2023
2.2 (minimum 57%)
1 year (Full Time)
2 years (Part Time)
10 (Full Time)
10 (Part Time)
The PgDip Politics is a broad-based programme, offering students a good grounding in the discipline of political science. This Pg Dip gives students the opportunity to engage with core theories, concepts, issues and debates in politics. Students may tailor their programme to their own interests, by their choice of optional modules, from Irish politics and European politics to political theory and comparative politics, which build on the strengths of the school's research. The PgDip offers a unique perspective on multi-level politics in Europe, at the regional, national and European levels and on the policy issues of the time, including energy transitions and climate change, ethnic conflict, gender, and democratic legitimacy.
The aim of the PgDip in Politics is to deepen students' understanding of important contemporary issues in political studies through the enhancement of students' analytical skills, research and writing talent, and capacity for utilising theoretical approaches. These are all important transferrable skills, highly valued in the job market. The programme is of particular interest to those wishing to know more about Irish politics (North and South), European politics, territorial politics, political conflict, and political theory.
Belfast is a globally significant location and Politics is about conflict, debate and the contest of ideas, making Belfast, where such things are part of everyday reality, an ideal place to study the subject. Northern Ireland is viewed as a model of conflict resolution and peace building across the world.
Students can directly benefit from the School and University’s wider expertise in political theory, Irish and Northern Irish politics, gender and environmental politics, security studies, border studies, terrorism and political violence.
Politics highlights
Students have the opportunity to visit Brussels (part-funded by the School) including the European Parliament, European Commission, Human Rights NGOs, NATO etc.
Career Development
- The MA Politics combines a grounding in key contemporary issues and in-depth methods training, with a lot of flexibility for students. Students unsure of which precise direction they wish their career to take will benefit from the fact that the MA in Politics allows for a generalist course of study alongside excellent careers support both within the School and the University at large. The MA in Politics provides students with the opportunity to engage in a wide range of active research networks and groups on diverse themes, including gender studies, Irish politics, political theory/philosophy, political economy, and environmental policies. Students can also choose to specialise through their choice of options and dissertation topic in Irish politics, political theory, European politics, or comparative politics.
Internationally Renowned Experts
- Students benefit from intensive teaching by a wide and varied range of political scientists and theorists with strong publishing profiles and international reputations in their areas of expertise. Many academics on the programme are engaged in QPOL (Queen’s Policy Engagement) – this is the ‘front door’ for public policy engagement at Queen’s University, supporting academics and policymakers in sharing evidence-based research and ideas on the major social, cultural and economic challenges facing society regionally, nationally and beyond. This includes a Brexit Clinic, with involves Queen’s experts providing insight and analysis into the various facets of Brexit. Many of our experts in this area act as advisors to the UK and NI governments, particularly in relation to the Irish border and the backstop, as the only land border between the UK and EU.
Student Experience
- Students unsure of which precise direction they wish their career to take will benefit from the fact that the PgDip in Politics allows for a generalist course of study with the ability to specialise through their choice of optional modules, alongside excellent careers support both within the School and the University at large. There are many practical elements embedded in the programme. Examples include the practical modules such as Engaging Citizens in Democratic Institutions. This module includes a thematic visit to the NI Assembly (as does the Politics core module). There is also a trip to Brussels (part-funded by the School) in which students visit f the European Parliament, European Commission, Human Rights NGOs, NATO etc. We also use a range of assessment techniques, such as writing essays, blogs and policy briefs, where students are presented with a problem and are tasked to come up with practical solutions.
- • Queen’s is ranked in the top 170 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022) • Queen’s ranked 17 in the world for international outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022) • Queen’s is ranked in the top 75 universities in Europe for Teaching Excellence (Times Higher Education, 2019) • 15% of the Queen’s student population are international students (Queen’s Planning Office, 2022)
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Course content
Course Structure
Students take six taught modules, including two compulsory modules in the first semester, which introduce them to the core of the discipline and teach the skills necessary to conduct research. Each taught module is worth 20 credits.
