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Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Languages (3-year)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Languages (3-year) Programme codeUFA3HPSSML16
Study mode(s)Full Time
Academic year2024/5
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Languages (3-year) programme is not available for direct application. In exceptional circumstances only, subject to the agreement of the relevant Director of Education, it is possible to transfer onto this alternative 3-year BA International Relations and Modern Languages programme.

This programme will give you a thorough grounding in the main themes and methods of two progressive disciplines, International Relations and Modern Languages. This Combined Honours degree enables you to divide your time equally between these related subject areas. While at the University of Exeter, you will study half of your modules from the Modern Languages programme and the other half from International Relations.

It provides you with 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. You will appreciate the historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics, from both the system and actor perspectives and develop an understanding of the use of the main concepts, approaches and theories in the study of international relations. The 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 transitional crime or globalisation.

The Modern Languages side of the programme offers choice between the study of one of seven major languages (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish), taught by experienced language specialists including native speakers and academic staff at the cutting edge of research in their particular discipline. Progression through the programme will combine the acquisition of language with the study of the literature, history, film and linguistics of the language disciplines as well as advanced translation practice. You will develop a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, understanding and speaking your selected language, providing you with valued skills for future careers. A carefully arranged choice of modules enables you to focus more towards language skills or to learn about the society in which a particular language is spoken. These cultural modules cover topics as broad as history, politics, philosophy, literature and cinema; they complement the language study within the programme and further ground your understanding of the language of your choice.

As a whole, BA International Relations & Modern Languages offers you a coherent programme of study, balancing core elements with a choice of specialist topics to suit your individual aspirations and requirements.

Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment for this purpose.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

This programme aims to develop your competence in the subject-specific and research skills required in both International Relations and Modern Languages, through extended engagement with your chosen languages and through relevant methodological, critical and theoretical contexts. As you progress through the programme, you will acquire a thorough grounding in the core principles of International Relations and Modern Languages through study which engages you imaginatively in the process of understanding and analysing language, culture and international relations. In Modern Languages modules, you will train towards a high level of proficiency in reading, speaking, writing and listening, with the aim of enabling you to communicate readily in personal and professional arenas. In International Relations you will gain an appreciation of the historical evolution of the international system, as well as engaging with key dilemmas and contestations dominating international politics today. You will be able to understand the main concepts, approaches and theories in the study of international relations and to analyse, interpret and evaluate world political events and issues.   International Relations and Modern Languages offer detailed subject knowledge, broad coverage and a wide range of choice.

You will also acquire advanced competence in core academic, personal and key skills, providing a basis for career progression in the academic and professional worlds. You will be exposed to a variety of teaching and assessment methods within appropriate learning environments, supported by feedback and monitoring of your progress. You will also be able to develop your independent study skills through individual research.

The programme provides an intellectually stimulating, satisfying experience of learning and studying, and forms a sound basis for further study in these or in related disciplines. It aims to develop a range of subject-specific, academic and transferable skills, including high order conceptual literacy and communication skills of value in graduate employment. International Relations and Modern Languages encourage you to become a global citizen, a questioning member of society, and provides thorough training for further study or a specialist career. You may utilise the skills you develop in a range of sectors, including Translation, Museums, Consultancy, Market Research, the Civil Service, Education, Teaching, New Media Industries, Journalism and Publishing, Research, Charities, Information Science, Advertising and Public Relations.

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.

Modern Languages modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=mod-lang
Politics and International Relations modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics

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. You are expected to balance your credits in each stage of the programme, taking 60 credits from International Relations, and 60 credits from Modern Languages.

The Faculty, however, takes the view that in Combined Honours programmes you would be incapable of reaching a satisfactory standard in the chosen language if you took fewer than 60 credits per year in it. Accordingly you may not exercise the modularity option in Modern Languages (modularity is where you are permitted to take elective modules from other disciplines that are not included in the programme specification). However, it would be possible for you in certain cases, to exercise the right from the International Relations side of your programme alone.

At all stages, you will take one compulsory language module amounting to 30 credits in total.

