Course Structure

The programme has three different components: Core modules, Elective modules, and an MA dissertation.

Students undertake two core modules in each taught semester, and a further optional module.

The dissertation is completed over the summer.

Each taught module is worth 20 CATS points. The dissertation is worth 60 CATS points. The MA requires completion of 180 CATS.

1. Students will be taught a wide range of research methods in the field and would need to identify, critically evaluate and apply a range of methodologies
2. In their taught modules particular emphasis would be given to the study of theory. Students would then be required to reflect on their own theoretical approaches in their independent study.
3. Students would be exposed to these issues through their study of the scholarship in this field. Their selection and development of an independent research would allow them to demonstrate and be assessed on their understanding of such issues.

Course Content

The programme has three different components: Core modules, Elective modules, and an MA dissertation. Students undertake two core modules in each taught semester, and a further optional module. The dissertation is completed over the summer. Each taught module is worth 20 CATS points. The dissertation is worth 60 CATS points. The MA requires completion of 180 CATS. In the Autumn Semester students undertake two required core modules and one optional module. Each module is worth 20 CATS. CORE MODULES: GGY7001: Critical Geopolitics – this is an introductory module, covering key thinkers and core issues in contemporary geopolitics. HAP7001: Approaches and Debates in Research Design – this workshop-based module provides you with the methodological tools for conducting independent research covering a range of methods used across humanities and social sciences. OPTIONAL MODULES, one of which is taken: PAI7032: Gender, Peace and Security This module analyses the link between gender, politics and democracy in a comparative context. It begins by discussing approaches to research gender in social science, and specifically in political science. The fundamental concept of political representation is adopted as the theoretical prism through which patterns of gender presence and interest representation are explored. Numerical, or ‘descriptive’ representation is taken as a starting point, and develops into discussions on the role of parties, electoral systems, and gender quotas in addressing women’s political under-representation in a global context. The contribution of women’s movements, state feminism and trans-national agencies in fostering gender democracy is also discussed. The module incorporates insights from current research on the subject by well-known scholars and offers an opportunity to students to study the subject in detail and to participate in the activities of the Centre for Advancement of Women in Politics. PAI7051: Contemporary Security The module will examine the key theoretical approaches and practical issues and debates that have defined the evolution of Security Studies. They will engage the changing definitions of security and approaches to understanding security. It will address both ‘domestic’ and ‘international’ security and the ways in which these are increasingly connected in both theory and practice. Moreover, it will introduce students to the inter-disciplinary nature of engagements with security (from politics to geography to technology). It will engage theorising in application by introducing students both to the major concepts and theoretical assumptions of understandings of security and showing how these play out in debates and practices of security. Students will be introduced to the core concepts and differences between ‘traditional’ rationalist theories of security and the emergence and development of varieties of critical security studies. They will then examine key issues in security that may include: The state, sovereignty and internal securities; uncertainty, the security dilemma and risk; regimes, regions and security communities; non-proliferation and disarmament; theorising war; migration and borders; surveillance and security; cyber-security; environmental security: beyond energy and resource conflict; Poverty, food, and human security; gender and security; and others. Students will therefore engage critically with the intersections of theory and practice; domestic and international; and state and human securities; and be able to understand contemporary transformations of security in relation to power, sovereignty, mobilities, and technology. PAI7098: Democratic Challenges This module aims to identify and explore the central challenges facing democratic politics today. Long standing worries about falling rates of formal political participation, and about the responsiveness of democratic institutions have been accentuated by the recent rise of populist movements in Europe and the US. The Brexit vote and the election of Donald Trump raise a number of pressing questions about the future of democratic politics: are we witnessing the beginning of the decline of traditional party systems? Has the rise of social media as a source of information and means of political communication enhanced democratic deliberation or encouraged extremism? Can existing institutions adequately cope with popular discontent? This module aims to draw on both theoretical and empirical political science approaches to explore the challenges facing contemporary democracies. The precise topics covered may vary from year to year, but examples include: different conceptions of political freedom and control, the impact of social media on political deliberation, the concept of populism and charismatic leadership, understanding voting behaviour, The role of parties and party systems, understanding different forms of political participation, and the design of democratic institutions. PAI7099: The UK and Europe This module offers students the opportunity to address core issues in Politics via a focus on the UK’s relationship with Europe in a time of flux. It is built around three broad themes: understanding, negotiating and delivering Brexit. The first part of the module focuses on explaining the UK’s past relationship with Europe, it’s nature as an ‘awkward partner’ in European integration and the outcome of the 2016 Referendum (“understanding Brexit”). It introduces students to theories of Euroscepticism, ideas of British ‘exceptionalism’ and the study of elections, referendums and public opinion. The second part of the module engages with the on-going Brexit negotiations, in terms of trade, citizens’ rights and borders. It introduces students to the politics of trade and negotiation dynamics. It considers and explain changes to both the UK and EU positions in the negotiations. The third part of the module focuses on Brexit delivery - the administrative challenges of taking back control and the constitutional challenges of repatriating competences for central and devolved governments. It introduces students to studies of multi-level governance and devolution and theories of implementation, enforcement and good governance. PAI7021: The politics of Northern Ireland The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement put an end to armed conflict in Northern Ireland and set up institutions designed to govern a society and polity divided along unionist and nationalist lines. As the experience of Northern Ireland shows, governing in such a context is not easy. Stability and cross-community agreement can be hard to reach, which has occasionally led to the suspension of Northern Ireland’s institutions. Yet these institutions have endured despite repeated crises and are heralded by some as examples of post-conflict governance. The module explores contemporary developments in Northern Irish politics and discusses institutional design and politics in a changing Northern Ireland. It addresses topics such as the development of Northern Ireland’s consociational model of government, how institutions like the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive perform their functions, how parties and identity shape politics and voting behaviour, North-South relations after Brexit, and Northern Ireland’s place in Europe. PAI7038: Theories of Comparative Politics The module is divided into four parts. The first is an overview of the field, placing it in the context of the evolution of political science since World War II. We review the particular assumptions and questions that have marked thinking about politics from the 1950s, and how these have influenced the evolution of the discipline of comparative politics. This section also includes some of the fundamental critiques of the way the discipline has evolved. Three illustrations are highlighted: the legacies of Marx, Durkheim and Weber. The second part looks closely at the rational choice theories that mark the fundamental orientation of the field. This is followed, in the third part, by a discussion of the logic and process of comparison according to the tradition of political institutionalism. The fourth section emphasizes critical debates on political culture and state/society relations. Given the enormous scope and breadth of the field, we cannot cover all the debates or even probe a selected few to their depths. Therefore, students are cautioned that our readings and discussions are a beginning—and far from conclusive. We will look at the basic approaches and controversies surrounding the following topics: the political system and the state (and the system-state debate); (political) culture; development (with the challenges from underdevelopment and dependency); and the ‘new institutionalism.' PAI7103 Global Development This module will cover cutting-edge debates on the contemporary form and function of the policies, theories, and practices that comprise the field of Global Development. This module is not only concerned with mainstream policy and practices, but also with the dialectical processes of resistance that are generated