Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme name	BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Study Abroad	Programme code	UFA4HPSHPSCD
Study mode(s)	Full Time	Academic year	2025/6
Campus(es)	Cornwall Campus	NQF Level of the Final Award	6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

You will study key areas of Politics, including International Relations, Political Thought, Political Economy, Area Studies, Environmental Politics and Public Policy. You will engage with a variety of learning styles inside and outside of the classroom. As well as helping you to understand core theoretical concepts, our programme emphasises doing real-world research that has the potential to influence key stakeholders locally and internationally, while building essential employability skills. You will study Political Communication, which is designed to support you in your transition to university by encouraging you both to reflect on how social inequalities shape everyday interactions and to develop your practical abilities as a communicator. As you progress, you will develop skills in Political Analysis, which you will put into practice in your final year through an independently researched dissertation.

In your third year you will undertake a Study Abroad. You are encouraged to think about the intercultural competence and the employability skills that you acquire during the year abroad.

We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website. Please refer to your Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

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.

Penryn Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=hass-cornwall

The programme is largely made up of optional modules*, so you’ll have flexibility to structure your degree according to your specific interests. Full-time undergraduates need to take 120 credits each year and choose from modules worth 15 or 30 credits. Core modules are mainly designed to develop applied research skills and include a third year dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Stage 1

60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules

Your first year will introduce you to the foundations of the discipline. In addition to learning about how government and politics work in Britain, you’ll be introduced to key concepts in political theory and learn why the ideas of political thinkers of the past are still relevant today. You’ll also investigate some of the most important challenges facing global politics such as conflict, the environment, HIV/AIDS, poverty and inequality.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
POC1003	British Government and Politics	15	No
POC1021	Key Concepts in Politics and International Relations	15	No
POC1033	Political Communication	30	No

Optional Modules

Select a further 60 credits of optional modules (at least 45 credits must be Stage 1 Politics modules)

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
Politics & IR Penryn Stage 1 Options 2025-6
POC1014	The Public Policy Process	15	No
POC1022	Violence in World Politics	15	No
POC1026	Power, Inequality and Global Justice	15	No
POC1028	Modern Political Theory	15	No
POC1029	Work Placement	15	No

Stage 2

45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules

At stage 2, you are required to undertake 120 credits of modules at Level 5 that extend on the foundational knowledge of Level 4. You must take a minimum of 90 credits at Stage 2 (Level 5) (including the 30 credit compulsory module) from the Politics Programme. Students can take up to 30 credits of elective modules subject to approval of programme convenors.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
POC2124	Political Analysis	15	No
POC2131	Political Economy	15	No
POC2087	Security Studies	15	No

Optional Modules

Select a further 75 credits of optional modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
Politics & IR Penryn Stage 2 Options 2025-6
POC2018	National and Community Identity	15	No
POC2047	Work Placement	15	No
POC2098	Comparative Politics	15	No
POC2114	Green Politics in Theory and Practice	15	No
POC2120	Power and Democracy	15	No
POC2123	Politics of the Middle East	15	No
POC2130	Political Behaviour across Generations and the Life Course	15	No
POC2150	The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment	15	No
POC2085	Imagining the Good Life: From Agora to the American Dream	15	No
POC2133	Politics of Gender, Sex and Sexuality	15	No
POC2103	Introduction to Postcolonialism	15	No
POC2108	Political Geographies: Local to Global	15	No

Stage 3

120 credit compulsory placement module

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HAS3999	Study Abroad (HASS)	120	Yes

Stage 4

The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also choose a number of optional modules covering issues such as the politics of killing, political psychology, activist politics, the ethics of humanitarian intervention, EU politics, and global governance.

Compulsory Modules

Dissertation

The dissertation module will equip you with a detailed knowledge of one particular topic within the discipline. You’ll gain an ability to design and carry out independent research and will benefit from the support and supervision of a member of academic staff.

