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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year

BA (Hons) International Relations with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) International Relations with Study Abroad Programme codeUFA4HPSHPS32
Study mode(s)Full Time
Academic year2019/0
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

This degree will provide you with an excellent education across the range of international relations topics in a supportive and responsive learning environment that is enriched by research. You’ll gain an appreciation of the historical evolution of the international system, as well as engaging with key dilemmas and contestations dominating international politics today. We aim to ensure that you’ll be able to understand and use the main concepts, approaches and theories in the study of international relations and to analyse, interpret and evaluate world political events and issues. This degree will give you a solid grounding in understanding international issues together with the opportunity to specialise in a particular region or special subject, such as transnational crime or globalisation.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. To provide an excellent education across the range of international relations, from core to specialist, in a supportive and responsive learning environment that is enriched by research
2. To enable students to appreciate the historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics, from both the system and actor perspectives
3. To enable students to understand and use the main concepts, approaches and theories in the study of international relations, and to analyse, interpret and evaluate world political events and issues
4. To develop students' competence in subject-specific, core academic and personal and key skills
5. To offer students a wide range of choice, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree
6. To equip graduates to be questioning and productive members of society

4. Programme Structure

Your International Relations with Study Abroad programme is a 4 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.  The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. 

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/politics/undergraduate/modules/

The BA (Hons) International Relations with Study Abroad degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.

Depending on your programme you can also take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module. Study Abroad students normally take a language module in year 1 and 2.

Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling and demand.

Stage 1


Two core modules will introduce you to the historical development of the international political system, key theories of international politics and problems in contemporary international politics.

Students to take 30 credits in Modern Language (if required) and a further 60 (or 90) credits from Level 1 of the Politics programme.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
POL1017 Globalisation of World Politics 15No
POL1018 The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First Century 15No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
POL S1 BA Politics SH opt 2019-0
POL1001B State of Britain 15 No
POL1006 State and Society 15 No
POL1017 Globalisation of World Politics 15 No
POL1018 The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First Century 15 No
POL1019 Power and Democracy 15 No
POL1020 Politics in Europe 15 No
POL1025 Classical Political Thought 15 No
POL1026 Early Modern Political Thought 15 No
POL1028 Introduction to Strategic Studies 15 No
POL1023 Politics and Economy of the Contemporary Middle East 15 No
SSI1005 Introduction to Social Data 15 No
SSI1006 Data Analysis in Social Science 1 15 No

Stage 2


In this year you will take two core modules, which build upon foundational study in year one, offering you an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding across the discipline.

Students to take 30 credits of Modern Languages modules (if required) and a further 60 (or 90 credits) from Level 2 of the Politics programme

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
POL2020 Contemporary Theories of World Politics 15No
POL2057 Security Studies 15No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
POL S2 BA Politics SH opt 2019-0
POL2020 Contemporary Theories of World Politics 15 No
POL2047 American Politics 15 No
POL2052 Foreign Policy: Leadership, Power and Responsibility 15 No
POL2075 Integration and Disintegration in the European Union 15 No
POL2079 Contemporary Public Debate in an Age of 'Anti-Politics' 15 No
POL2097 Behavioural Public Policy and the Nudge Agenda 15 No
POL2098 What is Law? Jurisprudence from Stone Tablet to Brain Imaging 15 No
POL2099 The Politics of Social Justice 15 No
POL2102 Explaining Public Policies 15 No
POL2103 The Logic of Democracies and Dictatorships 15 No
POL2104 Party Politics and Democracy 15 No
POL2106 America in the World 15 No
POL2107 Gender and Comparative Public Policy 15 No
POL2025 Health Policy in Comparative Perspective 15 No
POL2026 Political Analysis: Behaviour, Institutions, Ideas 15 No
POL2027 The Politics of the World Economy 15 No
POL2050 Political Philosophy 15 No
POL2051 War and Peace in the Middle East 15 No
POL2057 Security Studies 15 No
POL2081 Thinking about Race: Perspectives from the Biological and Social Sciences 15 No
POL2082 Changing Character of Warfare 15 No
POL2086 Strategy and Psychology in Foreign Policy 15 No
POL2100 Political Conflicts in Europe 15 No
POL2105 Total War, Total Peace 15 No
POL2108 The Legal Regulation of Civil Society 15 No
SSI2005 Data Analysis in Social Science 2 15 No
SSI2006 Immigration in Western Societies 15 No
SSI2007 Data Analysis in Social Science 3 15 No

Stage 3


Students will spend the third year of their studies in a partner university. The year abroad comprises 120 credits. The year abroad comprises 120 credits and assessment is based on the credits gained at the partner institution.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SSI3999 Year Abroad 120No

Stage 4


You will write a dissertation on a topic of personal interest supervised by a member of academic staff.  You’ll study three further optional modules that can be selected from a range of around 15 options. All third year modules take the form of two-hour weekly seminars convened by academic staff with dedicated research expertise in the area concerned.