from the implementation of ‘Development’ practices and projects across diverse polities and geographical contexts. Interdisciplinary in nature, this module draws from scholarly fields across: International Political Economy; Human Geography; Business Management; International Relations, and Development Studies. In the Spring Semester students undertake two required core modules and one optional module. Each module is worth 20 CATS. CORE MODULES: GGY7002: Geo-power: States, Sovereignty, Territory This module will introduce students to some of the latest research in critical geopolitics exploring the spatial dynamics operating within the frameworks of politics. Through a range of historical and contemporary case studies it will incorporate perspectives on state, sub-state and super-state structures and actors, and critically engage with key geopolitical concepts such as the nation, the state, sovereignty, government, identity and belonging. These case studies will allow the exploration of topics such as empire and spaces of postcolonial encounter, gender, identity and space, knowledge and representation. It will incorporate themes such as the political power of imperial mapping, the politics of gender in geopolitical conflicts, or discourses of territory and bordering in post-imperial spaces, to name just a few, to understand the interplay between space, power and politics. Challenging traditional definitions of power and the political, as well as spatial presuppositions, it will explore the working of power ranging from violence, control and domination, to productive and soft power and influence operating at a range of different scales on the communal, regional, national and global levels. Students will therefore engage critically with the intersections of theory and practice; domestic and international; and state and non-state actors; through a broad range of case studies, and be able to understand contemporary transformations in the changing geopolitical landscape. GGY7003: Culture and the Geopolitics of the Everyday This module will introduce students to some of the latest research in critical geopolitics, that understands geopolitics as embedded into the rituals, practices and representations of everyday life and culture, affect and non-representational political geography. The module additionally covers subjects such as the geopolitical aspects to religion, the environment, literature, art and popular culture and new media. It will expose how central questions in political geography, such as borders and migration, global power structures, conflict and security, are reflected in, and are shaped by, local, national and cross-national cultures. Topics covered will include geopolitical interpretations of different types of media, including books and films, news reports, comics, games, and social networking sites, while exploring a range of contemporary case studies. The module will also examine work which considers the significance of audiences in the establishment of contemporary geopolitical discourse. Through this explorations students will learn how the geopolitical shapes our experiences of structures of power through language, visual imagery and affect, and to critically engage with the geopolitics of the everyday and of cultural production and consumption. OPTIONAL MODULES, one of which is taken: PAI7007: Global Terrorism This module introduces students to the range of important issues relating to the phenomenon of global terrorism and responses in terms of the global war on terrorism. The key debates that students will engage with will include: the emergence of transnational terrorism structures, transnational terrorism case studies, state and transnational state responses to terrorism including international actors such as the UN, NATO and other regional organisations. The study of these debates will lead to the investigation of particular groups, state actors, themes and responses which will culminate in a student-led simulation exercise. Overall the module aims to equip students with an understanding of the key discourse and examples as they pertain to contemporary terrorist challenges and responses at a global level. PAI7027: Conflict Intervention The module will evaluate the changing nature of intervention, from unilateral forceful intervention to multi-lateral intervention, to humanitarian intervention, and third party mediation. Focusing on state, intergovernmental and non-governmental actors’ interventions, it will look at various conflict intervention practices in all phases of conflict from conflict prevention to post-conflict peacebuilding. PAI7030: International Political Economy This module provides a themed examination of the changing politics of the world economy, through the lens of the sub/inter-discipline, known as International Political Economy. International Political Economy (IPE) has become the accepted academic term for the analysis of the exercise of economic power and the politics of economic policy and capitalist development placed in a global context. This module introduces students to theories and concepts in International Political Economy related to the exercise of power and authority. It then goes to analyze a number of key topics and issues relating to the power and politics of economic organization and management including: the future of United States supremacy; the politics of money and finance; theories of development; the politics and policy of economic development in developing countries; problems of underdevelopment; the politics of global civil society; the global politics of energy policy and climate change; and the political economy of environmental sustainability. PAI7032: Gender and politics This module analyses the link between gender, politics and democracy in a comparative context. It begins by discussing approaches to research gender in social science, and specifically in political science. The fundamental concept of political representation is adopted as the theoretical prism through which patterns of gender presence and interest representation are explored. Numerical, or ‘descriptive’ representation is taken as a starting point, and develops into discussions on the role of parties, electoral systems, and gender quotas in addressing women’s political under-representation in a global context. The contribution of women’s movements, state feminism and trans-national agencies in fostering gender democracy is also discussed. The module incorporates insights from current research on the subject by well-known scholars and offers an opportunity to students to study the subject in detail and to participate in the activities of the Centre for Advancement of Women in Politics. PAI7036: Low Carbon Economies This module will take as it’s starting the concept of ‘Carbon Literacy’, its definition, measurement and development. Students will study policy making, governance and institutional structures at International, national, regional and local levels through the selection of relevant case studies. They will gain an understanding of the spectrum of carbon literacy and the challenges of identifying knowledge and capacity building needs for stakeholders, policy and decision makers at all levels, from global to local and individual. PAI7050: Ethnic Conflict and Consensus: the Power of Institutions This module examines concepts of ethnicity, national identity, multiculturalism as they relate to contemporary conflict. Students will be provided with a detailed and critical analysis of the political and constitutional options in societies beset by ethnic conflict, with particular emphasis being given to mechanisms directed at and institutions involved in management of and accommodation after the conflict. By examining theories of ethnic conflict the module introduces students to issues underlying conflicts across the globe including nation building and rights of minorities, territorialisation of ethnicity, partition and secession management, and kin-state involvement as well as socio-political integration as mechanisms to avert and/or resolve ethnic conflicts. The module introduces students to debates about the construction and salience of ethnicity as a source of conflict. We conclude by critically examining how these debates inform approaches to ethnic conflict management and which implications they have for practical solutions of ethnic conflicts. PAI7052: Institutions and Politics of the EU The module will examine the key theoretical approaches and practical issues and debates that have defined the evolution of Security Studies. They will engage the changing definitions of security and approaches to understanding security. It will address both ‘domestic’ and ‘international’ security and the ways in which these are increasingly connected in both theory and practice. Moreover, it will introduce students to the inter-disciplinary nature of engagements with security (from politics to geography to technology). It will engage theorising in application by introducing students both to the major concepts and theoretical assumptions of understandings of security and showing how these play out in debates and practices of security. Students will be introduced to the core concepts and differences between ‘traditional’ rationalist theories of security and the emergence and development of varieties of critical security studies. They will then examine key issues in security that may include: The state, sovereignty and internal securities; uncertainty, the security dilemma and risk; regimes, regions and security communities; non-proliferation and disarmament; theorising war; migration and borders; surveillance and security; cyber-security; environmental security: beyond energy and resource conflict; Poverty, food, and human security; gender and security; and others. Students will therefore engage critically with the intersections of theory and practice; domestic and international; and state and human securities; and be able to understand contemporary transformations of security in relation to power, sovereignty, mobilities, and