Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations | Programme code | UFS3POLPOL01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
This exciting and distinctive programme combines the study of Politics and International Relations with rigorous training in research design and statistical data analysis. BSc Politics and International Relations offers the opportunity to examine key questions in the field of politics and international relations, while also gaining data analysis skills that are increasingly in demand from employers in the UK and abroad. You will study how government is constituted and how politics takes place on a global scale. You will explore the foundations of the study of politics in terms of its objects of analysis, the nature of political knowledge and the design of political research. You will examine the various forms of politics through history and in thought. You will interrogate the questions of the political including the various forms of government, the nature of public policy and administration, of war and peace, and of resource scarcity and distribution. You will address these questions via traditional lectures and tutorials as well as innovative group work, simulations and technical training.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
- To provide an excellent education across the range of political studies, from core to specialist, in a supportive and responsive learning environment that is enriched by research.
- To enable you to understand and use the main concepts, approaches and theories of the discipline; to analyse, interpret and evaluate political events, ideas and institutions; and to relate the academic study of politics to questions of public concern.
- To develop your competence in subject-specific, core academic and personal and key skills.
- To offer you a wide range of choice, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree.
- To equip you to be questioning and productive members of society.
4. Programme Structure
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 following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website:
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/
The BSc (Hons) Politics and 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.
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling and demand.
You may take optional modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme (for instance a language or business module) to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons. In the case of this ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, the language modules in stage 1 and 2 are deemed to represent these 30 credits permitting no further modularity.
Stage 1
Stage 1: 75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL1000 | Critical Skills for Politics and International Relations | 15 | No |
| POL1017 | Globalisation of World Politics | 15 | No |
| POL1019 | Power and Democracy | 15 | No |
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data | 15 | Yes |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 | Yes |
Optional Modules
45 credits from list of all POL1* modules at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Stage 2
Stage 2: 30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI2004 | Research Design in the Social Sciences | 15 | Yes |
| SSI2005 | Data Analysis in Social Science 2 | 15 | Yes |
Optional Modules
90 credits from list of all POL2* modules at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Stage 3
Stage 3: 45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
[a] You must take at least one of either POL3101 or POL3102, but you do not have to take both.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL3101 | Futures of Politics please see note [a] | 15 | No |
| POL3102 | Futures of International Relations please see note [a] | 15 | No |
| SSI3019 | Quantitative Dissertation | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
75 credits from list of all POL3* modules at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
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. Employ quantitative analysis of political data. | 1 and 4 are developed across all programme stages moving from broad areas of politics in stage 1 to progressively core specialised aspects at stages 3 and 4. 2 and 3 are present in some form in all Politics modules. Development of 2 is ensured through the requirement of the students to take two theory modules in stage 1 and at least one theory module in stages 1 and 2. 3 is also ensured through directed module choice embedded in programme pathways at stages 1 and 2. | These skills are summatively assessed through a combination of term-time essays, presentations and examinations. The combination of and length of essays, presentations and exams will vary from one module to the next according to credit value in conformity with Faculty 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. | 5 and 6 are assessed through term-time essays, oral presentations and examinations 7 is developed through self assessment of assignments, staff feedback on formative assignments and student self appraisal. | 5 and 6 are assessed through term-time essays, oral presentations and examinations |
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. | 7 is developed through presentations, class discussions and written assignments. 8 and 9 are developed through presentations and written assignments. | 7 and 9 are assessed through presentations, written assignments, and examinations. 8 is assessed through written assignments that require ICT for the retrieval and presentation of information. |
7. Programme Regulations
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 Faculties should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The University of Exeter's academic tutor system provides students with a designated Academic Personal Tutor, serving as a key academic contact throughout their university journey. The tutor supports students' academic, personal, and professional development, helping them understand assignment feedback and improve academically. Unlike module tutors who focus on specific course content, Academic Personal Tutors oversee students' overall progress, offering guidance on skill development and employability while directing students to additional support services as needed. Meetings, which can be individual or group-based, are scheduled at crucial academic milestones, including transitions between study years and career planning. The system emphasizes open communication, allowing students to discuss concerns ranging from assessment deadlines to personal issues affecting their studies. For more detailed information, visit the University of Exeter's website on personal tutoring: [University of Exeter Personal Tutoring](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/personaltutoring/).
Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:
The Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) offers a comprehensive online platform for the University of Exeter students, facilitating access to a wide array of learning materials. This digital environment supports academic study by providing resources such as readings, lecture recordings, and a suite of online tools and activities designed to enhance course engagement. ELE serves as a crucial element in the university's educational delivery, enabling students to interact with their courses in a more flexible and accessible manner. For detailed information and support materials on utilizing ELE effectively, students are encouraged to explore the platform and its resources directly.
The University of Exeter Library Service offers comprehensive support for research and learning, encompassing both physical and digital resources. Through the library's website, students can access a vast collection of materials online, making learning flexible and accessible. The library provides tailored support, including subject librarians to assist with resource discovery and the integration of digitized reading lists into the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). Additionally, the library offers essential guidance on referencing, ensuring academic integrity. This includes tutorials on using referencing software, evaluating sources, and avoiding plagiarism, equipping students with the skills needed for successful academic writing. For more detailed information on library services, induction, and referencing guidance, visit the [Library Induction](https://libguides.exeter.ac.uk/libraryinduction) and [Referencing](https://libguides.exeter.ac.uk/referencing) pages.
IT services: The University of Exeter provides extensive IT Services, including the user-friendly iExeter portal for accessing university services and resources efficiently. For technical support, the IT helpdesk is available to resolve system issues and enhance the digital experience. Financial support services, notably the Hardship Fund, offer crucial assistance to students facing financial challenges, ensuring they can focus on their studies without undue stress. Additionally, the university's study spaces are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of study preferences, available for booking or drop-in use. These integrated services underscore Exeter's commitment to supporting students academically, financially, and practically. For more detailed information, visit the IT Services [website](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/it/help/), learn about financial assistance options including the Hardship Fund [here](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/financialhelp/), and explore study space options [here](https://libguides.exeter.ac.uk/studyspaces).
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision. Further information is available here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/yourvoice/
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.
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
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 26/02/2014 |
Date of last revision | 20/02/2024 |
|---|
