Programme Specification
BA (Hons) International Relations
Academic Year: 2019/20
This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.
This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our .
This specification should be read in conjunction with:
- Reg. XX (Undergraduate Awards) (see
- Module Specifications
- Summary
- Aims
- Learning outcomes
- Structure
- Progression & weighting
Programme summary
Awarding body/institution | 天堂视频 |
Teaching institution (if different) | |
Owning school/department | School of Social Sciences - pre 2019 |
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body | |
Final award | BA (Hons)/ BA (Hons) + DPS/BA (Hons) + DIntS |
Programme title | International Relations |
Programme code | EUUB02 |
Length of programme | The duration of the Programme is either 6 semesters (three-year programme), or 8 semesters (four-year programme, including a placement year). The three-year programme allows, at Part B (Semester Two), for a course of study to be taught in English at a foreign University. |
UCAS code | L250/L251 |
Admissions criteria | BA (Hons) - BA (Hons) + DPS/DIntS - |
Date at which the programme specification was published | Wed, 07 Aug 2019 11:47:24 BST |
1. Programme Aims
- To introduce students to problems, concepts and debates in International Relations, informed by research at the forefront of contemporary debates.
- To provide a comprehensive grounding in International Relations and in the cognate disciplines of political science and area studies, supporting the analysis of the contemporary world arena.
- To develop competence in the research strategies and methods of International Relations, including international political theory, international political analysis, the study of international regimes, conflict and crisis management.
- To enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of topical issues in International Relations by applying theory to practice and by using practice to reflect on theory.
- To foster the acquisition of key transferable skills including critical analysis; appraisal of evidence and formulation of hypothesis based on available information; evaluation of debates in international affairs; appropriately use communication and information technology; and clear communication of ideas.
- To broaden perspectives on International Relations through multidisciplinary research, by providing a range of electives from the disciplines of the humanities and social sciences, by enabling students to extend, apply and/or reflect on their learning through training in the UK or abroad and/or through the study of a modern language.
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
- QAA Benchmarking statements for Politics and International Relations
- Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
- University Learning and Teaching Strategy
- School Learning and Teaching policies
- The research interests and specialisms of the teaching staff and their professional involvement in the discipline
3. Programme Learning Outcomes
3.1 Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
K1. discuss the nature and characteristics of a variety of international actors and phenomena, including the international state system, non-governmental actors and the challenges of international governance;
K2. analyse the major trends and causal factors relevant to the contemporary International System;
K3. explain competing interpretations of international events and approaches to international governance;
K4. apply core concepts and methods used in IR scholarship and in the cognate disciplines of political science and area studies to analyse the international arena;
K5. evaluate principles, methods, ideas and problems drawn from the study of International Relations and cognate disciplines in the humanities and/or the social sciences.
3.2 Skills and other attributes
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
C1. choose appropriate research strategies and methods of International Relations to analyse key issues and events;
C2. evaluate leading concepts, ideas, principles and models of International Relations theory;
C3. apply principles and theoretical approaches of International Relations theory to analyse unfolding international events, and formulate coherent solutions to problems of international governance and diplomacy;
C4. use sophisticated argument and analysis to propose solutions to complex problems.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
P1. use information technology to retrieve and communicate information to a range of different audiences;
P2. evaluate sources of information and the ethical issues relating to research in International Relations;
P3. undertake independent research under supervision;
P4. organise personal learning and development self-critically.
c. Key transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
T1. appraise evidence and formulate hypothesis based on available information;
T2. manage time effectively and work to deadlines;
T3. apply research skills and practices to offer interpretations of complex and unfamiliar ideas, abstract concepts, political phenomena and events;
T4. summarise complex scholarly debates;
T5. evaluate alternative solutions to complex problems;
T6. co-operate with others for common benefit.
4. Programme structure
International Relations
This is a three-year long full-time degree programme. In each of the three parts (years) of the degree (A, B and C), students take modules amounting to 120 credits with a minimum modular weight of 50 credits in each Semester, taking into account compulsory, optional and elective modules.
In addition, students have the opportunity to undertake a Placement Year (Part I) after Part B.
Important Note: No module may be taken and passed more than once. Optional module availability is subject to timetabling constraints and optional modules may be subject to change.
