UDIRPCST - BA International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies
Course Specification
Validation status | Validated | |||||||||||
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Highest award | Bachelor of Arts | Level | Honours | |||||||||
Possible interim awards | Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science | |||||||||||
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 teaching and learning strategy of the BA International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies degree is designed to: ensure that the subject content meets, and improves, on the benchmarks set out by the QAA; encourage the acquisition and understanding of knowledge by students, engendering an enthusiasm for the subject and life-skills learning, including the progression from surface learning to deep learning; facilitate students to develop independent skills and responsibilities for their own learning; incrementally strengthen the subject specific knowledge and skills gained by a students, in combination with the awareness and application of skills needed successfully thrive in the workplace.
The degree has a growing reputation for 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 can included 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 BlackBoard sites, e.g. lecture notes, module handbooks, video links, recorded lectures, podcasts, first-hand documents, and blogs. Some teaching staff are already experimenting with electronic feedback, the electronic submission of formative assessments, and online office hours. A growing number of materials are also available online through the University library, including access to journals and ebooks. Students may take up to 30 credits of language at levels 5 and 6 as extension-of-knowledge modules.
This is all designed to open up the learning space for students to enable them to have continuous access to degree materials, 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 conducted by GIR staff. This is used to support teaching through the transferring of staff research skills and knowledge to enhance the student learning experience, as the students gain the benefits of staff expertise and the staff gain a better appreciation of their research projects through discussing them with students.
Course aims
The BA in International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies is a cornerstone degree offered by the Faculty of Law, Governance and International Relations. The degree aims to provide students with a broad perspective on the theoretical, historical, political and economic aspects of international relations, peace and conflict to enhance their ability to understand the complex forces shaping the contemporary world. In particular, the course aims to:
- place questions of international order, decision-making, contemporary conflict and its resolution at the centre of analysis;
- ensure that students acquire knowledge and understanding in the areas of International Relations and Peace and Conflict Studies theory and analysis;
- enable students to understand and use the concepts, approaches, key research methods and methodologies of the discipline and develop an understanding of its contested nature and the problematic character of both International Relations and Peace and Conflict Studies;
- develop in students the capacity to think critically about events, ideas and institutions;
- encourage students to relate the academic study of International Relations and Peace and Conflict Studies to questions of public concern;
- assist students to develop a range of cognitive and social 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 level 6 work placement option;
- 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 conflict in the contemporary world, security and peacekeeping, cooperation 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 like environmentalism, democratisation and human rights.
Course learning outcomes
Course Learning outcomes include the following:
a. Subject Specific.
By the end of their course students are expected to be able to:
- understand the nature and significance of international relations and the global context of world politics;
- explain the nature of contemporary conflicts and attempts to resolve them;
- apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study of international relations and peace and conflict studies to the analysis of ideas, practices and contemporary issues in the global system;
- demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the origins, evolution and current nature of the international system, including the causes of conflict at global, regional and subnational levels;
- be aware of the contested nature of inquiry within the disciplines of International Relations and Peace and Conflict Studies and be able to evaluate different interpretations of key issues.
b. Cognitive skills.
By the end of their course, students should be able to:
- gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of primary, secondary and electronic sources;
- construct a reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information, exercise critical judgement and manifest ethical awareness, in both oral discussion and written work;
- identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to issues and problems in international relations and peace and conflict studies;
- demonstrate a capacity for critical review of the literature and awareness of differing approaches to the study of international relations and peace and conflict studies;
- manage their own learning in a reflective and self-critical fashion and make use of constructive feedback.
c. Transferable skills, including those of employability and professional practice.
By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- communicate effectively and fluently in both oral and written form;
- use communication and information technology, including the internet, for the retrieval and presentation of information, including, where appropriate, statistical and/or numerical information;
- work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management;
- engage in collaborative learning and demonstrate the ability to inter-relate with other students who may hold different views;
- think critically about data and evidence and show awareness of ethical considerations (including, where appropriate, ethical diversity);
- conduct analysis of international relations and peace and conflict issues using a variety of theoretical perspectives;
- design, plan, organise and deliver an individual research project or work placement dissertation and learning log;
- assess international relations and peace and conflict issues in a reasoned manner and apply such knowledge to hypothetical and ‘real world’ situations.
Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference
- Understand the nature and significance of
international relations and the global context of
world politics:
Especially GI4005, GI5005 and GI6005
- Explain the nature of contemporary conflicts
and attempts to resolve them:
Especially GI4007, GI5008 and GI6002
- Be aware of the contested nature of inquiry
within the disciplines of International Relations
and Peace and Conflict Studies and be able to
evaluate different interpretations of key issues:
Especially GI5005 and GI5008
- Apply concepts, theories and methods used in
the study of international relations and peace
and conflict studies to the analysis of ideas, practices and contemporary issues in the global system:
Especially GI5005, GI5008, GI6002 and
GI6005
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of
the origins, evolution and current nature of the
international system, including the causes of
conflict at global, regional and subnational
levels:
Especially GI4005 and GI4007
- Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data
and information from a variety of primary,
secondary and electronic sources:
All subject-related modules.
- Construct a reasoned argument, synthesise
relevant information, exercise critical judgement
and manifest ethical awareness, in both oral
discussion and written work:
All modules.
- Identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and
advocate solutions to issues and problems in
international relations and peace and conflict
studies:
All subject-related modules.
- Demonstrate a capacity for critical review of the
literature and awareness of differing
approaches to the study of international
relations and peace and conflict studies:
All subject-related modules.
- Manage their own learning in a reflective and
self-critical fashion and make use of
constructive feedback:
All modules.