Course Details | The programme has two different components: Core modules and Elective modules. The programme provides students with a number of elective modules that will enable them to study a wide range of topics or specialise in Irish politics, political theory, European politics, or comparative politics, build on foundational knowledge, and develop focused expertise. - Irish Politics modules: PAI7022 The Politics of the Republic of Ireland, PAI7021 The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland, & PAI7102 Global Ireland - Political Theory modules: PAI7059 Freedom and Modernity & PHL7057 Social Injustice - European Politics modules: PAI7099 The UK and Europe & PAI7052 Institutions and Policies of the EU - Comparative Politics modules: PAI7032 Gender, Politics and Democracy, PAI7038 Theories in Comparative Politics, PAI7050 Ethnic Conflict and Consensus, & PAI7100 Engaging Citizens in Democratic Institutions Other modules are available in the list below; Semester 1 (Autumn) To acquire foundational knowledge and understanding in Politics, students will take core modules introducing research methods for the study of politics, as well as core issues in the comparative study of territorial politics (devolution, regionalism, and federalism). Students also choose an optional module.. CORE MODULES HAP7001 - Approaches to Research Design This module has two key purposes: . First it introduces students to some important themes in the philosophy of the social sciences. Second, it develops students' skills in research design through an examination of selected qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. In doing so it addresses key issues in the design and preparation of the dissertation. PAI7101 - Comparative Territorial Politics This module offers students the opportunity to address core issues in Politics via the comparative study of federations and regionalised and devolved states. Across Europe and beyond, territorial reforms have transformed the shape, governance, and politics of the traditional nation-states that dominated the post-war era. These changes have often, though not always, been the result of increasing demands for territorial autonomy and increases in regional identity among voters. Comparative Territorial Politics explores this territorial challenge across a range of topics, including multi-level governance, nationalism and constitutional politics, political parties and elections across levels, territorial finance, and multi-level policy challenges. ELECTIVE MODULES Students must also choose ONE optional module in Semester 1 from: PAI7022 - The Politics of the Republic of Ireland This module explores and analyses the political development of independent Ireland in historical context. It combines an historical and thematic approach to provide students with a sophisticated understanding of the politics of independent Ireland. It introduces students to key debates on the Irish revolution, Irish historical revisionism, and the foundations of the new state. Particular themes include partition and its impact, the achievement of stability and order, negotiations of identity, problems of modernisation, party politics and their dynamics, Ireland’s shifting place in European and world politics, and the changing nature of Irish politics and society. 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, drawing on the expertise of Queen’s staff on Brexit and on the special place of Northern Ireland in the Brexit process. The assignments are designed to promote practical skills, focused on analysing a fast-changing political issue with a set of blog posts and a policy brief. PAI7038 – Theories in 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.' Semester 2 (Spring) Students choose AT LEAST TWO modules from the following list: PAI7052 - Institutions and Policies of the EU This 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 of the EU, European Council, and Court of Justice), and of the role of national institutions in the EU. It 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, including Brexit. PAI7021 - The Politics and Institutions 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. PAI7032 - Gender, Politics and Democracy This module analyses the link between gender, politics and democracy in a comparative context. It begins by discussing approaches to researching gender in a social science context. It takes political representation as the core theoretical prism through which patterns of gender presence and interest representation are explored. It takes numerical representation as a starting point, and discusses the role of parties, electoral systems and gender quotas in addressing women's under-representation in politics. The module also interrogates the issue of an increased presence of women in legislative office producing gender-sensitive politics. 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. 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? AND Students choose ONE module from the following list (if necessary): 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. PAI7030 – International Political Economy This module provides a themed examination of how power and politics relate to the changing and evolving structures of the world economy, through the lens of the sub or 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 analyse 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; Rising powers – The BRICs; the politics of money and finance; development; and Global Energy Politics. PAI7050 - Ethnic Conflict and Consensus This module examines concepts of ethnicity, national identity and 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. PAI7103 – Freedom and Modernity The modern era is distinguished by the emergence of divergent interpretations of the nature of freedom, individual, social, and political. This course is devoted to exploring the nature of these different conceptions and the theories of freedom associated with them. Benjamin Constant famously contrasted the liberties of the ancients, i.e. collective political freedoms, with the liberties of the moderns, i.e. individual freedoms. Berlin’s canonical contrast between negative and positive liberty, while partly inspired by Constant, approaches the analysis of freedom in a different way, fore-grounding the contrast between ‘freedom from’ and ‘freedom to’. Recent work on freedom, how-ever, challenges these accounts by reviving an older, republican, conception of freedom as freedom from domination. Where libertarian theories typically consider the state to be the primary threat to freedom, the non-domination account understands the state to be a potential bulwark against domination by other social actors. In this way, its concerns overlap with those of the critical theorists who are similarly concerned with obstacles to freedom in social relations more generally, reflected in theories of alienation and disciplinary power. This course will combine analytical and genealogical approaches to the problem understating the complexity of freedom in the modern world. Topics will vary from year to year but may include: liberal and libertarian conceptions of individual freedom, the relation between individual and political freedom, populist and constitutionalist conceptions of collective freedom; freedom as non-domination and the problem of structural domination; dimensions and theories of autonomy: moral, social, and political; alienation and disciplinary power. 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. |
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Queen’s MA in Politics is an excellent programme that helped me to develop the skills which I had built up at undergraduate level. My transition to postgraduate study was expertly managed by professional academic staff in a welcoming and vibrant educational and research environment. … I highly recommend the MA in Politics.