On this 3-year programme, transfer to which is permissible in exceptional circumstances only, you are encouraged wherever possible to spend a period of residence in countries where the language of study is spoken during a vacation before progressing to the final stage. The Programme Director for the relevant language discipline can advise you on the most appropriate way of gaining experience of independent learning for your individual circumstances.

Transfer from the 3-year to the 4-year programme is possible up to the end of stage 2. All such transfers are subject to approval by the Director of Education and are only permissible in exceptional circumstances. Where you have completed the degree programme in three years, the words ‘Three-Year Programme' will appear on your degree certificate; otherwise the titles of the 3-year and 4-year versions of a degree programme are identical.

On the Modern Languages side of your programme, you will normally take optional content modules appropriate to your degree stage and corresponding to your compulsory language module.

Stage 1


30 credits of compulsory International Relations modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language and 60 credits of optional modules (including 30 credits of International Relations modules, and 30 consisting of content related to your chosen language.

Compulsory Modules

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

a - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
POL1017 Globalisation of World Politics 15No
POL1018 The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First Century 15No
Modern Languages Stage 1 Compulsory Language Modules [See note a above]
MLF1001 French Language 30 Yes
MLF1052 French Language for Beginners 30 Yes
MLG1001 German Language 30 Yes
MLG1052 German Language for Beginners 30 Yes
MLI1001 Italian Language 30 Yes
MLI1052 Italian Language for Beginners 30 Yes
MLM1052 Beginners Chinese 30 Yes
MLP1052 Portuguese Language for Beginners 30 Yes
MLR1001 Contemporary Russian Written and Oral 30 Yes
MLR1030 Russian Language for Beginners 30 Yes
MLS1001 Spanish Language 30 Yes
MLS1056 Spanish Language for Beginners 30 Yes

Optional Modules

select 30 credits of International Relations modules from this list. Politics and International Relations modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics 

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

b - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; on the Modern Languages side of your programme, you may select a maximum of 15 credits of either the SML- or HUM-coded modules for the year. Please note that certain modules may only be available to students on Single Honours programmes, or to students who have taken a particular language module. This information will be given in the pre-requisites or co-requisites section of the relevant module descriptor.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Chinese Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above]
MLM1010 China of the Senses: Approaching Chinese Culture and Environments 15 No
PHL1010 Introduction to Asian Philosophy 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
French Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above]
MLF1017 The Making of Modern France 15 No
MLF1018 The Devil is in the Detail: An Introduction to the Short Story in French 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLF1103 The French Language, Present and Past 15 No
MLF1121 French Visual History 15 No
MLF1105 An Introduction to French Thought 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
German Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above]
MLG1017 Turning Points in German History 1200 - 2000 15 No
MLG1021 Outside In: An Introduction to Outcasts and Outsiders in German-language Literature and Film 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLG1014 A Nation Remembers: Issues in German Cultural Memory 15 No
MLG1022 Divided Germany in Film and Visual Culture 1949-1990 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Italian Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above]
MLI1016 Italy Inside Out: Popular Visual Narratives about Italy 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLI1121 A Thousand Faces: Cultures and History in 19th-Century Italy 15 No
Portuguese Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above]
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLP1002 Introduction to the Lusophone World 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Russian Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above]
MLR1023 Russia: Empire and Identity 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLR1006 An Emotional Experience: Russian Literature and the Expression of Feeling 15 No
Spanish Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note b above]
MLS1067 Ideology in the Hispanic World 15 No
MLS1068 An Introduction to the Literature and Film of Spain 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLS1066 The Making of Modern Latin America: History Through Literature and Culture 15 No
MLS1164 A Journey of Discovery: Hispanic Global Culture 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No

Stage 2


30 credits of compulsory International Relations modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language and 60 credits of optional modules (including 30 credits of International Relations modules, and 30 consisting of content related to your chosen language.