technology. PAI7100: Engaging Citizens in Democratic Institutions This module explores the relationship between citizens and political decision-making in contemporary democracies. Around the world, conventional democratic processes and institutions have come under strain. Decreasing levels of voter turnout, low levels of trust in politicians and political institutions, and declining membership of traditional organisations such as political parties are just some expressions of a growing gap between citizens and decision-makers. This module will critically examine the changing nature of citizen engagement with democratic decision-making before considering ways of supplementing conventional processes and institutions with greater opportunities for citizen participation. We will consider two broad approaches. First, the module will introduce students to well-established forms of citizen participation, such as traditional consultations, public meetings and referendums. Using examples from around the world, it will then introduce students to a range of democratic innovations designed to engage citizens in consultation processes differently, such as participatory budgeting and deliberative mini-publics. Students will engage in debates about different practical forms of participatory and deliberative democracy as well as learn about how these consultation processes are designed and implemented. The objectives are to enable students to engage critically in discussions about citizen engagement and public participation and to develop their public engagement skills. Throughout the module there will be an emphasis on connecting academic research with democratic practice: where possible students will hear directly from practitioners and will have the opportunity to attend and observe real-world forms of citizen engagement. Students will: • Attend one two-hour seminar each week; • Submit two pieces of coursework (one essay and one case study report); • Deliver a presentation during one seminar. PAI7058: From Cold War to Cold Peace: The Transformation of International Order (1979-1999) The Cold War: Historical and Political Science Explanations (The origins of the Cold War – traditional and revisionists schools of thought) - The Bloc Formation & Structural Stability (Pacts – LTBT –NPT – SALT East-West Regime Formation) - From Détente to the Second Cold War: The Empire of Evil ( CSCE – Re-armament – Euromissile Crisis - SDI – Periphery) - Gorbachev’s ideology – The New Thinking (Change in Soviet ideology under Gorbachev) - Soviet-US relations (Reagan, Bush and Gorbachev – from Reykjavik to Malta, INF, START, CFE ) - The Velvet revolutions in the Soviet bloc (From Brezhnev doctrine to Sinatra doctrine - collapse of Communism) - Gorbachev and the German Questions, 1989-1991 (2+4, OSCE, troops status – Common House of Europe) - The Dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and of the Soviet Union, 1990-1991 (The causes of the Soviet collapse & CIS formation) - The Cold Peace 1991-1999 (NATO Enlargement – Russia-NATO Council, Yugoslavia) - From Cold Peace to Frozen Conflicts, 1999-2015 (Responses to Western meddling in Post Soviet space under Putin. Coloured revolutions, August War with Georgia, the Ukraine crisis) PAI7102: Global Ireland The module would explore Ireland’s international experience, from the past to present, with a focus on three key relationships: that with Britain, with America and with Europe. Through multi-method research, it would explore common themes of empire, colonialism, emigration, diaspora identities, economic development, and culture. It would examine the intersection of these at key moments in Ireland’s recent past such as the 1990s, when the Celtic Tiger economy, peace process, and global popularity of U2 and Riverdance all demonstrated the importance of the Irish diaspora. It would also involve comparative examination of different diaspora experiences: how the Northern Ireland conflict affected the Irish in Britain; how Irish-America contributed to that conflict, but also its resolution; and the impact of less notable diaspora groups like the Ulster-Scots in the US or the Orange Order in Canada and Scotland. The course will look at how Irish foreign policy priorities continue to be shaped by its colonial past, particularly its role in the UN and peace-keeping operations but question the integrity of its claimed neutrality in recent conflicts. It will reflect on the implications of globalisation and the role of the “New Irish” and other identities in Ireland that are now reshaping its global image. The module will conclude by considering the challenges of contemporary geopolitics, including climate change, and where Brexit and Covid have both threatened the openness of Irish economic model, and Joe Biden’s election might be considered the last hurrah for Irish-America, whilst a Chinese century unfolds. PHL7057: Social Injustice This module examines the problem of social injustice in contemporary, plural societies. The first half of the module explores some of the main philosophical assessments of social injustice. Students will first be introduced to key critiques of liberal theory as a response to the structural disadvantages associated with difference (including race, gender, sexual-orientation, religion, and class, among others). Here, liberal policy approaches to difference (including toleration, uniform treatment, and non-discrimination), will be critiqued alongside liberal modes of justification for their failure to deal appropriately with the disadvantages suffered by affected groups. The second half of the module discusses the practical implications of both social injustice and its potential solutions. Precise topics vary year-on-year, but may include discussion of some of the following questions: Is unfettered freedom of speech a necessary feature of or a hindrance in the fight for social equality? What role does historical injustice play in the ongoing oppression of marginalised groups? Is the recognition of difference the appropriate response to cultural domination? How has social media changed the shape of social justice movements? Is civil disobedience a legitimate response to injustice, and must it always be ‘civil’ in nature? CSJ7005 Religion and Peacebuilding The module familiarises students with the field of religious peacebuilding, which is one of the growth areas within conflict transformation studies in the social sciences. The module establishes the nature of religious peacebuilding as it currently conceived and which has moved it intellectually significantly beyond inter-faith dialogue between the world religions. Religious peacebuilding is now integrally tied to the idea of reconciliation, conflict transformation and social justice and is thus a meeting ground for theology, ethics and social science. The course places particular emphasis on three dimensions within religious peacebuilding, the role of religion in truth recovery, transitional justice, and inter-faith dialogue. These processes are subject to critical review and the module assesses the boundaries of unforgivingness after conflict, the burden of memory and the boundaries of forgetting, the problems with ‘truth’ and truth recovery, the limits of shame apologies and reparations, the constraints on inter-faith dialogue and the engagement of religious practitioners in social transformation and social justice after conflict. The module will focus on religious peacebuilding internationally, covering such cases as Northern Ireland, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Israel-Palestine and the Middle East, and South Africa. The module will provide opportunities to engage with practitioners in faith-based NGOs in Northern Ireland about their personal engagement in religious peacebuilding. The module will lay the necessary conceptual, methodological and substantive foundations for students, if they wish, to carry out their own independent researches in religious peacebuilding within the dissertation associated with the MA in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice, and in other contexts, including possible future PhD research. The module is seminar based and will use a variety of different pedagogic strategies, ranging from lectures, student seminar presentations, student-led discussions, videos, and discussions with faith-based practitioners from Northern Ireland. ANT7023 Anthropology of Conflict: Ireland and Beyond This module will explore the development of anthropological approaches to conflict, examining what social and cultural anthropologists have added to our knowledge of conflict. It will particularly examine issues of group identity and cohesion in relations to conflict. Examining theories of ethnicity and nationalism it will examine power and hegemony of the state. In relation to this there will be a focus upon aspects of remembering and social memory, on the use of rituals and symbols and of the way acts of violence are legitimised or delegitimised. The course will look at examples from Irish case studies but work on a comparative basis. Students complete their dissertation over the summer months. While you will begin work on their dissertations in the Autumn and Spring Semesters, but most intensive research and analysis is over the summer months. A dissertation (GGY7099) of up to 15,000 words will be produced through an independent research project. This is worth 60 CATS points. Students are guided in this by an academic expert supervisor. Supervisors for GGY7099 may be drawn from experts in either the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, or from Geography in the School of Natural and Built Environment. If you wish to take the programme on part time basis you will be required to complete 3 taught modules each year (one in first semester and two in second semester or vice versus). It is advised you should complete the core modules in your first year. Please note, all modules run at the same time for full time and part time students. Please contact the programme convenor for further information.

