Programme Specification for the 2020/1 academic year
BA (Hons) International Relations
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) International Relations | Programme code | UFA3HPSHPS15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (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 BA International Relations programme is a three year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into three ‘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.
The BA (Hons) International Relations 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, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.
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 choose a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 90 credits from Level 1 of the Politics Programme.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL1017 | Globalisation of World Politics | 15 | No |
| POL1018 | The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First Century | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | 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
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 a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 90 credits from Level 2 of the Politics Programme.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL2020 | Contemporary Theories of World Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2057 | Security Studies | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | 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
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 a range of 30 credit modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL3040 | Dissertation | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | 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 | 1-4 are developed in the core level 1 IR modules. Specialist knowledge is then developed in stages 2 and 3 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 one taught module and a dissertation focusing on an aspect of international relations is taken in stage 2 and stage 3 | These skills are summatively assessed through a combination of term-time essays, presentations. 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 ILOS 1-4 |
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 | 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. | 5 and 6 term-time essays, oral presentations , examinations and the dissertation. 7 not assessed (there is no requirement to do so in the subject benchmark statement) |
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: | |
8. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing | Presentations, class discussions and written assignments. Group work in tutorials (stages 1 and 2) and tutorials (stage 3) | 8 and 10 are assessed through presentations, written assignments, examination and the dissertation. 9 written assignments that require ICTfor the retrieval and presentation of information. 11 not assessed (there is no requirement to do so in the subject benchmark statement) |
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 draw on a range of data to review the quality of educational provision. The College documents the performance in each of its taught programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Programme Monitoring cycle:
- Admissions, progression and completion data
- In Year Analysis data
- Previous monitoring report
- Monitoring of core (and optional) modules
- External examiner's reports and University and College responses (reported to SSLC)
- Any Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body/accrediting body or other external reports
- Consultation with employers and former students
- Staff evaluation
- Student evaluation
- Programme aims
Subject areas are reviewed every four years through a periodic subject review scheme that includes external contributions. (http://admin.exeter.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/Part%209/9JREVISEDPSRSCHEME.pdf)
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
19. UCAS Code
L250
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Politics and international relations
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 31/01/2012 |
Date of last revision | 22/01/2013 |
|---|