Compulsory Modules

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

c - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
POL2020 Contemporary Theories of World Politics 15No
POL2057 Security Studies 15No
Modern Languages Stage 2 Compulsory Language Modules [See note c above]
MLF2001 French Language, Written and Oral 30 No
MLF2152 Intermediate French 30 No
MLG2001 German Language, Written and Oral 30 No
MLG2052 Intermediate German 30 No
MLI2001 Italian Language, Written and Oral 30 No
MLI2051 Italian Language 30 No
MLM2052 Intermediate Chinese (One) 30 No
MLP2052 Intermediate Portuguese 30 No
MLR2001 Contemporary Russian Written and Oral I 30 No
MLR2030 Intermediate Russian 30 No
MLS2001 Spanish Language, Written and Oral 30 No
MLS2156 Spanish Language (ex-beginners) 30 No

Optional Modules

select 30 credits of International Relations modules from this list. Politics and International Relations modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

d - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; on the Modern Languages side of your programme, you may select a maximum of 15 credits of either the SML- or HUM-coded modules listed below for the year.It is your responsibility to ensure that credit for SML modules can be counted towards the language of your study, where this is necessary for your credit count

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Chinese Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
HUM2005 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
MLM2003 Chinoiserie and Europeenerie: Artistic and cultural exchanges between China and Europe 15 No
MLM2008 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
French Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLF2012 Evolution of the French Language 15 No
MLF2069 East is East? Cross-Cultural Encounters in Medieval French Literature 15 No
MLF2076 Subversive Texts: Baudelaire and Rachilde 15 No
HUM2005 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
HIH2208A Medieval Paris 30 No
MLF2070 Violence and Virtue: Early Modern French Theatre 15 No
MLF2029 Varieties of French 15 No
MLF2006 French-language Road Movies: Space, Place and Identity 15 No
HIH2591 Philip Augustus and the Making of France, 1180-1223 30 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
German Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLG2003 Youth and Age: Generations in German Fiction and Film 15 No
MLG2018 Berlin - Culture, History and Politics 15 No
MLG2019 Gender, Race and Migration in 20th and 21st-century German Literature 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
Italian Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLI2019 Italian(s) in the World 15 No
HUM2005 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
MLI2004 From Page to Screen: The Italian Female Detective in Literature, Film and Television 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
Portuguese Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
SML2004 Contemporary Latin American Cinema 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
Russian Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLR2023 A Russian Carnival of the Animals 15 No
MLR2026 The Deceptive City: the Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature 15 No
MLR2021 Understanding Russia 15 No
MLR2025 Imperfect Murder: Reading Crime and Punishment 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
Spanish Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 [See note d above]
MLS2044 How to be a Knight: Political Lessons from 14th-Century Spain 15 No
MLS2072 Place and Identity in Contemporary Venezuelan Culture 15 No
SML2004 Contemporary Latin American Cinema 15 No
HIH2145A Spain from Absolutism to Democracy 30 No
MLS2045 Federico Garcia Lorca: Theatre and Poetry 15 No
MLS2061 The Latin American Short Story 15 No
MLS2073 Literary Non-Fiction in Argentina: When Writing Meets the Real 15 No
MLS2158 "What is Love? And Do I Need It?" An Introduction to Spanish Renaissance Love Poetry 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No

Stage 3


60 credits of International Relations modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language and 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language

Compulsory Modules

Subject to selecting 120 credits in the stage you must:

e - select 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Modern Languages Final Stage Compulsory Language Modules [See note e above]
MLM3111 Advanced Chinese Language Skills 30 Yes
MLF3111 Advanced French Language Skills 30 Yes
MLG3111 Advanced German Language Skills 30 Yes
MLI3111 Advanced Italian Language Skills 30 Yes
MLP3111 Advanced Portuguese Language Skills 30 Yes
MLR3111 Advanced Russian Language Skills 30 Yes
MLS3111 Advanced Spanish Language Skills 30 Yes

Optional Modules

select 30-60 credits of option modules in International Relations. Politics and International Relations modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics 

Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability.

