Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Employment Experience Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme name	BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Employment Experience Abroad	Programme code	UFA4HPSHPSCN
Study mode(s)	Full Time	Academic year	2024/5
Campus(es)	Cornwall Campus	NQF Level of the Final Award	6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

Our programme at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall is focused on Politics and International Relations with employment experience abroad. You will engage with the key areas of the discipline: global politics / international relations, political thought and comparative politics in 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 politics and International Relations research that has the potential to influence key stakeholders locally and internationally and that builds essential employability skills. You will have the opportunity to participate in fieldtrips including a protest survey at a London-based protest to collect survey data to feed into an international political science research project. You will also engage in essential research work as part of our compulsory hands-on research training module that produces policy briefs for local political organisations in Cornwall. In your third year you will undertake a work-placement abroad and gain skills that equip you to work in the global employment market and to improve your knowledge of foreign cultures. You are encouraged to think about the intercultural competence and the employability skills that you acquire during the year abroad.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

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.
To enable you to appreciate the historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics, from both the system and actor perspectives.
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.
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.
To develop your competence in subject-specific, core academic and personal and key skills.
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.
To equip you with the skills to be questioning and be productive members of society.
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 4 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.

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 (POLXXXX modules)

You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in each stage 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 (including a 0 credit compulsory placement year preparation module). 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
HAP1906	Preparing for Placements 1	0	No

Optional Modules

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

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 (including a 0 credit compulsory placement year preparation module). 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
HAP2906	Preparing for Placements 2	0	No

Optional Modules

Select a further 75 credits of optional 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

120 credit compulsory placement year module

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
HAP3906	Work Placement Year	120	Yes

Stage 4

In stage four (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.

You must take a minimum of 60 credits (if also taking 30 credits from other disciplines) and a maximum of 90 credits from the optional modules available.

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. 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.	Written essays (or equivalent) (ILOs 1-6) Critical reviews (ILOs 1,3,5) Examinations (ILOs 1,2,3,5) Year long projects (Research Toolkit and Dissertation) (ILOs 1-5) Oral presentations (ILOs 1-5) 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.

Written essays (or equivalent) (ILOs 1-6)
Critical reviews (ILOs 1,3,5)
Examinations (ILOs 1,2,3,5)
Year long projects (Research Toolkit and Dissertation) (ILOs 1-5)
Oral presentations (ILOs 1-5)
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.	Written essays (or equivalent) (ILOs 7-22) Critical reviews (ILOs 7, 10, 14-17, 22) Examinations (ILOs 7, 8, 9, 11,17) Year long projects (Research Toolkit and Dissertation) (ILOs 7-21) Oral presentations (ILOs 8, 9, 12, 15, 20) 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.

Written essays (or equivalent) (ILOs 7-22)
Critical reviews (ILOs 7, 10, 14-17, 22)
Examinations (ILOs 7, 8, 9, 11,17)
Year long projects (Research Toolkit and Dissertation) (ILOs 7-21)
Oral presentations (ILOs 8, 9, 12, 15, 20)
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.	Essays (ILOs 23-26, 30 and 32) Group projects / presentations (ILOs 23, 29-31) Presentations (ILOs 23, 28, 30) Year long projects (ILOs 23, 32) Group role plays (ILOs 29-31) Seminar participation (ILOs 28, 30) Examinations (ILO 27) Reflective diaries (ILO 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.

Essays (ILOs 23-26, 30 and 32)

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

Presentations (ILOs 23, 28, 30)

Year long projects (ILOs 23, 32)

Group role plays (ILOs 29-31)

Seminar participation (ILOs 28, 30)

Examinations (ILO 27)

Reflective diaries (ILO 26)

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

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.

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 Employment Experience Abroad

19. UCAS Code

L296

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits		ECTS credits

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Politics and international relations

23. Dates

Origin Date	20/09/2017	Date of last revision	05/06/2024

Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Employment Experience 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