Part A – Introductory Modules
(i) Compulsory Modules (total modular weight 100 Credits)
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
EUA001 |
Smart Scholarship |
1 |
10 |
EUA601 |
The Contemporary World Arena |
1 |
20 |
EUA801 |
Power, Politics & Ideology in Modern Europe |
1 |
20 |
EUA610 |
Conceptions of Democracy |
2 |
10 |
EUA617 |
International Political Theory |
2 |
10 |
EUA800 |
The Making and Unmaking of the World Order |
2 |
20 |
EUA805 |
British Politics & Government |
2 |
10 |
(ii) Optional Modules (total modular weight 20 Credits)
Students must choose 20 credits of optional modules from:
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
Geography |
|
|
|
GYA004 |
Geographies of Global Economic Change |
1 |
10 |
GYA104 |
Geographies of Identity |
2 |
10 |
Languages |
|
|
|
One or two 10-Credit modules, one from each semester, from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are: French; German; Mandarin Chinese; Spanish |
1 & 2 |
10/20 |
|
Social & Policy Studies |
|
|
|
SSA001 |
Identities & Inequalities |
1 |
10 |
SSA002 |
Global, social and Cultural Change |
2 |
10 |
SSA201 |
Introducing Criminology |
1 |
10 |
SSA202 |
Understanding Social Policy |
2 |
10 |
Part B – Degree Modules
EITHER
(a) Standard Route
(i) Compulsory Modules (total modular weight 20 Credits)
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
EUB605 |
Theories and Methods in Political Research |
1 |
10 |
EUB800 |
Research Design |
2 |
10 |
(ii) Optional Modules (total modular weight 100 Credits)
In addition to the compulsory modules EUB605 and EUB800, students must choose a minimum modular weight of 80 Credits of Group 1 modules over Semesters 1 and 2. The remaining 20 Credits may be taken from Groups 1 and 2. Combinations of modules of the same titles but with different credit weightings are mutually exclusive.
Group 1 – International Relations Optional Modules
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
EUB601 |
The European Union (20 Credit) |
1 |
20 |
EUB604 |
Comparative European Politics (20 Credit) |
1 |
20 |
EUB620 |
Comparative European Politics (10 Credit) |
1 |
10 |
EUB625 |
The European Union (10 Credit) |
1 |
10 |
EUB619 |
Security Studies |
1 |
20 |
EUB802 |
Small Wars |
1 |
20 |
EUB632 |
Politics of Developing Countries |
2 |
20 |
EUB634 |
The American Century: US Politics & Society in the 20th Century |
2 |
20 |
EUB637 |
Political Simulation |
2 |
10 |
EUB638 |
The Politics of Star Wars |
2 |
20 |
EUB612 |
Foreign Policy Analysis (20 Credit) |
2 |
20 |
EUB621 |
Foreign Policy Analysis (10 Credit) |
2 |
10 |
Group 2 – Other Optional Modules
Choice of elective subject modules will be subject to satisfying any prerequisites set out in individual module specifications.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
Business |
|
|
|
BSB555 |
Organisation Studies |
1 |
10 |
BSB580 |
Operations Management |
2 |
10 |
BSB532 |
Accounting for Managers |
2 |
10 |
BSB590 |
The Contemporary Business Environment |
2 |
10 |
Geography |
|
|
|
GYB211 |
Globalization A |
1 |
10 |
GYB224 |
Geographies of Global Difference A |
1 |
10 |
GYB212 |
Globalization B |
2 |
10 |
GYB222 |
Geographies of Global Difference B |
2 |
10 |
History |
|
|
|
EUB724 |
Slavery in Global History |
2 |
20 |
Languages |
|
|
|
One or two 10-Credit modules, one from each semester, from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are: French; German; Mandarin Chinese; Spanish |
1 & 2 |
10/20 |
|
Social & Policy Studies |
|
|
|
SSB023 |
Religion and Society |
1 |
10 |
SSB216 |
Women and Crime: Victims, Offenders and Survivors |
1 |
10 |
SSB360 |
The Media in Global Context |
1 |
10 |
SSB234 |
Media, Culture and Crime |
2 |
10 |
OR
(b) International Semester Route
Candidates may replace the modules required for Part B Semester 2 with an approved course of study taught in English at a foreign University. In Semester 2, candidates will undertake assessed work equivalent to 50 credits, as required by Politics and International Studies, along with a Distance Learning Research Design module. Candidates who opt for this route must ensure that they have selected a total of 60 Credits in Semester 1.
(i) Compulsory Modules (total modular weight 70 Credits)
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
EUB604 |
Comparative European Politics (20 Credit) |
1 |
20 |
EUB605 |
Theories & Methods in Political Research |
1 |
10 |
EUB620 |
Comparative European Politics (10 Credit) |
1 |
10 |
EUB001 |
International Semester |
2 |
50 |
EUB801 |
Research Design (Distance Learning) |
2 |
10 |
(ii) Optional Modules (total modular weight 50 Credits)
In addition to the compulsory modules EUB605, EUB001 and EUB801, candidates must choose a minimum modular weight of 40 Credits and a maximum modular weight of 50 Credits from Group 1 modules in Semester 1. If a weight of 40 Credits is chosen from Group 1, candidates should choose a 10 Credit module from Group 2. Candidates should note that combinations of modules of the same titles but with different credit weightings are mutually exclusive.