Sophie Long,
MA Politics graduate and PhD graduate
People teaching you
Programme ConvenorSHAPP
Dr Elodie Fabre’s research focuses on the relationship between political parties, territorial politics and citizen engagement. She is currently also writing on French politics and in particular on Emmanuel Macron’s political party Renaissance/En Marche.
Email: e.fabre@qub.ac.uk
Teaching Times
Teaching takes place at a variety of times 9am – 8pm Monday to Friday |
Career Prospects
Introduction
All of the postgraduate programmes offered in the School provide our graduates with the skills to pursue a wide range of careers in the private, public and voluntary sectors. MA and PGDip Politics graduates are now working in careers with local, devolved and national government, policy analysis and advocacy for NGOs and charities. Many are also in the private sector working as lawyers, in the media and in management consultancy or public affairs.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Learning and Teaching
Most modules are taught through seminars, which combine short lectures, class discussions, group work and other in-class activities. Class size is around 15-20 students. Our Virtual Learning Environment also provides opportunities for online activities such as discussion groups, reading groups, and quizzes (uses vary between modules).
Cognitive Skills
At the end of the programme learners will have the capacity to be self-reflective and practice sound judgement and will possess the necessary skills to enhance their ability, think critically and pursue independent research. The PGDip in Politics
Provides learners with the opportunity to develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills.
Provides learners with the ability to solve problems, process and prioritise a wide variety of information, and express arguments and positions in oral and written form.
The learner will develop their basic knowledge of the general methodological and theoretical approaches of Politics as well as enhance their basic history of the discipline and knowledge of its specific concepts, issues and vocabulary.
At the end of the programme learners will have the capacity to be self-reflexive and practice sound judgement and will possess the necessary skills to enhance their ability to think critically and pursue independent research.
Knowledge and Understanding
The programme equips students with a set of key, subject, employability and transferable skills; encourages a professional attitude towards self-organisation; and provides students with the intellectual tools to reflect upon the subject of Politics both by theoretical explorations of the nature of Politics and by comparison between societies.
The PGDip provides students with a knowledge and understanding of core debars in the subject, and fosters an attitude of self-motivated and independent learning.
It enables students to research political phenomena, events and arguments/ideas.
It provides a grounding in the key issues in contemporary politics and normative theory, British and Irish Politics, European Politics, and Comparative Politics, and Political Theory (depending on modules chosen).
Subject Specific Skills
By the end of their degree, students will be able to evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events.
Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different political systems, the nature and distribution of power in them; the social, economic, historical and cultural contexts within which they operate, and the relationships between them.
Students will be able to apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and practices.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
• Essays
• Learning Journals
• Presentations
• Examination
• Portfolio projects, including blog posts
• Policy briefs/papers
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
- Year 1
Core Modules
Comparative Territorial Politics (20 credits)Comparative Territorial Politics
Overview
This module offers students the opportunity to address core issues in Politics via the comparative study of federations and regionalised and devolved states. Across Europe and beyond, territorial reforms have transformed the shape, governance, and politics of the traditional nation-states that dominated the post-war era. These changes have often, though not always, been the result of increasing demands for territorial autonomy and increases in regional identity among voters.
Comparative Territorial Politics explores this territorial challenge across a range of topics, including multi-level governance, nationalism and constitutional politics, political parties and elections across levels, territorial finance, and multi-level policy challenges.Learning Outcomes
1. Understand the meaning of different forms of territorial governance, especially devolution, federalism, multi-level governance, as well as of concepts such as regionalism and nationalism.
2. Critically assess theoretical perspectives and empirical analyses on the development of regionalism and multi-level government in a comparative perspective.
3. Place Northern Ireland devolution in a comparative perspective by drawing comparisons with devolution across the UK and with other forms of territorial government in other multi-level and multi-national states.
