are then fully combined by the third, Human Rights and the International Order, which runs in the Spring semester. The fourth core module, which may be taken in either Autumn or Spring, prepares students for the 60-credit Dissertation. Beyond this core, the course is distinguished by its breadth of student choice. It includes thirteen specified "option" modules, covering a wide range of empirical and applied subjects in human rights and international relations. All of these modules are based in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Additionally, students may opt to take an "elective" module from anywhere in the University. Delivery of each module is supported by a “Weblearn” site.

Course aims

The aim of the MA in Human Rights and International Conflict is to provide students with a sound grasp of the moral and ethical issues at stake in international relations and conflicts, including the current conflict between Islamism and the international community of states.

The course explores the relation of states and their international organizations to the idea and practice of human rights, how that idea and practice legitimate and inform those institutions, how conflict between international actors causes difficulties and dilemmas for human rights norms, how to remedy such problems, and how resolving such international conflict requires reference to those norms. In this way, the course aims to operationalize and apply moral, political and legal theory to international practice and to particular cases.

Course learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes incorporate and depend on a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • apply methods and techniques appropriate to their own research or advanced scholarship in human rights and international conflict
  • apply knowledge with originality, based on a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in human rights and international conflict
  • evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in human rights and international conflict
  • evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses
  • deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
  • exercise self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
  • advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
  • exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations
  • learn independently for the purposes of continuing professional development.

Assessment strategy

The course’s core class-taught 20-credit modules deploy a range of assessment instruments. GI7002 History & Theory of Human Rights, GI7064 International Conflict Resolution, GI701 Human Rights & the International Order and GI7028 Theory & Research Methods in International Relations all require essays, with GI701 requiring the longest and GI7002 requiring two. Class presentations are required on GI701 and GI7064. The latter also has an unseen examination, as does GI7028. Additional modes of assessment are employed on modules for which students may opt. GI7P00, the 12-15,000 word Human Rights and International Conflict Dissertation, assesses the exercise of research skills.

Modules required for interim awards

For Masters award see Course Structure

PG Diploma: all class-taught core modules plus two optional modules.

PG Certificate: three modules, not including elective, of which at least two must be core.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

The course is designed to cultivate both practical and theoretical reasoning in its participants, since human rights and international conflict confront us with the most urgent moral and political issues of our time. Hard questions are addressed and answered, drawing on a diversity of approaches and experiences. Theoretically, students are confronted with the issue of how to reconcile unconditional rights with a consequentialist ethic of political responsibility and security. Practically, they are confronted with particular interests, problems and conflicts demanding judgement and action that is at once just and pragmatic. The MA in Human Rights and International Conflict explores such issues and requires the exercise of such judgement, both in its modes of assessment and in seminar

presentations and discussion.

Arrangements on the course for careers education, information and guidance

Careers education, information and guidance is available from the University's Careers Service.
Personal guidance on further study is available from lecturers.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

Internships with the University’s Human Rights and Social Justice Research Institute are available.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course have opportunities for employment in the private, public and third sectors. Graduates have gone on to work in private, public and third sectors. Some graduates also go on to study a PhD.

Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

  • at least a 2:1 at undergraduate level in a humanities or social science subject (candidates with other qualifications or relevant vocational experience may be considered)

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2015/16 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 13 Jan 2016 Last validation date 13 Jan 2016  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes L250 (International Relations): 100%
Route code HURIIC

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 07 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
GI7002 History and Theory of Human Rights Core 20 NORTH AUT TUE EV
GI7010 Human Rights and the International Order Core 20 NORTH SPR MON EV
GI7028 Theory and Research Methods in International Re... Core 20        
GI7064 International Conflict Resolution Core 20 NORTH AUT MON PM
GI7P00 Human Rights and International Conflict Dissert... Core 60        
GI7012 International Law and International Order Option 20 NORTH SPR WED EV
GI7013 Work Placement Project Option 20        
GI7023 The New Europe in the New International Order&#... Option 20        
GI7040 Citizenship and Social Justice Option 20 NORTH SPR THU EV
GI7047 American Foreign Policy in the 21st Century Option 20 NORTH SPR TUE PM
GI7069 Security Studies Option 20 NORTH AUT MON AM
GI7073 Human Security Option 20 NORTH SPR WED PM
GI7076 Religion and International Relations Option 20 NORTH AUT TUE PM
SS7143 Terrorism and Counter Terrorism Option 20        
SS7146 Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young People Option 20 NORTH SUM WK AM&PM
SS7147 Violence Against Women: Issues, Research and Po... Option 20 NORTH AUT WK AM&PM
SS7152 Social Policy Themes and Priorities: Local, Reg... Option 20        
EL0000 Elective Option 20 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  
          NORTH SUM NA  

Stage 1 Level 07 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
GI7002 History and Theory of Human Rights Core 20        
GI7010 Human Rights and the International Order Core 20 NORTH SPR MON EV
GI7028 Theory and Research Methods in International Re... Core 20        
GI7064 International Conflict Resolution Core 20        
GI7P00 Human Rights and International Conflict Dissert... Core 60        
GI7012 International Law and International Order Option 20 NORTH SPR WED EV
GI7013 Work Placement Project Option 20        
GI7023 The New Europe in the New International Order&#... Option 20        
GI7040 Citizenship and Social Justice Option 20 NORTH SPR THU EV
GI7047 American Foreign Policy in the 21st Century Option 20 NORTH SPR TUE PM
GI7069 Security Studies Option 20        
GI7073 Human Security Option 20 NORTH SPR WED PM
GI7076 Religion and International Relations Option 20        
SS7143 Terrorism and Counter Terrorism Option 20        
SS7146 Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young People Option 20 NORTH SUM WK AM&PM
SS7147 Violence Against Women: Issues, Research and Po... Option 20        
SS7152 Social Policy Themes and Priorities: Local, Reg... Option 20        
EL0000 Elective Option 20 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH SUM NA