Group 1 – International Relations Optional Modules
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
EUB601 |
The European Union (20 Credit) |
1 |
20 |
EUB625 |
The European Union (10 Credit) |
1 |
10 |
EUB619 |
Security Studies |
1 |
20 |
EUB802 |
Small Wars |
1 |
20 |
Group 2 – Other Optional Modules
Choice of elective subject modules will be subject to satisfying any prerequisites set out in individual module specifications.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
Business |
|
|
|
BSB555 |
Organisation Studies |
1 |
10 |
Geography |
|
|
|
GYB211 |
Globalization A |
1 |
10 |
GYB224 |
Geographies of Global Difference A |
|
|
Languages |
|
|
|
One 10-Credit module, to be taken in Semester 1, from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are: French; German; Mandarin Chinese; Spanish |
1 |
10 |
|
Social & Policy Studies |
|
|
|
SSB023 |
Religion and Society |
1 |
10 |
SSB216 |
Women and Crime: Victims, Offenders and Survivors |
1 |
10 |
SSB360 |
The Media in Global Context |
1 |
10 |
Part I
Candidates will undertake one of the following approved study and/or work placements leading to the Diploma in International Studies (DIntS) or Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) in accordance with Regulation XI.
Code |
Title |
EUI003 |
Diploma in Professional Studies (work placement) |
EUI004 |
Diploma in International Studies (study abroad) |
LAN900 |
Diploma in International Studies (overseas work placement in a foreign language) |
GYI100 |
Year in Enterprise (DPS) |
GYI200 |
Professional Training Placement & Overseas Study (DIntS) |
Part C – Degree Modules
(i) Compulsory Module (total modular weight 40 Credits)
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
EUC800 |
Dissertation |
1 & 2 |
40 |
(ii) Optional Modules (total modular weight 80 Credits)
In addition to the compulsory module EUC800, students must choose a minimum modular weight of 60 Credits from Group 1 modules over Semesters 1 and 2. The remaining 20 Credits may be chosen from Groups 1 or 2.
Group 1 – International Relations Optional Modules
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
EUC604 |
State, Violence & Terrorism |
1 |
20 |
EUC628 |
The Asia-Pacific in Global Politics |
1 |
20 |
EUC677 |
Britain and the European Union |
1 |
20 |
EUC682 |
International Politics of the Middle East |
1 |
20 |
EUC686 |
International Conflict Management |
1 |
20 |
EUC688 |
Critical Security Studies |
1 |
20 |
EUC666 |
Gender & Politics |
2 |
20 |
EUC684 |
War in the 21st Century |
2 |
20 |
EUC685 |
Power, Politics & Participation in the Digital Age |
2 |
20 |
EUC687 |
The Politics of Militarism |
2 |
20 |
EUC720 |
After Empire: South Asia since 1945 |
2 |
20 |
Group 2 – Other Optional Modules
Choice of elective subject modules will be subject to satisfying any prerequisites set out in individual module specifications.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Semester |
Modular Weight |
Business |
|
|
|
BSC522 |
Entrepreneurship & Innovation |
1 |
10 |
BSC524 |
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Planning |
2 |
10 |
BSC575 |
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills |
2 |
10 |
Economics |
|
|
|
ECC012 |
Introduction to Financial Economics |
1 & 2 |
20 |
Geography |
|
|
|
GYC226 |
Geographies of Work and Life |
1 |
10 |
GYC309 |
Geographies of Home |
1 |
10 |
History |
|
|
|
EUC703 |
Revolution in the Head: The Beatles and Sixties Britain |
1 |
20 |
EUC713 |
Jim Crow, Bootleggers and Okies: American Cultural History 1890-1930 |
1 |
20 |
EUC719 |
Convicts and Kangaroos: Australia 1788-1868 |
2 |
20 |
Languages |
|
|
|
One or two 10-Credit modules, one from each semester, from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are: French; German; Mandarin Chinese; Spanish |
1 & 2 |
10/20 |
|
Social & Policy Studies |
|
|
|
SSC024 |
Gender, Sex & Society |
1 |
20 |
SSC212 |
Poverty, Pay and Living Standards |
2 |
20 |
5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award
5.1 In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also achieve a module mark of at least 30% in all modules in each Part.
5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of reassessment in any Part of the programme to undergo re-assessment in the University's special assessment period.
6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification
Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40%, Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.