4. Understand the multi-level dynamics that shape politics and policy in at the sub-state level
5. Effectively apply the comparative method
6. Develop research and analytical skills that facilitate independent learningSkills
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 waysCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
20
Module Code
PAI7101
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
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 waysCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
20
Module Code
HAP7001
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
Optional Modules
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 wayCoursework
90%
Examination
0%
Practical
10%
Credits
20
Module Code
PAI7038
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
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
Freedom and modernity (20 credits)Freedom and modernity
Overview
The modern era is distinguished by the emergence of divergent interpretations of the nature of freedom, individual, social, and political. This course is devoted to exploring the nature of these different conceptions and the theories of freedom associated with them. Benjamin Constant famously contrasted the liberties of the ancients, i.e. collective political freedoms, with the liberties of the moderns, i.e. individual freedoms. Berlin’s canonical contrast between negative and positive liberty, while partly inspired by Constant, approaches the analysis of freedom in a different way, foregrounding the contrast between ‘freedom from’ and ‘freedom to’. Recent work on freedom, however, challenges these accounts by reviving an older, republican, conception of freedom as freedom from domination. Where libertarian theories typically consider the state to be the primary threat to freedom, the non-domination account understands the state to be a potential bulwark against domination by other social actors. In this way, its concerns overlap with those of the critical theorists who are similarly concerned with obstacles to freedom in social relations more generally, reflected in theories of alienation and disciplinary power. This course will combine analytical and genealogical approaches to the problem understating the complexity of freedom in the modern world. Topics will vary from year to year but may include: liberal and libertarian conceptions of individual freedom, the relation between individual and political freedom, populist and constitutionalist conceptions of collective freedom; freedom as non-domination and the problem of structural domination; dimensions and theories of autonomy: moral, social, and political; alienation and disciplinary power.
Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be familiar with the standard theoretical analyses of the nature of freedom, i.e. negative liberty, autonomy and non-domination. 2. Students will be familiar with the historical development of different currents of thought about freedom in the modern era. 3. Students will be familiar with debates about interpersonal and structural accounts of domination, alienation and oppression. 4. Students will be familiar with debates about the different dimensions of freedom: personal, social, and political and their relations to one another.
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. * 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
PAI7059
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
12 weeks
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
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 skillsSkills
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 waysCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
20
Module Code
PAI7099
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
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
The Politics of the Republic of Ireland (20 credits)The Politics of the Republic of Ireland
Overview
This module explores and analyses the political development of the Irish Free State/Republic of Ireland in historical context. It combines an historical and thematic approach to provide students with an understanding of the politics of the Irish Free State, later the Republic. It introduces students to key debates on the Irish Revolution and its background, on Irish historical revisionism, on the foundations of statehood, and the institutions and political culture of the new state. Particular themes include partition , the pursuit of stability and order, negotiations of identity, problems of modernisation, Ireland’s shifting place in European and world politics, changing attitudes towards partition and ‘the Troubles’, the impact of social change on self-representation in a post-Tiger context.
Learning Outcomes
To enrich understanding of key debates and themes in modern Irish politics.
Skills
To enrich understanding of key debates and themes in modern Irish politics.
Coursework
40%
Examination
60%
Practical
0%
Credits
20
Module Code
PAI7022
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
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
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 societiesSkills
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 challengesCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
20
Module Code
PAI7050
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
12 weeks
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 thinkingSkills
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 wayCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
20
Module Code
PAI7052
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
12 weeks
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, conciselySkills
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 waysCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
20
Module Code
PAI7021
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
12 weeks
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Entry Requirements
Entrance requirements
Graduate
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree (minimum 57%) or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject or a 2.2 Honours degree (minimum 57%) or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject with relevant professional experience.
Applicants who do not meet these entry requirements may, at the discretion of the relevant programme convenor, be considered for admission on the basis of relevant work experience and/or an assessed piece of work.
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). For more information, please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy
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.
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.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
- Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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Fees and Funding
Career Prospects
Introduction
All of the postgraduate programmes offered in the School provide our graduates with the skills to pursue a wide range of careers in the private, public and voluntary sectors. MA and PGDip Politics graduates are now working in careers with local, devolved and national government, policy analysis and advocacy for NGOs and charities. Many are also in the private sector working as lawyers, in the media and in management consultancy or public affairs.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
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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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £4,654 |
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £4,654 |
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £5,573 |
EU Other 3 | £12,733 |
International | £12,733 |
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.
Politics costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
More information on funding options and financial assistance.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships/.
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Apply
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
When to Apply
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.
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.
Download Postgraduate Prospectus
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