Teaching Times

Teaching takes place at a variety of times from 9-8pm Monday ��� Friday.

Career Prospects

Introduction
The MA in Geopolitics was launched in September 2021.

MA Geopolitics can lead to a PhD in Geography, Politics, International Studies or environmental studies. It would also train you for employment in all sectors of government and the public sector, international agencies, NGOs, international corporations, media and information industries.

Learning and Teaching

Upon successful completion of this course students will have gained knowledge and understanding, subject specific skills, and transferable and cognitive skills.

Assessment

You will be part of a community of learners situated across two academic Schools and will be able to avail of research activities and seminar series in both.

Vibrant debate and discussion form a core part of class time. You will gain experience in applying qualitative and quantitative approaches to real world political concerns. All teaching staff are at the forefront of contemporary research and debate in their fields.

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Geo-power: States, Sovereignty, Territory (20 credits)

  ×

  Geo-power: States, Sovereignty, Territory

  Overview

  This module will introduce students to some of the latest research in critical geopolitics exploring the spatial dynamics operating within the frameworks of politics. Through a range of historical and contemporary case studies it will incorporate perspectives on state, sub-state and super-state structures and actors, and critically engage with key geopolitical concepts such as the nation, the state, sovereignty, government, identity and belonging. These case studies will allow the exploration of topics such as empire and spaces of postcolonial encounter, gender, identity and space, knowledge and representation. It will incorporate themes such as the political power of imperial mapping, the politics of gender in geopolitical conflicts, or discourses of territory and bordering in post-imperial spaces, to name just a few, to understand the interplay between space, power and politics. Challenging traditional definitions of power and the political, as well as spatial presuppositions, it will explore the working of power ranging from violence, control and domination, to productive and soft power and influence operating at a range of different scales on the communal, regional, national and global levels. Students will therefore engage critically with the intersections of theory and practice; domestic and international; and state and non-state actors; through a broad range of case studies, and be able to understand contemporary transformations in the changing geopolitical landscape.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, students will have attained:
  - An advanced knowledge of contemporary critical approaches to geopolitics and power;
  - An ability to critically evaluate a range of relevant theoretical approaches and analytical techniques;
  - Experience in the processes of advanced academic writing, including the formulation of critical arguments and the ability to accurately summarise academic work

  Skills

  On successful completion, students will have acquired skills including (T taught, P practiced, A assessed):
  
  Subject specific:
  1) To identify and appreciate the key conceptual approaches used in the study of critical geopolitics (T; P; A);
  2) To identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject- specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments (T; P; A);
  4) To think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field (P; A)
  
  Cognitive:
  1) Managing & prioritising knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge (T; P; A);
  2) Analytical thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject- specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments (P; A);
  3) Critical and independent thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field (P; A);
  4) Abstract and synthesise information from a range of different geographical sources (T; P; A)
  
  Transferable:
  1) To think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument. (P; A);
  2) Written and oral communication (P, A);
  3) To reflect on one’s own progress (P);
  4) To negotiate diverse and competing pressures (P);
  5) To use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments (P; A)

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  GGY7002

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Critical Geopolitics (20 credits)

  ×

  Critical Geopolitics

  Overview

  The aim of this module is to introduce students to the central theoretical frameworks and conceptual debates underpinning the study of political geography. Drawing from literature in critical geopolitics and human geography more generally, this module will identify and critically reflect on some of the questions that are informing current research in global politics and have shaped today’s research agendas. Both approaches from the social sciences and the humanities will be discussed and the epistemological and ontological status of particular approaches reviewed. Topics that will be addressed in the module include: states, nations and landscapes; spatiality of knowledge and power; new mobilities; urban political geography and vertical geographies. Taking the form of weekly seminars each session will include the discussion of a key conceptual text and a paper exemplifying the use of a particular approach to a specific empirical question. The module will seek to provide an overview of ‘grounded’ theory, and will provide a background for the completion of a literature review for the dissertation component of the degree programme.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, students will have attained:
  
  - an advanced knowledge of social science and humanities conceptual frameworks for tackling current research questions in geopolitics;
  - an ability to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a range of relevant theoretical approaches and analytical techniques;
  - an ability to identify suitable conceptual literature to underpin the research in their chosen dissertation topic;
  - experience in the processes of writing a literature review and preparing an annotated bibliography that will act as a backdrop to their dissertation proposal.

  Skills

  On successful completion, students will have acquired skills including (T taught, P practiced, A assessed).
  
  Subject specific:
  1) To identify and appreciate the key conceptual approaches used in the study of global politics (T; P; A);
  2) To evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of different theoretical approaches to different fields of enquiry in global politics (T; P; A);
  3) To identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments (T; P; A);
  4) To think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field (P; A)
  
  Cognitive skills:
  1) Managing & prioritising knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge (T; P; A);
  2) Analytical thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments (P; A);
  3) Critical and independent thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field (P; A);
  4) To abstract and synthesise information from a range of different geographical sources (T; P; A)
  5) To develop a research literature search (T; P; A)
  
  Transferable skills:
  1) To think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument. (P; A);
  2) Written and oral communication (P, A);
  3) To reflect on one’s own progress (P);
  4) To negotiate diverse and competing pressures (P);
  5) To use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments (P; A)

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  GGY7001

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN (20 credits)

  ×

  APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN

  Overview

  This module aims to introduce key approaches to research design, while also introducing some of the contemporary debates in research in the social sciences and humanities. It will also provide students with an introduction to some of the key practical research skills they will find of use when designing and conducting their academic research. These skills are also those which students will find necessary as they continue their academic and research career.
  
  Students will have a high degree of choice across workshops, enabling them to tailor the module content to their pathway of student and personal research goals. The workshops will address five key areas: Fundamentals of Research; Debates; Philosophy of Science/Epistemology; Qualitative Methods; and Quantitative Methods.
  
  The broad aims of the module are to:
  • Introduce students to the diversity of research approaches and debates;
  • Heighten awareness of methodological issues facing researchers in the social sciences and humanities;
  • Develop an awareness of interdisciplinarity and its potentials and challenges in research;
  • Encourage students to develop their research skills through the selective use of this reading guide and their own search for appropriate literature on research design topics that are of interest to them.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, students will have:
  • obtained a clear understanding of some central issues and methodological debates that are basic to social science and humanities research;
  • been introduced to interdisciplinarity in research, and developed an understanding of how it relates to their own work;
  • communicated this understanding in an analytically rigorous manner through assessed written work;
  • demonstrated the kind of methodological awareness that will allow them to pursue their own research or coursework in an analytically rigorous and self-critical manner.
  • been equipped with the intellectual capacity to defend a particular approach to their own research;
  • started to make preparations for a research dissertation.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon ones own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  HAP7001

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Culture and the Geopolitics of the Everyday (20 credits)