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HAP3000	Dissertation	30	No

Optional Modules

Select a further 90 credits of optional modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
Politics & IR Penryn Final Stage Options 2025-6
POC3095	Environmental Knowledge Controversies	15	No
POC3103	The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse?	15	No
POC3105	Negotiating Postcoloniality: History and Politics of Independent India	15	No
POC3130	Controversies in American Politics	15	No
POC3141	Displacement and Migration in the Middle East	15	No
POC3142	Social and Islamist Armed Movements	15	No
POC3146	Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain	15	No
POC3151	Parliamentary Studies	15	No
POC3153	Global Palestine and the Politics of Solidarity	15	No
POC3143	Global Sustainability Challenges	15	No
POC3144	Gender and Politics in Africa	15	No
POC3137	The Politics of Knowledge and Ignorance	15	No
POC3138	Field Trip	15	No
POC3154	Environment and Conflict in the Middle East	15	No
POC3157	The Endless War on Terror	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. Demonstrate through written and oral work a solid understanding of theories and problems in politics and international relations. 2. Apply knowledge of the recurring theoretical and empirical problems in politics; of the main themes in particular topics selected for modules; trace the key developments within a topic and relate them to an overall conception of the subject matter; evaluate complex themes in Politics and International Relations; make close specialist evaluation of key developments within particular topics 3. Show awareness of the variety of approaches taken in research in Politics and International Relations; ability to evaluate the professionalism and scholarly value of work in Politics and International Relations; ability to evaluate the reasons for methodological and empirical changes in Politics and International Relations approaches. 4. Define a suitable research topic in the subject area and pursue it to completion. 5. Use different types of evidence; use different quantitative, qualitative and theoretical approaches to make sense of source material; use primary and secondary sources to address fundamental questions in Politics and International Relations in a professional manner. 6. Present work in the format expected of Political Science, including footnoting and bibliographical references.	ILOs 1, 2 and 3 begin to be developed in stage one, especially in the core modules of British Government and Politics and Key Concepts in Politics. Knowledge is accumulated though lectures, seminars, written assessments, and group and individual presentations. ILO 2 and 3 form the backbone of all Politics modules taken at all stages, but the level of complexity and nuance develops according to stage. The choice of essays you are given in all modules develops throughout the programme helping you achieve ILO skill 4. Choice of essays begins at the outset of your programme, and advances to crafting an independent dissertation by the end of stage 3. Skills for the dissertation and to appraise the balance of evidence in existing work (ILOs 4&5) are developed through the Research Toolkit programme. ILO 5 is a requirement of all Politics and International Studies modules, but there is particular emphasis on developing methodological and theoretical complexity as the student progresses through the stages of the programme. Students are given clear guidelines about 6 in the Politics Undergraduate on-line Handbook, are instructed in such matters in the first stage of the degree, and are expected to demonstrate it in all modules.https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/politics/undergraduatehandbook.	1 Written essays (or equivalent) (ILO 1-6) 2 Critical reviews (ILO 1,3,5) 3 Examinations (1,2,3,5) 4 Year long projects (Research Toolkit and Dissertation) (ILOs 1-5) 5 Oral presentations (ILOs 1-5) 6 Seminar participation (ILOs 1-3, 5) Marking criteria exist for each of the forms of participation, which fully recognise the importance of the various skills identified.

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. Demonstrate through written and oral work a solid understanding of theories and problems in politics and international relations.
2. Apply knowledge of the recurring theoretical and empirical problems in politics; of the main themes in particular topics selected for modules; trace the key developments within a topic and relate them to an overall conception of the subject matter; evaluate complex themes in Politics and International Relations; make close specialist evaluation of key developments within particular topics
3. Show awareness of the variety of approaches taken in research in Politics and International Relations; ability to evaluate the professionalism and scholarly value of work in Politics and International Relations; ability to evaluate the reasons for methodological and empirical changes in Politics and International Relations approaches.
4. Define a suitable research topic in the subject area and pursue it to completion.
5. Use different types of evidence; use different quantitative, qualitative and theoretical approaches to make sense of source material; use primary and secondary sources to address fundamental questions in Politics and International Relations in a professional manner.
6. Present work in the format expected of Political Science, including footnoting and bibliographical references.

ILOs 1, 2 and 3 begin to be developed in stage one, especially in the core modules of British Government and Politics and Key Concepts in Politics. Knowledge is accumulated though lectures, seminars, written assessments, and group and individual presentations. ILO 2 and 3 form the backbone of all Politics modules taken at all stages, but the level of complexity and nuance develops according to stage. The choice of essays you are given in all modules develops throughout the programme helping you achieve ILO skill 4. Choice of essays begins at the outset of your programme, and advances to crafting an independent dissertation by the end of stage 3. Skills for the dissertation and to appraise the balance of evidence in existing work (ILOs 4&5) are developed through the Research Toolkit programme. ILO 5 is a requirement of all Politics and International Studies modules, but there is particular emphasis on developing methodological and theoretical complexity as the student progresses through the stages of the programme. Students are given clear guidelines about 6 in the Politics Undergraduate on-line Handbook, are instructed in such matters in the first stage of the degree, and are expected to demonstrate it in all modules.https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/politics/undergraduatehandbook.

