UDIRLLAN - BA International Relations with Languages
Course Specification
Validation status | Validated | |||||||||||
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Highest award | Bachelor of Arts | Level | Honours | |||||||||
Possible interim awards | Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Arts | |||||||||||
Total credits for course | 360 | |||||||||||
Awarding institution | London Metropolitan University | |||||||||||
Teaching institutions | London Metropolitan University | |||||||||||
School | School of Social Sciences | |||||||||||
Subject Area | Politics and International Relations | |||||||||||
Attendance options |
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Course leader |
About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning
The degree has a growing use of pedagogical innovation as well as utilising traditional teaching methods. The latter includes a mixture of lectures, seminars, and workshops. Within this a combination of whole group, small group, and student-led and tutor-led teaching occurs. This will include face to face teaching and discussion, but there is also an increasing emphasis on the use of blended learning opportunities. Many modules already are paper free, with considerable learning materials and resources being placed on relevant module weblearn/BlackBoard sites, e.g. lecture notes, module handbooks, video links, recorded lectures, podcasts, first hand documents, and blogs. Teaching staff provide electronic feedback, after the electronic submission of formative assessments, and through on-line office hours. A growing number of materials are also available on-line through the University library, including access to journals and e-books.
This is all designed to open up the learning space for students to enable them to access the degree 24/7, improving the student learning experience, whilst increasing cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
An additional and important part of the teaching and learning strategy is the academic research which is carried by PIR staff. This is used to support teaching through the transferring of staff research skills and knowledge to enhance the student learning experience, i.e. the research is effectively feedback to students through teaching.
Staff research specialisms are an essential component of the International Relations curriculum, with students benefitting from being taught by specialists.
Course aims
The BA in International Relations with Languages is offered as part of our suite of Politics and International Relations programmes in the School of Social Sciences. The degree aims to provide students with a broad perspective on the political, economic and historical aspects of international relations and to enhance their ability to understand the complex forces shaping modern global politics. It also aims to provide language development for those whose interests would be enhanced by improving their foreign language abilities in more than one language – Arabic, French and/or Spanish. In particular, the course aims to:
- place questions of international order and decision-making at the centre of analysis;
- ensure that students acquire knowledge and understanding in areas of International Relations theory and analysis;
- enable students to understand and use the concepts, approaches and key research methods and methodologies of the discipline and develop an understanding of its contested nature and the problematic character of International Relations inquiry;
- develop in students the capacity to think critically about events, ideas and institutions;
- encourage students to relate the academic study of International Relations to questions of public concern;
- assist students to develop a range of cognitive, social and language skills relevant to their intellectual, vocational and personal development, with a particular emphasis on employability, e..g students can apply the knowledge gained from the course in a work experience situation through the Honours level work placement project;
- provide a curriculum supported by scholarship, staff development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of academic inquiry and debate
Accordingly, the syllabus seeks to assist students’ understanding of the key issues of global politics whether matters of security and peacekeeping, conflict and competition between states, the key concerns of the foreign policy of major powers, the strength and success of international organisations, the international political economy and issues like trade and relations between the developed world and the 'Global South' or 'Third World', terrorism, regional problems like the conflicts in the Middle East, or the salience of ethical issues such as environmentalism, democratisation and human rights.
Course learning outcomes
The following learning outcomes incorporate and depend on systematic understanding of the key aspects of the knowledge base of [the subject], including a coherent and detailed knowledge of some specialist areas in depth.
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
- deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within International Relations with Languages;
- devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of International Relations with Languages;
- describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in International Relations with Languages, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge;
- manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to International Relations with Languages;
- apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects;
- critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem;
- communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts;
- undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature
Principle QAA benchmark statements
Languages, Cultures and Societies
Politics and International Relations
Assessment strategy
The course combines both formative and summative assessment opportunities, embracing a variety of methods including: essays, exams, seminar performance, seminar presentations (both individual and group), portfolios, blogs, policy documents, and book reviews. The majority will be tutor assessed, but a number will be peer-reviewed in seminars.
The strategy is designed to maximise the development of subject specific skills and employability skills appropriate to each level of the degree.
Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad
There is a core placement module at level 6. Employability and work experience are central to the course.
A study-abroad programme can be undertaken as part of the degree programme. The Course Leader (or a delegated representative) must approve the programme of study proposed at the overseas host institution. The Governance and International Relations section has Socrates exchange links with a number of European Universities – Bologna, Bordeaux, Istanbul, Madrid and Stockholm. It is also possible to study in the United States. The University has exchange links with a number of universities, such as the State University of New York, City University New York, East Carolina, Roosevelt University (Chicago) and a number of colleges in the University of California state system. These exchanges are arranged through the University’s International Office.