Students to take a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 90 credits from level 3 of the Politics programme

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
POL3040 Dissertation 30No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
POL SF BA Politics SH opt 2019-0
POL3000 Deadly Words: The Language of Political Violence 15 No
POL3051 The Media in Europe 30 No
POL3069 Globalisation and the Politics of Resistance 30 No
POL3074 The Politics of Climate Change 30 No
POL3076 Research Design for Dissertation 30 No
POL3077 Global Environmental Politics and Policy 30 No
POL3080 The International Politics of Religion 30 No
POL3088 Forced Migration, Refugees and International Relations 30 No
POL3089 Policy in Action 30 No
POL3120 War and Public Opinion 30 No
POL3132 Globalisation and Democratic Politics: the End of the Nation State? 30 No
POL3136 Political Psychology 30 No
POL3172 Political Participation 15 No
POL3174 International Security and US Foreign Policy 30 No
POL3180 Latin American Parties, Politics and Elections 30 No
POL3196 Democracy in the European Union 30 No
POL3198 Revolution and Modern Political Thought 30 No
POL3204 Politics through the Life Course 30 No
POL3206 The Political Economy of the State 30 No
POL3207 Realism and International Security 15 No
POL3208 Maritime Power and Security in Global Politics 15 No
POL3217 Feminist Political Theory 30 No
POL3226 Money, Lobbying, and Policymaking 30 No
POL3227 Politics, Elections, and the State in Africa 30 No
POL3228 From the Shadows into the Light: Political Advisers and Policy Making 30 No
POL3229 Disrupting Western and Neo-Liberal Hegemony: Insurgency and Counterinsurgency Post-WWII 30 No
POL3230 Trumping the Mainstream: Populism and Democratic Politics 30 No
POL3233 Military Revolutions and Political Change 15 No
POL3234 Religion, Politics and Policy in Europe 30 No
POL3237 The Rise and Decline of New Political Parties 15 No
POL3040 Dissertation 30 No
SSI3003 Data Analysis in Social Science 3 15 No
SSI3001 Introduction to Social Network Analysis 15 No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Understand the nature and significance of politics as a global activity
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics
3. Apply concepts and theories to be used in the study of international relations to the analysis of political ideas, practices and issues in the global arena
4. Evaluated different interpretations of world political issues and events.

Core subject specific skills are developed in stage 1. 1-4 are developed in level 1 core modules specialist knowledge is then developed in stages 2 and 4, Most Politics level 2 and 3 modules are applicable to the development of subject skills in international relations. Nonetheless student choice in these stages is structured to ensure that at least on taught module and a dissertation focusing on an aspect of international relations is taken in stage 2 and stage 4.

These skills are assessed summatively through a combination of term-time essays, presentations and examinations across the entire degree programme and a dissertation in stage 4, The combination of and length of essays, presentations and exams will vary from one module to the next in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies according to credit value in conformity with College Assessment Norms.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

5. Gather, organise and deploy evidence and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources
6. Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and critically analyse subject material
7. Manage own learning self-critically
8. Work at an advanced level, both orally and in writing, in a foreign language

These skills are developed throughout the degree programme with progression in 5 and 6 as students move from stage to stage.

7 is developed through self assessment of assignments , staff feedback on formative assignments and student self appraisal.

8 is developed through language tuition at stages 1 and 2 and in the year abroad.

5 and 6 are assessed through term time essays, oral presentations, examinations and the dissertation

7 is not assessed

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

9. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing
10. Use information and communication technology (ICT) for the retrieval and presentation of information
11. Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management
12. Collaborate with others to achieve common goals
13. advance linguistic competence independently

  • 9 is developed in presentations, class discussion and written assignments.
  • 10 and 11 are developed through presentations and written assignments.
  • 12 is developed through group work in tutorials (stages 1 and 2) and seminars (stage 3).
  • 9 and 11 are assessed through presentations, written assignments, examinations and the dissertation.
  • 10 is assessed through written assignments that require ICT for the retrieval and presentation of information.
  • 12 is not assessed (there is no requirement to do so in the subject benchmark statement).
  • 13 is assessed by oral and written work on the Exeter-based language modules, and through the modules taken during year abroad.

7. Programme Regulations

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

As an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies you will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the commencement of your studies.  In normal circumstances your Personal Tutor will remain your tutor throughout your study programme. Your Personal Tutor is normally available through scheduled office hours, but should also see you as a matter of course three or four times a year (depending on your year of study); these meetings may typically commence soon after registration. These meetings will take place once or twice mid-year to discuss your progress and to perhaps consider Personal Development Planning (ePDP) and once to discuss your overall performance. The ePDP is a particularly useful developmental tool which you are encouraged to utilize and which is accessible though the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).

You should feel that you are able to approach your personal tutor for advice, pastoral support or academic support in a wider sense.

Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:

The Library offers you core services for learning and research.  Whilst the various locations house a large collection of materials and services, many of our resources are available online through this website http://as.exeter.ac.uk/library/ for you to use at home, work or wherever you are located for your study. Each discipline has a subject librarian on hand to help you to find resources and we also work with tutors to digitize reading lists for inclusion in the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).

Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) is used throughout the University to make course materials

available online. You will be able to access module information, presentations, handouts, reading materials as well as interacting with other students and your tutors. Many tutors use ELE to run assessments and set coursework assignments. In addition to the materials provided by your tutors, there are various other resources available on ELE to help you in your studies, for example, you will be able to access your ePDP, the University’s online PDP system, which has been developed to help you keep an ongoing record of your academic, work and extra-curricular experiences, and help you develop action plans and personal statements.

The University provides a range of IT services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis). In the Social Sciences and International Studies College this includes a 24/7 suite in Amory, based in the Law Library and a second one in the St Luke’s Campus Library. These suites are accessible by swiping your university card.  The majority of the College also has access to the university’s wireless network. Network access is

available from the majority of rooms in University halls of residence through the ResNet system.

At St Luke’s there is also a college-based open access suite (South Cloisters 14) providing access to another 20 machines. Entry is again made by use of your university card and it is open from 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday. 

All of these suites have the standard ‘palms’ printing systems in them (printing from credit held on your university card).  At the St Luke’s Campus there is also a cash-based printing service at the GSE Print Unit based in South Cloisters.   

Please see link below for further information on the IT Services facilities on the Exeter Campuses: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/forum/public/Study_map_A4_2pp_Term3.pdf

Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and Cornwall campuses.

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) International Relations with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

L251

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Politics and international relations

23. Dates

Origin Date

01/10/2007

Date of last revision

16/03/2012