- Communicate effectively and fluently in both
oral and written form:
All modules.
- Use communication and information
technology, including the internet, for the
retrieval and presentation of information,
including, where appropriate, statistical and/or
numerical information:
All modules.
- Work independently, demonstrating initiative,
self-organisation and time management.
All modules.
- Engage in collaborative learning and
demonstrate the ability to inter-relate with other
students who may hold different views.
All modules.
- Think critically about data and evidence and
show awareness of ethical considerations
(including, where appropriate, ethical diversity):
All modules.
Conduct analysis of international relations and
peace and conflict issues using a variety of
theoretical perspectives:
Especially GI5005 and GI5008
- Design, plan, organise and deliver an individual
research project or work placement dissertation:
Placement and Project Modules at Level 6.
- Assess international relations and peace and
conflict issues in a reasoned manner and apply
such knowledge to hypothetical and ‘real world’
situations:
Especially GI5008, GI6002 and GI6005
Principle QAA benchmark statements
The International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies degree embeds the key components of the QAA benchmarks within its degree structure.
With regards to “Knowledge and understanding”, all students should be able to fulfil the criteria of identified by the QAA, including:
“students should be able to: demonstrate a familiarity and engage critically with the nature and significance of … politics and international relations, including definitions of the boundaries of the political; the contested nature of knowledge and understanding; approaches to the study of … politics and international relations; a range of key concepts, theories and methods employed in the study of … international relations and politics; and the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches; demonstrate a familiarity and engage critically with international relations, politics and political phenomena, including … the structure and operation of different political systems; apply different concepts, theories and methods to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and behaviour; examine and evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events.”
In terms of generic intellectual skills, again the degree is designed to meet the standards determined by the QAA. Thus, ongraduating with an honours degree in International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, students should be able to fulfil the following QAA benchmarks: “describe, evaluate and apply different approaches involved in collecting, analysing and presenting political information, including how to identify issues for political enquiry; assess their ethical implications; and gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of sources;identify, investigate, analyse and advocate solutions to problems;develop a reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement;reflect on their own learning and seek to make use of constructive feedback;manage their own learning self-critically.”
Personal transferable skills are also central to the degree. For example, on graduating, students should be able to meet the following QAA benchmarks: “communicate ideas effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing;use communication and information technologies for the retrieval, analysis and presentation of information. Presentational skills may include a focus upon delivery (in addition to content), time management, usage of audiovisual resources and an ability to stimulate debate;work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management;collaborate with others and contribute effectively to the achievement of common goals.”
Assessment strategy
The course combines both formative and summative assessment opportunities, embracing a variety of methods including: essays, reports, briefing papers, learning logs, exams, seminar performance, seminar presentations (both individual and group), portfolios, blogs, dissertations, and book reviews. The majority will be tutor assessed, but a number will be peer-reviewed in seminars.
Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad
Employability and the development of practical skills are central to the course. All modules have employability embedded within them. (See each module specification for further details.)At Level 6 students have the option to take a work placement module designed to apply the knowledge they have developed on the course in practical situations and to develop employment-related skills.
Career opportunities
Pursue the career of your dreams and follow in the footsteps of our previous graduates who have earned roles with the United Nations, the Department for International Development and other government bodies and non-governmental organisations. The type of work you could be doing includes international mediation, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, humanitarian aid and more.
The degree is also excellent preparation for further study or research. You can embark on our postgraduate courses in international relations, human rights and international conflict, security studies and more.
Entry requirements
In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:
- a minimum grade C in three A levels or minimum grades BC in at least two A levels in academic or business subjects (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)
Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.
These requirements may be varied in individual cases.
Applications are welcome from mature students who have passed appropriate Access or other preparatory courses or who have appropriate work experience.
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 | 2013/14 | Specification version | 1 | Specification status | Validated |
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Original validation date | 01 Sep 2013 | Last validation date | 01 Sep 2013 | ||
Sources of funding | HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND | ||||
JACS codes | L250 (International Relations): 50% , L200 (Politics): 50% | ||||
Route code | IRPCST |
Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered
Code | Module title | Info | Type | Credits | Location | Period | Day | Time |
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GI4004 | Introduction to International Development | Core | 30 | |||||
GI4005 | Introduction to International Relations | Core | 30 | |||||
GI4007 | Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy since 1945 | Core | 30 | |||||
GI4008 | Politics and Government | Core | 30 | |||||
OL0000 | Open Language Programme Module | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | NA | ||
NORTH | SPR | NA |
Stage 1 Level 04 January 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 | |||||
GI4008 | Politics and Government | Core | 30 | |||||
OL0000 | Open Language Programme Module | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | NA |
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 | |
GI5008 | Peace and Conflict in Theory and Practice | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | MON | AM | |
GI5W50 | Politics and International Relations: Work-Base... | Alt Core | 15 | |||||
GI5006 | Diplomacy Old and New | Option | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | MON | PM | |
GI5060 | American Foreign Policy | Option | 15 | |||||
GI5062 | Media and Culture | Option | 15 | NORTH | AUT | TUE | AM | |
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 | |
GI5068 | Political Protest and Social Movements | Option | 15 | |||||
OL0000 | Open Language Programme Module | 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GI6002 | Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | THU | PM | |
GI6005 | International Security in an Era of Globalisation | Core | 30 | NORTH | AUT+SPR | TUE | AM | |
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 | |
GI6W51 | Placement 1 Semester | Alt Core | 15 | |||||
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 | |
XK0000 | Extension of Knowledge Module | Option | 15 | NORTH | SPR | NA | ||
NORTH | AUT | NA |