Modules required for interim awards
See Course Structure
Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development
Every module on this course has embedded within it reflective learning components and personal development planning relevant to the year of study. It will be encouraged in lectures, seminars, and in assessment methods. Students will be directed to reflect on knowledge specific learning, personal and employability skills development. Students will be encouraged to engage positively with all feedback opportunities, be they with tutors or in peer-review situations, and to reflect and learn, resulting in the developing of further learning strategies
Arrangements on the course for careers education, information and guidance
Careers guidance and education will form part of the course through module content and promotion of CELTS. Practitioners will also be invited to speak on a variety of modules with regard to careers guidance.
Other external links providing expertise and experience
A number of practitioners will be invited in from governmental organisations, international governmental organisations and non-governmental organisations to speak on a variety of modules, concentrating on subject specific skills and employability. Visits will also be arranged outside of the university.
Career opportunities
Successful graduates have been employed in the diplomatic services, governmental organisations such as the European Union and the United Nations, and non-governmental organisations specialising in international development, overseas aid, human rights and environmental fields. Students have also gained employment in research and teaching, international business, the media, and political campaigns.
Many of our students also go on to be successful in postgraduate study at a number of universities, including the London School of Economics, King’s College London and SOAS.
Entry requirements
In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:
- a minimum of grades BBC in A levels (or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg Advanced Diploma)
- English Language GCSE at grade C (grade 4 from 2017) or above (or equivalent)
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 | 2016/17 | Specification version | 1 | Specification status | Validated |
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Original validation date | 09 Aug 2016 | Last validation date | 09 Aug 2016 | ||
Sources of funding | HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND | ||||
JACS codes | L250 (International Relations): 100% | ||||
Route code | IRLLAN |
Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GI4004 | Introduction to International Development | Core | 30 | |||||
GI4005 | Introduction to International Relations | Core | 30 | |||||
GI4007 | Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy since 1945 | Core | 30 | |||||
OL0001 | Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or Eng... | Core | 15 | NORTH | AUT | NA | ||
OL0002 | Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or Eng... | Core | 15 | NORTH | AUT | NA | ||
NORTH | SPR | NA |
Stage 1 Level 04 January start Not currently offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GI4004 | Introduction to International Development | Core | 30 | |||||
GI4005 | Introduction to International Relations | Core | 30 | |||||
GI4007 | Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy since 1945 | Core | 30 | |||||
OL0001 | Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or Eng... | Core | 15 | |||||
OL0002 | Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or Eng... | Core | 15 |
Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GI5005 | Approaches to International Relations and Forei... | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | TUE | PM | |
GI5W50 | Politics and International Relations: Work-Base... | Alt Core | 15 | |||||
MN5W51 | Creating a Successful Social Enterprise 1 | Alt Core | 15 | |||||
GI5006 | Diplomacy Old and New | Option | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | MON | PM | |
GI5008 | Peace and Conflict in Theory and Practice | Option | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | MON | AM | |
GI5060 | American Foreign Policy | Option | 15 | |||||
GI5063 | Politics of the Middle East | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | TUE | AM | |
GI5064 | The Politics of the European Union | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | THU | AM | |
GI5065 | Shifting Global Power in the 21st Century | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | WED | AM | |
GI5066 | Strategy in the Contemporary World | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | WED | AM | |
OL0001 | Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or Eng... | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | NA | ||
OL0002 | Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or Eng... | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | NA | ||
NORTH | AUT | NA | ||||||
XK0000 | Extension of Knowledge Module | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | NA | ||
NORTH | AUT | NA |
Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GI6005 | International Security in an Era of Globalisation | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | TUE | AM | |
OL0001 | Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or Eng... | Core | 15 | NORTH | AUT | NA | ||
OL0002 | Language Module (Arabic, French, Spanish or Eng... | Core | 15 | NORTH | SPR | NA | ||
NORTH | AUT | NA | ||||||
GI5W50 | Politics and International Relations: Work-Base... | Alt Core | 15 | |||||
GI6P01 | Project 1 Year | Alt Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | MON | PM | |
GI6P51 | Project 1 Semester | Alt Core | 15 | NORTH | SPR | MON | PM | |
NORTH | AUT | MON | PM | |||||
GI6W01 | Placement 1 Year | Alt Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | TUE | PM | |
MN6W50 | Creating a Winning Business 2 | Alt Core | 15 | |||||
GI6002 | Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding | Option | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | THU | PM | |
GI6007 | Public Diplomacy and Global Communication | Option | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | MON | PM | |
GI6064 | African Politics | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | TUE | PM | |
GI6065 | Latin American Politics | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | TUE | PM | |
GI6066 | Action and Identity: Gender and Political Parti... | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | WED | PM | |
GI6067 | Human Rights and International Conflict | Option | 15 | |||||
XK0000 | Extension of Knowledge Module | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | NA | ||
NORTH | AUT | NA |