  ×

  Culture and the Geopolitics of the Everyday

  Overview

  This module will introduce students to some of the latest research in critical geopolitics, that understands geopolitics as embedded into the rituals, practices and representations of everyday life and culture, affect and non-representational political geography. The module additionally covers subjects such as the geopolitical aspects to religion, the environment, literature, art and popular culture and new media. It will expose how central questions in political geography, such as borders and migration, global power structures, conflict and security, are reflected in, and are shaped by, local, national and cross-national cultures. Topics covered will include geopolitical interpretations of different types of media, including books and films, news reports, comics, games, and social networking sites, while exploring a range of contemporary case studies. The module will also examine work which considers the significance of audiences in the establishment of contemporary geopolitical discourse. Through this explorations students will learn how the geopolitical shapes our experiences of structures of power through language, visual imagery and affect, and to critically engage with the geopolitics of the everyday and of cultural production and consumption.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, students will have attained:
  - An advanced knowledge of contemporary critical approaches to geopolitics and culture;
  - An ability to critically evaluate a range of relevant theoretical approaches and analytical techniques;
  - Experience in the processes of advanced academic writing, including the formulation of critical arguments and the ability to accurately summarise academic work

  Skills

  On successful completion, students will have acquired skills including (T taught, P practiced, A assessed):
  
  Subject specific:
  1) To identify and appreciate the key conceptual approaches used in the study of critical geopolitics (T; P; A);
  2) To identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject- specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments (T; P; A);
  4) To think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field (P; A)
  
  Cognitive:
  1) Managing & prioritising knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge (T; P; A);
  2) Analytical thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject- specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments (P; A);
  3) Critical and independent thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field (P; A);
  4) Abstract and synthesise information from a range of different geographical sources (T; P; A)
  
  Transferable:
  1) To think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument. (P; A);
  2) Written and oral communication (P, A);
  3) To reflect on one’s own progress (P);
  4) To negotiate diverse and competing pressures (P);
  5) To use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments (P; A)

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  GGY7003

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Dissertation (60 credits)

  ×

  Dissertation

  Overview

  The research and writing of a 15,000-word dissertation on any chosen aspect of Geopolitics.

  Learning Outcomes

  To encourage students to engage in independent and original research.

  Skills

  Students are allocated an individual supervisor, with whom they work closely throughout the research, drafting and writing of their dissertation. The skills required for ongoing research, organisation of a thesis and professional writing and presentation of a dissertation are all acquired, and monitored, through liaison with the supervisor.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  GGY9099

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Optional Modules

  From Cold War to Cold Peace: The Transformation of the International Order, 1979-1999 (20 credits)

  ×

  From Cold War to Cold Peace: The Transformation of the International Order, 1979-1999

  Overview

  - The Cold War: Historical and Political Science Explanations (The origins of the Cold War – traditional and revisionists schools of thought)
  - The Bloc Formation & Structural Stability (Pacts – LTBT –NPT – SALT East-West Regime Formation)
  - From Détente to the Second Cold War: The Empire of Evil ( CSCE – Re-armament – Euromissile Crisis - SDI – Periphery)
  - Gorbachev’s ideology – The New Thinking (Change in Soviet ideology under Gorbachev)
  - Soviet-US relations (Reagan, Bush and Gorbachev – from Reykjavik to Malta, INF, START, CFE )
  - The Velvet revolutions in the Soviet bloc (From Brezhnev doctrine to Sinatra doctrine - collapse of Communism)
  - Gorbachev and the German Questions, 1989-1991 (2+4, OSCE, troops status – Common House of Europe)
  - The Dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and of the Soviet Union, 1990-1991 (The causes of the Soviet collapse & CIS formation)
  - The Cold Peace 1991-1999 (NATO Enlargement – Russia-NATO Council, Yugoslavia)
  - From Cold Peace to Frozen Conflicts, 1999-2015 (Responses to Western meddling in Post Soviet space under Putin. Coloured revolutions, August War with Georgia, the Ukraine crisis)

  Learning Outcomes

  By the end of this course, you should be able to demonstrate:
  
  - An understanding of international relations in the second half of the twentieth century, and specifically the key explanations for the emergence and demise of the Cold War
  - Understanding of the evolution of the post-Cold War security order in Europe and of the main challenges it faces
  - The ability to analyse and evaluate international relations from historical and political studies perspectives
  - Develop ability to think critically, reason logically, and evaluate evidence in multidisciplinary context
  - Understand main differences and similarities between political and historical methods of studying international affairs

  Skills

  Rational modelling

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7058

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Theories in Comparative Politics (20 credits)

  ×

  Theories in Comparative Politics

  Overview

  This module introduces students to the study of comparative politics through a survey of the main concepts, theoretical debates, and methodological approaches of the field. Critical thinking is stressed throughout the course, and students are encouraged to bring their own ideas into classroom discussions. One major objective of this course is to familiarize students both with “classic” and contemporary theoretical material that is applied throughout political studies. Throughout the module, we will explore important theoretical and methodological issues in the comparative study of political behaviour and institutions.

  Learning Outcomes

  The module will offer students ways of:
  - understanding how concepts are constructed and applied in contemporary study of politics.
  - understand important classic and contemporary works of comparative political studies.
  - understand the key concepts and debates in political studies.
  - understanding and critically assessing advanced political science research.
  - articulating their views about complex topics in a small-group setting.
  - applying comparative perspectives to the field of politics.
  - using advanced social science research while developing reasoned analyzes of social and political phenomena.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  - Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  - Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  - Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  - Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning
  - Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon ones own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  - Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Technical and practical skills
  - Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT
  
  Organizational skills
  - Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  - Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  - Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear argument; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way

  Coursework

  90%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  10%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7038

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Global Development (20 credits)

  ×

  Global Development

  Overview

  This module provides a critical examination of the policies, theories, politics, and practices that comprise the field of international or ‘Global’ Development. This module is not only concerned with mainstream policies and practices, but also with the processes of resistance that result from the pursuit of ‘Development’ projects across diverse polities and geographical contexts. Interdisciplinary in nature, this module provides a comprehensive overview of the field. It engages with literatures and debates across International Political Economy, Human Geography, Business Management, International Relations, and Development Studies.
  
  Students will examine the colonial origins of the development regime, the pursuit of "development" alongside US power and hegemony in the mid-20th century, the role of "modernisation" discourses and "state-led" forms of development, development as a vehicle towards neoliberal capital accumulation, radical and post-modernist understandings on the means and ends of development, the rise of "new" actors and discourses such as Chinese and Indian "South-South Cooperation", the growing privatization of global development, and the ecological limits to the pursuit of development alongside "post-growth" alternatives.
  
  This module will be particularly of interest for those seeking work in international development, international organisations, or non-governmental sectors.

  Learning Outcomes

  * Students will possess an advanced understanding of the current state of international development both as a field of practice and area of academic debate and inquiry. * Students will be able to apply and interrogate a range of concepts from across International Political Economy, International Relations and Human Geography.
  
  * Students will understand not only heterodox critiques of mainstream international development practices and discourses, but they will also receive balanced insights into the practical challenges and bottlenecks faced by practitioners in the field.

  Skills

  This module will assist in developing students’ skills in a number of important areas. These include: Intellectual skills * Managing & Prioritising Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner * Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments * Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field Professional and career development skills * Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing * Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance Technical and practical skills * Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT Organisational skills * Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines * Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information * Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear argument; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way * Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7103

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Social Injustice (20 credits)

  ×

  Social Injustice

  Overview

  This module examines the problem of social injustice in contemporary, plural societies. The first half of the module explores some of the main philosophical assessments of social injustice. Students will first be introduced to key critiques of liberal theory as a response to the structural disadvantages associated with difference (including race, gender, sexual-orientation, religion, and class, among others). Here, liberal policy approaches to difference (including toleration, uniform treatment, and non-discrimination), will be critiqued alongside liberal modes of justification for their failure to deal appropriately with the disadvantages suffered by affected groups.
  