f - select 30 credits of optional modules consisting of content related to your chosen language; you may select a maximum of 15 credits of the SML- or HUM-coded modules listed below for the year, these are additional to SML3015. You may, alternatively, take SML3030. Please note you may only select one dissertation module across the two programmes. It is your responsibility to ensure that credit for SML modules can be counted towards the language of your study, where this is necessary for your credit count.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Chinese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above]
HUM3015 The Place of Meaning: Gardens in Britain and China 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLM3008 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
French Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above]
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLF3034 Sociolinguistics of French 15 No
MLF3079 Sex, Subversion and Censorship: Libertine Literature in Seventeenth-Century France 15 No
MLF3007 Multilingualism, Audiovisual Translation and Power in Cinema-monde 15 No
MLF3078 Philosophers, Prophets and Mystics in French Culture 15 No
MLF3080 Les Miserables from the Nineteenth Century to the Present Day 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
German Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above]
MLG3040 Sex, Sciences and the Arts 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3034 Contemporary French Visual Culture 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLG3036 Dictatorships on Display: History Exhibitions in Germany and Austria 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Italian Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above]
MLI3199 Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLI3033 Multicultural Italy 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Portuguese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above]
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
SML3014 Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Russian Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above]
MLR3026 The Deceptive City: The Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature 15 No
MLR3123 A Russian Carnival of the Animals 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLR3021 Women Writers in Twentieth - century Russian Literure 30 No
MLR3025 Apocalypse/Utopia: The Russian Roots of Revolution 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Spanish Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 [See note f above]
MLS3037 Women and Feminism in 20th Century Spain 15 No
MLS3057 Cross Currents: Memory, Myth and Modernity in Latin America 15 No
MLS3071 The Chilean Road to Socialism (1970-1973): What Happened and Why? Elements for a Debate 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLS3072 Unlawful Sex: Sexualities on Trial in Medieval Spain 15 No
SML3031 Advanced Translation Skills 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3014 Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 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 a high level of accuracy and fluency in the production and comprehension of your chosen language, both orally and in writing.
2. Communicate effectively and appropriately with native and other competent speakers of the chosen language in any context, both orally and in writing.
3. Demonstrate understanding of and ability to analyse the structures and registers of the chosen language.
4. Show detailed knowledge of relevant history and cultures, and the ability to evaluate them critically.
5. Analyse and interpret texts in the chosen language (including non-literary texts and other media, e.g. film) in relation to their cultural, historical and generic contexts, and articulate his/her understanding orally and in writing.
6. Show ability to use the target language to undertake and present the results of an extended project, while living and working in the target-language environment
7. Understand the nature and significance of politics as a global activity.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics.
9. Apply concepts and theories used in the study of international relations to the analysis of political ideas, practices and issues in the global arena.
10. Evaluate different interpretations of world political issues and events.

1-3:

The core language modules at Stage 1 include an introduction to language-learning strategies, so that students are enabled from the outset of their programme to become autonomous language learners. Subsequent stages require students to make systematic use of the self-access material available in the library, in the Foreign Language Centre, and on departmental web sites. The student's own reflection on her/his language-learning experience is developed in the year-abroad modules in the 4-year programme; students on the 3-year programme are advised by the Programme Director/Director of Education on opportunities for such reflection within their programme

Core language modules at Stage 1 include an introduction to language-learning strategies, with subsequent stages requiring you to make systematic use of the self-access material available in the library, in the Language Centre, and via web-based resources. Language modules at each stage use authentic materials in the chosen language/s, both written (texts in a variety of styles and registers) and spoken (oral classes with native speakers, together with use of TV and the electronic media). These forms of target-language material are used in a variety of ways, including reading or listening comprehension, translation, and production of related material in the chosen language/s through exercises such as summarising, essay-writing and oral presentations. Instruction is reinforced by regular formative assessment. Formal grammar is usually taught, both in seminars and through guided study of a textbook, at a level appropriate to each stage of the programmes and to level of achievement at the outset of the programme.

4 & 5:

The Level 1 core modules on literature and civilisation give students a foundation knowledge on which to base their choice of options at higher levels,.

Knowledge of the relevant aspects of the relevant cultures is acquired through lectures and seminars, guided reading of primary and secondary texts (including those in non-printed media, e.g. film), and directed independent study.