1 Written essays (or equivalent) (ILO 1-6)

2 Critical reviews (ILO 1,3,5)

3 Examinations (1,2,3,5)

4 Year long projects (Research Toolkit and Dissertation) (ILOs 1-5)

5 Oral presentations (ILOs 1-5)

6 Seminar participation (ILOs 1-3, 5)

Marking criteria exist for each of the forms of participation, which fully recognise the importance of the various skills identified.

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:
7. Draw comparisons between empirical evidence and theoretical approaches from a variety of different cases 8. Show awareness of contrasting approaches to research. 9. Judge between competing views. 10. Show a clear understanding of the nature of both qualitative and quantitative evidence. 11. Think and write broadly about large themes. 12. Comprehend complex terminology and discourses, and deploy such terminology in a comprehensible manner. 13. Use a library and other resources such as the world wide web to conduct independent research. 14. Deploy arguments, based on professional standards of evidence use. 15. Show clear awareness of the basic philosophical questions arising from academic research. 16. Identify problems of reliability and bias in, and more generally evaluate, evidence. 17. Collate data from a range of sources. 18. Reference sources accurately in written work. 19. Answer questions concisely in writing. 20. Present work and answer questions orally. 21. Ask pertinent and intellectually demanding questions of other students. 22. Focus on and comprehend complex texts.	Students will achieve ILOs 7-8 while progressing through the programme, with increasing degrees of complexity at higher stage levels. ILOs 7, 8, 10, 12 and 14 are advanced throughout the course of the Research Toolkit module. This module uses multiple learning and teaching methods to appraise the balance of evidence, including evaluating oral interviews with key political science practitioners.	1 Written essays (or equivalent) (ILOs 7-22) 2 Critical reviews (ILOs 7, 10, 14-17, 22) 3 Examinations (ILOs 7, 8, 9, 11,17) 4 Year long projects (Research Toolkit and Dissertation) (ILOs 7-21) 5 Oral presentations (ILOs 8, 9, 12, 15, 20) 6 Seminar participation (ILOs 7-9, 12, 20-21) Marking criteria exist for each of the forms of participation, which fully recognise the importance of the various skills identified.

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:

7. Draw comparisons between empirical evidence and theoretical approaches from a variety of different cases
8. Show awareness of contrasting approaches to research.
9. Judge between competing views.
10. Show a clear understanding of the nature of both qualitative and quantitative evidence.
11. Think and write broadly about large themes.
12. Comprehend complex terminology and discourses, and deploy such terminology in a comprehensible manner.
13. Use a library and other resources such as the world wide web to conduct independent research.
14. Deploy arguments, based on professional standards of evidence use.
15. Show clear awareness of the basic philosophical questions arising from academic research.
16. Identify problems of reliability and bias in, and more generally evaluate, evidence.
17. Collate data from a range of sources.
18. Reference sources accurately in written work.
19. Answer questions concisely in writing.
20. Present work and answer questions orally.
21. Ask pertinent and intellectually demanding questions of other students.
22. Focus on and comprehend complex texts.

Students will achieve ILOs 7-8 while progressing through the programme, with increasing degrees of complexity at higher stage levels. ILOs 7, 8, 10, 12 and 14 are advanced throughout the course of the Research Toolkit module. This module uses multiple learning and teaching methods to appraise the balance of evidence, including evaluating oral interviews with key political science practitioners.

1 Written essays (or equivalent) (ILOs 7-22)

2 Critical reviews (ILOs 7, 10, 14-17, 22)

3 Examinations (ILOs 7, 8, 9, 11,17)

4 Year long projects (Research Toolkit and Dissertation) (ILOs 7-21)

5 Oral presentations (ILOs 8, 9, 12, 15, 20)

6 Seminar participation (ILOs 7-9, 12, 20-21)

Marking criteria exist for each of the forms of participation, which fully recognise the importance of the various skills identified.