  The second half of the module discusses the practical implications of both social injustice and its potential solutions. Precise topics vary year-on-year, but may include discussion of some of the following questions: Is unfettered freedom of speech a necessary feature of or a hindrance in the fight for social equality? What role does historical injustice play in the ongoing oppression of marginalised groups? Is the recognition of difference the appropriate response to cultural domination? How has social media changed the shape of social justice movements? Is civil disobedience a legitimate response to injustice, and must it always be ‘civil’ in nature?

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module students:
  • Should demonstrate a critical understanding of key debates about social injustice.
  • Should be able to explain some of the central critiques of liberal theory as a way of dealing with structural oppression.
  • Should be familiar with debates surrounding the role of historical injustice as it pertains to ongoing marginalisation.
  • Should have a critical understanding of the changing nature of social justice movements.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner.
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments.
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field.
  
  
  Professional and career development skills
  
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing.
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning.
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment.
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development.
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance.
  
  
  Organizational skills
  
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines.
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information.
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way.
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PHL7057

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Anthropology of Conflict: Ireland and Beyond (20 credits)

  ×

  Anthropology of Conflict: Ireland and Beyond

  Overview

  This module will explore the development of anthropological approaches to conflict, examining what social and cultural anthropologists have added to our knowledge of conflict. It will particularly examine issues of group identity and cohesion in relations to conflict. Examining theories of ethnicity and nationalism it will examine power and hegemony of the state. In relation to this there will be a focus upon aspects of remembering and social memory, on the use of rituals and symbols and of the way acts of violence are legitimised or delegitimised. The course will look at examples from Irish case studies but work on a comparative basis.

  Learning Outcomes

  This module will introduce students to the history and the key theoretical debates within the field of ethnomusicology. On completion of this module students will have:
  
  * to develop a broad understanding of theories of group conflict
  * to develop a broad understanding of mechanisms of group cohesion and conflict
  * to explore the use of the concepts of identity, ethnicity, culture, community, border, symbol, ritual and tradition.
  * to apply theories of identity politics to understanding nationalism and ethnicity
  * to examine the legitimacy of violence and critically explore the notion of ‘terrorism’.
  * To examine lessons from the Irish/British context and compare.
  * to increase competency in research and the writing of academic papers

  Skills

  The course is designed to develop both subject-specific and transferable skills. These include:
  
  * Advanced skills in understanding, evaluating and expressing anthropological arguments, especially concerning the relationship between theory and ethnography;
  * Enhanced skills in group work (through seminars), in note taking, in presentation and in written argument;
  * Library research skills;
  * Critical reading;
  * Advanced writing and oral presentation skills.

  Coursework

  80%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  20%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  ANT7023

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Engaging citizens in democratic institutions (20 credits)

  ×

  Engaging citizens in democratic institutions

  Overview

  This module explores the relationship between citizens and political decision-making in contemporary democracies. Around the world, conventional democratic processes and institutions have come under strain. Decreasing levels of voter turnout, low levels of trust in politicians and political institutions, and declining membership of traditional organisations such as political parties are just some expressions of a growing gap between citizens and decision-makers. This module will critically examine the changing nature of citizen engagement with democratic decision-making before considering ways of supplementing conventional processes and institutions with greater opportunities for citizen participation. We will consider two broad approaches. First, the module will introduce students to well-established forms of citizen participation, such as traditional consultations, public meetings and referendums. Using examples from around the world, it will then introduce students to a range of democratic innovations designed to engage citizens in consultation processes differently, such as participatory budgeting and deliberative mini-publics. Students will engage in debates about different practical forms of participatory and deliberative democracy as well as learn about how these consultation processes are designed and implemented. The objectives are to enable students to engage critically in discussions about citizen engagement and public participation and to develop their public engagement skills. Throughout the module there will be an emphasis on connecting academic research with democratic practice: where possible students will hear directly from practitioners and will have the opportunity to attend and observe real-world forms of citizen engagement.
  
  Students will:
  • Attend one two-hour seminar each week;
  • Submit two pieces of coursework (one essay and one case study report);
  • Deliver a presentation during one seminar.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module students:
  - Will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the challenges involved engaging citizens in democratic institutions;
  - Will understand theoretical and practical debates surrounding both established forms of citizen participation and democratic innovations;
  - Will be able to critically evaluate different forms of citizen engagement;
  - Will have developed basic public engagement skills.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge; manage such information in an independent manner;
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments;
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field.
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing;
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning;
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment;
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon ones own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development;
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance .
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT.
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines;
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information;
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear argument; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way;
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways.

  Coursework

  90%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  10%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7100

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Gender and Politics (20 credits)

  ×

  Gender and Politics

  Overview

  This module analyses the link between gender, politics and democracy in a comparative context. It begins by discussing approaches to research gender in social science, and specifically in political science. The fundamental concept of political representation is adopted as the theoretical prism through which patterns of gender presence and interest representation are explored. Numerical, or ‘descriptive’ representation is taken as a starting point, and develops into discussions on the role of parties, electoral systems, and gender quotas in addressing women’s political under-representation in a global context. The contribution of women’s movements, state feminism and trans-national agencies in fostering gender democracy is also discussed. The module incorporates insights from current research on the subject by well-known scholars and offers an opportunity to students to study the subject in detail and to participate in the activities of the Centre for Advancement of Women in Politics.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, students will be able to;\n- Provide a multi-dimensional analysis of the connections between gender, politics and modern democratic practices;\n- Understand and evaluate a range of feminist research methods appropriate to the social sciences;\n- Have an understanding of normative thinking on gender and democracy;\n- Understand current analyses of political representation;\n- Offer a comparative analysis of gender balances in parliaments;\n- Address the utility of quota measures as a tool for redressing under-representation;\n- Have an understanding of the gendered nature of parliaments as institutional organisations; \n- Have the capacity to analyse the effectiveness of parliamentarians in addressing gender matters in a range of democracies;\n- Evaluate the importance of gender mainstreaming and state feminism as routes to raising gender concerns in contemporary political systems.

  Skills

  Communicate ideas to others in a clear and concise manner, in oral and written form.\nPursue intellectual questions in a rigorous and academic manner, employing analytical skills and critical thinking.\nDiscuss issues that challenge dominant perspectives in an informed manner.\nEngage in small group activity.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7032

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Global Political Economy (20 credits)

  ×

  Global Political Economy

  Overview

  This module provides a themed examination of the changing politics of the world economy, through the lens of the sub/inter-discipline, known as International Political Economy. International Political Economy (IPE) has become the accepted academic term for the analysis of the exercise of economic power and the politics of economic policy and capitalist development placed in a global context. This module introduces students to theories and concepts in International Political Economy related to the exercise of power and authority. It then goes to analyze a number of key topics and issues relating to the power and politics of economic organization and management including: the future of United States supremacy; the politics of money and finance; theories of development; the politics and policy of economic development in developing countries; problems of underdevelopment; the politics of global civil society; the global politics of energy policy and climate change; and the political economy of environmental sustainability.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:, understand the main theoretical, ideological and normative interpretations of and claims relating to globalisation; understand the ways in which globalisation is reconfiguring political, cultural and economic processes; pursue intellectual questions in a rigorous and academic manner, employing analytical skills and critical thinking; communicate ideas to others in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in written form.