Students learn to use the critical methodologies appropriate to the options chosen (literary criticism, linguistic or philological study, political or social history, film studies, etc) essays and preparing seminar presentations, following initial guidance from lecturers, and through feedback on work submitted.

6 is developed through the year abroad.

7-10:

Core subject specific skills are developed in Stage 1. A7-A10 are developed through core Level 1 IR modules. Specialist knowledge is then developed in Level 2 and Level 3 modules. 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 focusing on an aspect of International Relations is taken in Stage 2 and Stage 3/4.

1 and 2 are assessed explicitly, and 3 implicitly, by coursework marked throughout the year at Stage 1, and by end-of-year written and oral exams at Stages 2 and 4.

4 and 5 are assessed by a combination of essays written during the module and end-of-year written examinations.

6 is assessed through the year abroad.

Skills 7-10 are summatively assessed through a combination of term-time essays, presentations, and examinations across the entire degree programme. The combination of and length of essays, presentations and exams will vary from one module to the next in SSIS 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:

11. Demonstrate understanding of the linguistic principles required to assimilate and analyse the structure of a foreign language.
12. Examine critically any form of discourse arising from the close reading and analysis of texts, films etc..
13. Demonstrate understanding of generic conventions and the shaping effects upon communication of circumstances, authorship, textual production and intended audience.
14. Show understanding of the variety of approaches to research in the field of modern languages, and of the reasons why such approaches may change.
15. Demonstrate receptiveness to foreign cultures and ability to see the relativity of one’s own cultural perspective.
16. Gather, organise and deploy evidence and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources.
17. Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information, and critically analyse subject material.
18. Manage own learning self-critically.
19. 4-year programme only: Show ability to plan and manage his/her own language learning through an extended period of independent study.

11 is developed through the core language modules throughout the programme, in students' language work and in feedback from lecturers (in the form of both written comments and explanation in subsequent classes).

12-14 are developed through lectures and seminars in optional modules, with progression from a relatively high level of input from lecturers at Stage 1, to greater student autonomy at later stages. Modules at Stages 3 and 4 (and to a limited extent also at Stage 2) are related to the research specialism of the staff teaching the module, giving students an insight into relevant research issues.

15 is implicit in all study of the language and cultures of another country, and all modules challenge students to reflect critically on their receptiveness to foreign cultures.

Skills 16-18 are developed throughout the International Relations strand of the degree programme, with progression in 16 and 17 as students move from stage to stage.

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

19 is developed through the year abroad.

11 is assessed by the strategies described for the core language modules under 'assessment methods' above.

12-15 are assessed by course essays and examinations, also as described under 'assessment methods' above.

16 and 17 are assessed through term-time essays, oral presentations, examinations and the dissertation.

18 is not assessed (there is no requirement to do so in the subject benchmark statements).

19 is assessed through the year abroad.

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:

20. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing
21. Use information and communication technology (ICT) for the retrieval and presentation of information;
22. Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organization and time-management;
23. Collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
24. Advance linguistic competence independently.
25. 4-year programme only: Show ability to adapt to the working practices of a foreign country.

These skills are developed in both sides of the programme.

20 is developed in presentations, class discussion and written assignments.

21 and 22 are developed through presentations and written assignments.

23 is developed through group work in tutorials and/or seminars.

On the 4-year programme 22, 24 and 25 are the focus of the year-abroad modules; students on the 3-year programme are advised by the Programme Director/Director of Education on the most appropriate way of developing their independent learning skills.

20 and 22 are assessed through presentations, written assignments, examinations and the dissertation.

21 is assessed through written assignments that require ICT for the retrieval and presentation of information.

23, 24 and 25 are not assessed (there is no requirement to do so in the subject benchmark statements).

 

7. Programme Regulations

Programme-specific Award Rules

You will enter initially to study the BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Languages, but your final degree title will reflect the language you have studied.

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

All students within International Relations and Modern Languages have a personal tutor for their entire programme of study and who is available at advertised ‘office 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.

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

0

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Languages (3-year)

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

[Honours] Politics and international relations
[Honours] Languages and related studies

23. Dates

Origin Date

23/08/2019

Date of last revision

26/07/2021