Degrees Offered

• BA Single Honours International Politics and Conflict Studies (UCAS Code: L253)
• BA Joint Honours French and International Studies (UCAS Code: RLC2)
• BA Joint Honours History and International Studies (UCAS Code LV21)
• BA Joint Honours International Studies and Irish (UCAS Code: LQF5)
• BA Joint Honours International Studies and Politics (UCAS Code: L290)
• BA Joint Honours International Studies and Spanish (UCAS Code: LRF4)

Contact Information

For entrance requirements: 
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838

For course information:
Dr Dan Bulley 
School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy 
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3165 
E: d.bulley@qub.ac.uk 
W: www.qub.ac.uk/pisp

Entrance Requirements

BA Single Honours
International Politics and Conflict Studies 3 yrs (L253)

BA Joint Honours
French and International Studies 4 yrs (RLC2)
History and International Studies 3 yrs (LV21)
International Studies and Irish 3 yrs (LQF5)
International Studies and Politics 3 yrs (L290)
International Studies and Spanish 4 yrs (LRF4)

Note: for Joint Honours options the title of this degree is 'International Studies'.

Entrance Requirements

A-level: ABB for Single Honours and Joint Honours with History and Politics. BBB for other options.

Irish Leaving Certificate: B2B2B2B2B2B2/AB2B2B2B2


All applicants
There are no specific subject requirements to study International Politics and Conflict Studies, however, if you plan to study International Studies as a Joint Honours degree you should refer to the subject requirements for the other course.


For students whose first language is not English 
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses. For a full list click here

The Subject

How can we better understand 'power' in an age of global terrorism, unprecedented economic shifts, social and humanitarian crises and environmental catastrophes? 

Many of the most important political issues and debates confronting us today are located in the international arena, and the last decade has been a particularly turbulent time, giving rise to many headlines on issues such as global terrorism, political revolutions, the aftermath of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as Western decisions over intervention in Libya and Syria. 

The International Politics and Conflict Studies degree at Queen's is about more than just armed conflict and insurgency. It also examines such trends as globalisation (and considers the challenge from the rise of China and India and the impact of the American mortgage markets on the political economy of Western Europe) and also humanitarian issues (such as poverty, development and refugees).

Course Content

Year 1 
Students are introduced to the study of politics, the state of world politics, international history, contemporary Europe and politics, and the media. 

Year 2 
In their second year, students focus on the political, economic and social transformations of the 20th century and beyond, and will be able to advance their conceptual understanding of the field of international relations and conflict by studying modules such as: 

American Politics 
Deeply Divided Societies 
International Organisations 
International Relations 
Security and Terrorism 
The Politics and Policies of the European Union 

Year 3 
In the final year, students can select more specific areas and specialist-based modules on, for example, the Middle East, Southern Africa, the European Union, and modules on identity politics, international ethics, conflict and conflict resolution.

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BA (Hons.) International Studies and Politics we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.   Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading.  Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
• E-Learning technologies:   Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online.  A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example:  interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.
• Seminars/tutorials:  Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students).  These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers.  Students should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Self-directed study:  This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Internships:  Students taking BA (Hons.) in International Studies and Politics may undertake an Internship after Level 2.  This is an invaluable learning and employability enhancement opportunity.
• Dissertation:  In final year, students may undertake a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that they have chosen.  They will receive support from a supervisor who will guide them in terms of how to carry out research and who will provide feedback on at least 4 occasions during the write-up stage.
• Personal Tutor:  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment (general):  The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module.  Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.  Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.  Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback (general):  As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers.  University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that students, as individuals or as part of a group, have submitted. 
• Face to face comment.  This may include occasions when students make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.  In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which students can review in their own time. 
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work. 

Careers

Overview:  Studying for an International Studies and Politics degree at Queen’s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.  Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including International Studies and Politics.

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in the Public and Third (Voluntary and Community) sectors, significant numbers develop careers in the Private Sector. 

Employer Links – Consultations:We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Northern Ireland government departments and the North/South Ministerial Council who provide sponsorship for our Internships. 

Placement Employers:Our past students have also gained work placement with organisations such as:

You should also take a look at www.prospects.ac.ukfor further information concerning the types of jobs that attract International Studies and Politics Graduates.

For those wishing to pursue further study after their first degree, the School provides a range of MA programmes, each of which can be taken either full-time in one year or part-time over two years. The MA programmes, each of which consists of four taught courses and a dissertation, are: Politics; Irish Politics; Comparative Ethnic Conflict; International Politics; Violence, Terrorism and Security; European Integration and Public Policy; Gender and Society; Political Philosophy. There are also opportunities to do a MRes in Politics, and an MPhil or PhD by thesis. See the School Websitefor more information.

Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plus initiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  See Queen’s University Belfast fullEmployability Statementfor further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives:  Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports. 

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students).  Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts.  As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plusin particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.

Special Features

Centre of Excellence: the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy at Queen's has 33 full-time academics, making it the largest institutional centre for the study of these subjects in Ireland and one of the largest in the UK. 

Placement: past students have gained work placements with organisations such as the BBC, Police Ombudsman's Office, Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Local Government Staff Commission, NI Electoral Commission, NI Local Government Association, NI political parties and Mencap. 

Study Abroad: all students within this degree programme will have the possibility of opting to study for a semester abroad in their third year at an English-speaking university in mainland Europe. There is also a possibility for some to spend an additional year in the United States under the Study USA programme.

Last updated: 12.09.13