  Skills

  Students will develop key intellectual skills such as critical analysis, creative thinking, problem solving; communication, e.g., oral, listening and written, working with others, improvement of learning and performance, managing information They will also cultivate employability skills such as research and communication skills, independent learning (organising and prioritising ideas), critical/independent thinking, co-operative endeavour (e.g. tutorial based teamwork). Subject specific skills include: listening/analytical/literacy/presentation skills; comparative methods, textual analysis, developing cogent arguments, ability to participate in a tolerant and supportive learning environment

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7030

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Conflict Intervention (20 credits)

  ×

  Conflict Intervention

  Overview

  The module will evaluate the changing nature of intervention, from unilateral forceful intervention to multi-lateral intervention, to humanitarian intervention, and third party mediation. Focusing on state, intergovernmental and non-governmental actors’ interventions, it will look at various conflict intervention practices in all phases of conflict from conflict prevention to post-conflict peacebuilding.

  Learning Outcomes

  To acquire an overview, both historical and substantive, of various approaches to analysis of conflicts and of conflict transformation. The content will deal with different theories of conflict origins, conflict process, and conflict transformation, as well as examining the practices of different state and non-state actors after conflicts.

  Skills

  Emphasis will be placed on the development of analytic skills for identifying different types of conflict and alternative modes of intervention. Special attention will be given to questions of language, moral justification and power.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7027

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Ethnic conflict and consensus (20 credits)

  ×

  Ethnic conflict and consensus

  Overview

  This module examines concepts of ethnicity, national identity, multiculturalism as they relate to contemporary conflict. Students will be provided with a detailed and critical analysis of the political and constitutional options in societies beset by ethnic conflict, with particular emphasis being given to mechanisms directed at and institutions involved in management of and accommodation after the conflict. By examining theories of ethnic conflict the module introduces students to issues underlying conflicts across the globe including nation building and rights of minorities, territorialisation of ethnicity, partition and secession management, and kin-state involvement as well as socio-political integration as mechanisms to avert and/or resolve ethnic conflicts. The module introduces students to debates about the construction and salience of ethnicity as a source of conflict. We conclude by critically examining how these debates inform approaches to ethnic conflict management and which implications they have for practical solutions of ethnic conflicts.

  Learning Outcomes

  • explore different and contrasting meanings of ethnicity, ethnic conflict and nationalism and their connotations;
  • examine the roots of ethno - nationalism and its impact on society, as well as the relationship between ethnic and other divisions in society;
  • analyse the role of ethnicity as a source of internal and international conflict in the post - Cold War world;
  • furnish students with basic intellectual skills (e.g. critical thinking, analysis, problem solving) in relation to nationalism and ethnicity;
  • understanding the key concepts in the field of the study of nationalism and ethnic politics and appreciation of the relationship between ethnicity and sources of conflict in societies;
  • develop a sufficient understanding of different methods of conflict regulation in ethnically diverse societies, paying particular attention to the role of political institutions in conflict management,
  • be aware of the context and practicalities of management, territorial management of divisions, whether by means of federalism, ‘re-scaling’, or partition or consociationalism as a means of conflict-management;
  
  Furthermore students will acquire a set of civic skills, including:
  • Sensitivity and appreciation of cultural diversity and how to handle diversity and conflict based on group identities;
  • Learning how to live with and tolerate other cultures in multicultural environments;
  • Developing an understanding of different forms and consequences ethnic conflict can take;
  • Relating to diversity in interpretations of the meaning of ethnicity and assess the role of diversity management and multiculturalism in this respect;
  • Understanding ideas and impact of institutionalised power relations on perceptions of good citizenship and democracy in multi-ethnic societies

  Skills

  This module will assist in developing students’ skills in a number of important areas. These include:
  
  • Understanding of dynamic and changing nature of conflict resolution and management;
  • Understanding a range of conceptual components associated with conflict management, including intervention, peace-building and reconstruction;
  • Processing, summarising and presenting facts/information including critical reflection, in oral and written format;
  • Pursuing intellectual questions in a rigorous and academic manner, employing analytical skills and critical thinking.
  
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field of conflict management
  
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing through related assignments. Resolve or manage communication conflicts.
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning through class simulation on conflict management
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress during class simulations; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways. Conflict management skills are particularly effective in managing life and work related challenges

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7050

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Contemporary Security (20 credits)

  ×

  Contemporary Security

  Overview

  The module will examine the key theoretical approaches and practical issues and debates that have defined the evolution of Security Studies. They will engage the changing definitions of security and approaches to understanding security. It will address both ‘domestic’ and ‘international’ security and the ways in which these are increasingly connected in both theory and practice. Moreover, it will introduce students to the inter-disciplinary nature of engagements with security (from politics to geography to technology). It will engage theorising in application by introducing students both to the major concepts and theoretical assumptions of understandings of security and showing how these play out in debates and practices of security. Students will be introduced to the core concepts and differences between ‘traditional’ rationalist theories of security and the emergence and development of varieties of critical security studies. They will then examine key issues in security that may include: The state, sovereignty and internal securities; uncertainty, the security dilemma and risk; regimes, regions and security communities; non-proliferation and disarmament; theorising war; migration and borders; surveillance and security; cyber-security; environmental security: beyond energy and resource conflict; Poverty, food, and human security; gender and security; and others. Students will therefore engage critically with the intersections of theory and practice; domestic and international; and state and human securities; and be able to understand contemporary transformations of security in relation to power, sovereignty, mobilities, and technology.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the module students will:
  
  - Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of different theoretical engagements with security and the diversity of critical approaches.
  - Understand how theories of security translate into different political practices of security.
  - Be able to apply critical security concepts to contemporary security practices.
  - Critically engage in debates on key developments in the politics of security.
  - Be able to reflect upon the ethical and political implications developments in security theory and practice.
  - Be able to engage in depth with a wide range of security issues in a theoretically informed way.
  - Pursue independent, creative and critical thinking through both written work and group discussions.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon ones own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7051

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  The UK and Europe (20 credits)

  ×

  The UK and Europe

  Overview

  This module offers students the opportunity to address core issues in Politics via a focus on the UK’s relationship with Europe in a time of flux. It is built around three broad themes: understanding, negotiating and delivering Brexit.
  
  The first part of the module focuses on explaining the UK’s past relationship with Europe, it’s nature as an ‘awkward partner’ in European integration and the outcome of the 2016 Referendum (“understanding Brexit”). It introduces students to theories of Euroscepticism, ideas of British ‘exceptionalism’ and the study of elections, referendums and public opinion.
  
  The second part of the module engages with the on-going Brexit negotiations, in terms of trade, citizens’ rights and borders. It introduces students to the politics of trade and negotiation dynamics. It considers and explain changes to both the UK and EU positions in the negotiations.
  