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:
23. Undertake independent study and work to deadlines 24. Develop IT skills and use the world-wide web to a high standard. 25. Digest, select and organise material for written work and oral presentations, and write to varying word counts. 26. Evaluate own work. 27. Sit timed, unseen examinations of a challenging nature 28. Participate in oral discussions; present and evaluate complex arguments and ideas orally; digest, select and organise material for oral presentations. 29. Work with others as part of a team on challenging material. 30. Interact effectively with peers and staff. 31. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of material in groups. 32. Plan the execution of demanding work over a very long time scale.	ILO 23 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme. ILO 24 is developed through the requirement that all written work be computer-based, and through the requirement that students use the internet for bibliographical searches. ILO 25 is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme. ILO 26 is developed through self-assessment of work, peer review and meetings with module convenors (which students generally arrange). Students are encouraged by their personal tutor to reflect on written feedback provided from marked work and use it constructively to improve. ILO 27 is developed through practice: at all stages, students are partly assessed by timed, unseen examinations. ILO 28 is developed through seminars, which form the whole or part basis of all modules. ILOs 29 and 30 are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual. However, there is particular emphasis on ILO 29 (and ILO 31) where students work in teams to present and respond to the presentations of others. The Research Toolkit involves group work as a compulsory part of the course (31). ILO 32 is developed through the project in for Research Inquiry and through the stage three Dissertation, which has a single end of stage deadline.	1 Essays (ILOs 23-26, 30 and 32) 2 Group projects / presentations (ILOs 23, 29-31) 3 Presentations(ILOs 23, 28, 30) 4 Year long projects (ILOs 23, 32) 5 Group role plays (ILOs 29-31) 6 Seminar participation (28, 30) 7 Examinations (27) 8 Reflective diaries (26)

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:

23. Undertake independent study and work to deadlines
24. Develop IT skills and use the world-wide web to a high standard.
25. Digest, select and organise material for written work and oral presentations, and write to varying word counts.
26. Evaluate own work.
27. Sit timed, unseen examinations of a challenging nature
28. Participate in oral discussions; present and evaluate complex arguments and ideas orally; digest, select and organise material for oral presentations.
29. Work with others as part of a team on challenging material.
30. Interact effectively with peers and staff.
31. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of material in groups.
32. Plan the execution of demanding work over a very long time scale.

ILO 23 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme. ILO 24 is developed through the requirement that all written work be computer-based, and through the requirement that students use the internet for bibliographical searches. ILO 25 is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme. ILO 26 is developed through self-assessment of work, peer review and meetings with module convenors (which students generally arrange). Students are encouraged by their personal tutor to reflect on written feedback provided from marked work and use it constructively to improve. ILO 27 is developed through practice: at all stages, students are partly assessed by timed, unseen examinations. ILO 28 is developed through seminars, which form the whole or part basis of all modules. ILOs 29 and 30 are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual. However, there is particular emphasis on ILO 29 (and ILO 31) where students work in teams to present and respond to the presentations of others. The Research Toolkit involves group work as a compulsory part of the course (31). ILO 32 is developed through the project in for Research Inquiry and through the stage three Dissertation, which has a single end of stage deadline.

1 Essays (ILOs 23-26, 30 and 32)

2 Group projects / presentations (ILOs 23, 29-31)

3 Presentations(ILOs 23, 28, 30)

4 Year long projects (ILOs 23, 32)

5 Group role plays (ILOs 29-31)

6 Seminar participation (28, 30)

7 Examinations (27)

8 Reflective diaries (26)

7. Programme Regulations

As well as traditional academic essays and exams, we use career-relevant assessments including portfolios, reports, video, online communications and presentations. You may also complete a dissertation and/or project work, including a work placement project. You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.

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

You will have an academic personal tutor for your entire programme of study who is available at advertised ‘office and feedback hours’. There are induction sessions to orientate you at the start of your programme. A personal tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support will be also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

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.

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter. (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/index.html)

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.

(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

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

7925

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	14/05/2008	Date of last revision	24/03/2021

Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

2. Description of the Programme

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Stage 2

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Stage 3

Compulsory Modules

Stage 4

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

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

Intended Learning Outcomes A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

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

7. Programme Regulations

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

14. Awarding Institution

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Partner Institution

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

18. Final Award

19. UCAS Code

20. NQF Level of Final Award

21. Credit

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

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