Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations | Programme code | UFA3HPSHPSCH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2024/5 | |
| 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.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. To provide you with excellent education across the range of politics and international relations topics, from core to specialist, in a supportive and responsive learning environment that is enriched by research.
2. To enable you to appreciate the historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics, from both the system and actor perspectives.
3. To enrich your learning and enjoyment in politics and international relations through using a variety of teaching formats: lectures, seminars rooms, fieldtrips, research consultancies and year-long projects, commensurate with your needs and abilities as you progress through the programme.
4. To enable you to understand and use the main concepts, approaches and theories in the study of politics and international relations; to analyse, interpret and evaluate world political events, ideas and institutions; and to relate the academic study of politics to key matters of public and institutional concerns.
5. To develop your competence in subject-specific, core academic and personal and key skills.
6. To offer you a range of choice of modules to study, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree
7. To equip you with the skills to be questioning and be productive members of society.
8. To provide you with a mixture of methods to illustrate your learning, including essays, examinations, year-long research projects, oral presentations, group role plays, and seminar participation.
4. Programme Structure
Your BA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations is a 3 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 3 ‘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.
Interim Awards
In exceptional circumstances you may exit this award with a Certificate in Higher Education in Politics and International Relations when you have achieved 120 credits at stage one, or a Diploma in Higher Education in Politics and International Relations where you have achieved 240 credits across stages one and two, with at least 90 of these from stage two.
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
You may take Elective Modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in any stage of the programme 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.
Stage 1
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
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 from the HASS Penryn modules here (at least 45 credits must be Stage 1 Politics modules (POC1xxx) Penryn Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=hass-cornwall
Stage 2
45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POC2124 | Political Analysis | 15 | No |
| POC2087 | Security Studies | 15 | No |
| POC2131 | Political Economy | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
Select a further 75 credits of optional modules (of which at least 45 credits must be Stage 2 Politics modules)
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politics-IR Penryn Stage 2 Options 24.25 | |||
| POC2120 | Power and Democracy | 15 | No |
| POC2114 | Green Politics in Theory and Practice | 15 | No |
| POC2131 | Political Economy | 15 | No |
| POC2130 | Political Behaviour across Generations and the Life Course | 15 | No |
| POC2098 | Comparative Politics | 15 | No |
| POC2005 | American Politics | 15 | No |
| POC2151 | Parliamentary Studies | 15 | No |
| POC2088 | Understanding Israel and Palestine: One Land, Two People | 15 | No |
| POC2152 | Representing the People | 15 | No |
| POC2087 | Security Studies | 15 | No |
| POC2018 | National and Community Identity | 15 | No |
| POC2041 | The Political Psychology of Elites | 15 | No |
| POC2123 | Politics of the Middle East | 15 | No |
| POC2150 | The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment | 15 | No |
| POC2047 | Work Placement | 15 | No |
Stage 3
In stage three (Level 6) you will carry out a piece of independent research and write a dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff from Politics. You will also choose from a number of optional 15 and 30 credit Level 6 modules (coded ‘POC3’) that are taught in weekly two hour seminars, or involve a field course. You must take a minimum of 90 credits and a maximum of 120 credits from the POC3 programme. A further 30 credits of elective modules may be taken subject to you having the correct pre-requisites and the course convenor’s consent.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POC3040 | Dissertation | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
Select a further 90 credits of optional modules (of which at least 60 credits must be Stage 3 Politics modules):
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politics-IR Penryn Final Stage Options 24.25 | |||
| POC3095 | Environmental Knowledge Controversies | 15 | No |
| POC3136 | Field Trip | 30 | No |
| POC3130 | Controversies in American Politics | 15 | No |
| POC3105 | Negotiating Postcoloniality: History and Politics of Independent India | 15 | No |
| POC3023 | Entangled Life: Radical Democracy in Theory | 15 | No |
| POC3141 | Displacement and Migration in the Middle East | 15 | No |
| POC3153 | Global Palestine and the Politics of Solidarity | 15 | No |
| POC3103 | The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse? | 15 | No |
| POC3151 | Parliamentary Studies | 15 | No |
| POC3152 | Representing the People | 15 | No |
| POC3128 | Post-Soviet Politics and Societies | 15 | No |
| POC3146 | Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain | 15 | No |
| POC3148 | Political Psychology and Society | 15 | No |
| POC3120 | Political Thinkers of the Early Twentieth Century | 15 | No |
| POC3147 | Politics of Work | 15 | No |
| POC3142 | Social and Islamist Armed Movements | 15 | No |
| POC3140 | Religion, Conflict and Reconciliation | 15 | No |
| POC3094 | Global Policy Challenges | 15 | No |
| POC3133 | Chinese Politics and Society | 15 | No |
| POC3149 | Is Politics More than Human? Cornwall, California and the Local to the Global | 15 | No |
| POC3154 | Environment and Conflict in the Middle East | 15 | No |
| POC3150 | The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 | 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
Credit
Undergraduate (UG) Programmes: The programme consists of 360 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 60 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, participants normally take no more than 120 credits at NQF level 4, and must take at least 90 credits at NQF level 6. The pass mark for award of credit in UG modules (NQF levels 4-6) is 40%.
Progression
Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.
(delete and modify as appropriate)
Undergraduate (UG) Programmes: Up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage on the following conditions:
- You must have registered for and participated in modules amounting to at least 120 credits in the stage.
- You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.
- You must achieve an average mark of at least 40% across the full 120 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.
Assessment and Awards
UG Programmes: Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.
Classification
The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:
Undergraduate Degrees Postgraduate Degrees
Class I 70% + Distinction 70%+
Class II Division I 60-69% Merit 60-69%
Class II Division II 50-59% Pass 50-59%
Class III 40-49%
Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes and PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website. Generic marking criteria are also published here.
Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.
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.
General admissions requirements of the University of Exeter are published in full at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/ and in the University of Exeter undergraduate prospectus. Candidates offering GCE AS and A2 the International Baccalaureate and equivalent non-UK qualifications will be considered, as well as mature candidates with evidence of appropriate alternative qualifications.
Offers and entrance requirements for individual applicants will vary depending upon the subject areas chosen, but are likely to fall in the range AAA to ABB for A-levels and 32 to 30 for International Baccalaureate. Please refer to the latest Entry Data tables at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/. These can be found under Entry Requirements within the relevant subject entries.
Non-standard applications will be considered where the application can demonstrate existing knowledge, experience and skills developed in the workplace, relevant to this degree. All non-standard applications should be referred to the Programme Director for consideration.
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
0
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations
19. UCAS Code
4519
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 | 14/05/2008 |
Date of last revision | 24/03/2021 |
|---|