  The third part of the module focuses on Brexit delivery - the administrative challenges of taking back control and the constitutional challenges of repatriating competences for central and devolved governments. It introduces students to studies of multi-level governance and devolution and theories of implementation, enforcement and good governance.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module, the students:
  - Should be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the UK’s relationship with the EU
  - Should understand debates about explanations of the EU referendum outcome and challenges for delivering Brexit
  - Should be able to understand how different theories and approaches in political science can help make sense of the UK’s changing relationship with Europe
  - Should have developed basic blog writing skills and basic policy brief writing skills

  Skills

  Skills
  This module will assist in developing students’ skills in a number of important areas. These include:
  
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7099

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Religion and Peacebuilding (20 credits)

  ×

  Religion and Peacebuilding

  Overview

  The module familiarises students with the field of religious peacebuilding, which is one of the growth areas within conflict transformation studies in the social sciences. The module establishes the nature of religious peacebuilding as it currently conceived and which has moved it intellectually significantly beyond inter-faith dialogue between the world religions. Religious peacebuilding is now integrally tied to the idea of reconciliation, conflict transformation and social justice and is thus a meeting ground for theology, ethics and social science. The course places particular emphasis on three dimensions within religious peacebuilding, the role of religion in truth recovery, transitional justice, and inter-faith dialogue. These processes are subject to critical review and the module assesses the boundaries of unforgivingness after conflict, the burden of memory and the boundaries of forgetting, the problems with ‘truth’ and truth recovery, the limits of shame apologies and reparations, the constraints on inter-faith dialogue and the engagement of religious practitioners in social transformation and social justice after conflict. The module will focus on religious peacebuilding internationally, covering such cases as Northern Ireland, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Israel-Palestine and the Middle East, and South Africa. The module will provide opportunities to engage with practitioners in faith-based NGOs in Northern Ireland about their personal engagement in religious peacebuilding. The module will lay the necessary conceptual, methodological and substantive foundations for students, if they wish, to carry out their own independent researches in religious peacebuilding within the dissertation associated with the MA in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice, and in other contexts, including possible future PhD research. The module is seminar based and will use a variety of different pedagogic strategies, ranging from lectures, student seminar presentations, student-led discussions, videos, and discussions with faith-based practitioners from Northern Ireland.

  Learning Outcomes

  Learning Outcomes
  
  The learning outcomes of this module are:
  
  •To give attention to the growth in religious peacebuilding as a means for achieving reconciliation, conflict transformation and social justice after conflict
  
  •To understand the meaning of reconciliation, conflict transformation and social justice after conflict, both in the sense of reconciliation between former enemies and with the past more generally
  
  •To address the range of processes in religious peacebuilding and its expansion beyond questions of inter-faith dialogue
  
  •To critically assess the potential for reconciliation, conflict transformation and social justice by addressing religious peacebuilding in critical perspective by:
  
  Exploring the boundaries of unforgivingness after conflict
  Exploring the burden of memory and the boundaries of forgetting
  Exploring the problem with ‘truth’ and truth recovery
  Exploring the limits of shame apologies and reparations
  Exploring the limits of inter-faith dialogue

  Skills

  Skills are focused on knowledge and understanding, intellectual skills, and study skills, as follows
  
  Knowledge and understanding
  
  At the end of the course students should be aware of the issues involved in successful religious peacebuilding. In particular:
  • the sociological features of religious peacebuilding
  • the limits of religious peacebuilding
  • the role of religion in managing legacy issues arising from conflict
  • the role of religion in assisting reconciliation
  
  Intellectual skills
  
  The course aims to extend and develop the students’ sociological perspective and its application to understanding key public issues in the contemporary world. It will demonstrate how a rigorous social scientific approach can illuminate a fascinating and timely topic; raise very general issues about the nature of social scientific explanation and the status of evidence in the social sciences; and show the value of comparative analysis.
  
  Study skills
  
  Improvement in students’ ability to:
  • obtain and evaluate relevant information
  • to write concise and clear analytical essays
  • communicate orally via the presentation of structured and reasoned arguments in small group settings
  • to work under the constraint of time pressures
  • to reflect critically on the quality of your own work
  • to direct their own learning

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  CSJ7005

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Institutions and Politics of the European Union (20 credits)

  ×

  Institutions and Politics of the European Union

  Overview

  The module explores the structure and institutions of the European Union (EU) as well as selected theoretical approaches to the study of European integration. It examines in detail the nature and roles of the EU’s main institutions (i.e. Commission, European Parliament, Council, European Council, European Central Bank, and Court of Justice), and provides a critical assessment of selected EU policies and political challenges facing the EU. In doing so the module explores the decision- and policy-making dynamics within the EU as well as some of the most pressing themes in European governance.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, students will:
  
  • have a detailed knowledge of the institutional structure of the European Union
  • have an appreciation of the explanatory value of selected theoretical approaches to the study of European integration and EU decision- and policy-making
  • be able to critically assess the essential characteristics of the EU’s institutional framework
  • have a familiarity with the EU policy base and policy priorities
  • be able to identify specific, timely and pressing contemporary issues of relevance to the politics of the European Union
  • have detailed knowledge of a selection of salient policy areas
  • be able to pursue intellectual questions in a rigorous and academic manner, employing analytical skills and critical/independent thinking

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  
  • Managing and Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical and Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  Professional and career development skills
  
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  Organizational skills
  
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7052

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland (20 credits)

  ×

  The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland

  Overview

  The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement put an end to armed conflict in Northern Ireland and set up institutions designed to govern a society and polity divided along unionist and nationalist lines. As the experience of Northern Ireland shows, governing in such a context is not easy. Stability and cross-community agreement can be hard to reach, which has occasionally led to the suspension of Northern Ireland’s institutions. Yet these institutions have endured despite repeated crises and are heralded by some as examples of post-conflict governance.
  
  The module explores contemporary developments in Northern Irish politics and discusses institutional design and politics in a changing Northern Ireland. It addresses topics such as the development of Northern Ireland’s consociational model of government, how institutions like the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive perform their functions, how parties and identity shape politics and voting behaviour, North-South relations after Brexit, and Northern Ireland’s place in Europe.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon completion of this module, students
  - Should be able to understand how Northern Ireland institutions work and how they compare to other devolved institutions
  - Should demonstrate a critical understanding of the debates about consociationalism and the role it plays in the stability of Northern Ireland’s institutions and of its community divisions
  - Should understand party competition and voting in Northern Ireland
  - Should demonstrate an ability to write well, concisely

  Skills

  This module will assist in developing students’ skills in a number of important areas. These include:
  
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7021

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

Entrance requirements

Graduate
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject, or a 2.1 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject with relevant professional experience.

Applicants with qualifications below 2.1 Honours degree standard may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they can demonstrate appropriate relevant experience.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 11th August 2023 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia And Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Mainland Colombia Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lativa Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (SAR) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka St Vincent And The Grenadines Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay USA Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Introduction
The MA in Geopolitics was launched in September 2021.

MA Geopolitics can lead to a PhD in Geography, Politics, International Studies or environmental studies. It would also train you for employment in all sectors of government and the public sector, international agencies, NGOs, international corporations, media and information industries.

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£6,980
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£6,980
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£8,360
EU Other 3	£19,100
International	£19,100

¹ EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Geopolitics costs

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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