Course Structure

Students take 6 modules across 2 semesters. Students take 3 required core modules in the Autumn semester. Then students take 1 required core module and 2 elective modules in the Spring semester. Students complete a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words over the summer semester.

This programme is designed to provide you cross-cutting transferable skills and in-depth knowledge of theories and issues in the areas of conflict analysis, political violence, terrorism studies, security studies and peace science. The programme covers how different sub-disciplines approach the study of similar phenomena (i.e. political violence, terrorism, peace processes, etc.) to provide a comprehensive and critical engagement with the subject matter. It provides for a range of approaches of understanding of these issues from critical theoretical perspectives to quantitative political scientific methodologies.

Teaching Times

Teaching take place at a variety of times from 9-8pm Monday – Friday. Each class/module usually consists of 2-4 contact teaching hours per week, depending on the module. Most study, however, consists of independent research and reading.

Learning and Teaching

Classes/modules involve a variety of teaching approaches designed to inspire critical and transferable skills.

There also are multiple talks, events, and extra-curricular activities and training courses on campus each year, outside of the formal VTS programme, that are related to Violence, Terrorism and Security.

• Subject Specific Skills

  Students will gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of political violence, terrorism, and security across many cases around the world. Students will be familiar with theoretical and empirical issues at different stages in the conflict cycle, including the outbreak, development, and resolution of armed civil conflicts and use of terrorism. Students will gain an understanding of, and be able to critically engage with, the main concepts in these fields (such as “terrorism”, “radicalisation”, “security”, “peace”, etc.), the main theories (such as the causes of terrorism, the dynamics of civil conflict, approaches to counter-terrorism), and some issues and debates (such as the trade-off between security and liberty inherent with some counterterrorism tactics).

• Transferable Skills

  Students will also acquire a series of transferable skills that can be applied in a variety of contexts and career pathways.
  
  Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to reason critically; apply relevant theoretical concepts; identify and solve problems; analyse and interpret data; demonstrate and exercise independence of thought; work independently; participate constructively in groups; manage their time effectively and work to deadlines.
  
  Students will also be able to retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources plan and execute a piece of independent research; devise viable research proposals; apply various different research methodologies and approaches; identify appropriate research techniques relative to overall research design; appreciate, and display an understanding of, comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research design.

Assessment

Students are provided a range of assessment approaches, both formal and informal as well as formative and summative in order to enhance the student learning experience and improve student attainment. Each module typically consists of two or three main pieces of assessment, one worth 40% of your mark for that class/module and another worth 60%.

• • Essays
  • Policy reports
  • Simulations
  • Presentations

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  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

  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

  Core

  Dissertation (60 credits)

  ×

  Dissertation

  Overview

  The research and writing of a 15,000-word dissertation on any chosen aspect of Politics or International Studies. Submission date 15th September.

  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

  PAI9099

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Violence, Terrorism and Security (20 credits)

  ×

  Violence, Terrorism and Security

  Overview

  The concepts that are at the heart of this core module (violence, terrorism, and security) can each have different meanings across time and at various political levels. The module provides a rigorous analysis of these terms, focusing particularly on the contested concepts of terrorism and security. It also examines state and international responses to the threats that contemporary violence poses both within states and internationally. Case studies are employed to illustrate the conceptual analysis. The varieties of motivation for terrorism, including nationalism, religion and the pursuit as well as defence of political power are critically examined.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the module students will (a) Have acquired an understanding of the basic concepts of violence, terrorism and security (b) Have a detailed knowledge of a variety of manifestations of violence and terrorism and (c) Be able to critically discuss different responses to terrorism, situated on a spectrum from domestic to international measures.

  Skills

  During the course of the module students will be provided opportunities to engage in critical reasoning, identify and solve problems, analyse and interpret data and demonstrate independence of thought. To this end students will have to identify and process information from a range of sources, conduct two shorter pieces of independent research and show that they are able to appropriately structure and communicate their ideas in both written and oral form. In addition, students should be able to manage their time effectively, and critically assess the work of others.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7028

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Global Terrorism (20 credits)

  ×

  Global Terrorism

  Overview

  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.

  Learning Outcomes

  At the end of the module students should
  - Have acquired a good understanding of the basic concepts underlying the module;
  - Have an in depth knowledge of a variety of manifestations of violence and terrorism and;
  - Be able to critically discuss different responses to terrorism, situated on a spectrum from domestic to international measures.

  Skills

  The module provides students with opportunities to develop the following skills:
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; to manage such information in an independent manner;
  • Analytical Thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments;
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: 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: to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing;
  • Diversity: to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment;
  • Self-Reflexivity: 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: to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; to cope with stress; and to achieve a work / life balance.
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT.
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: to demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines;
  • Clear organisation of information: to 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: to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; to show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way;
  • Enterprising thinking: to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7007

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Optional Modules

  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

  Comparative Human Rights (20 credits)

  ×

  Comparative Human Rights

  Overview

  The course involves a study of human rights issues drawing on material primarily from Europe, North America, and the Commonwealth. The course considers the meaning of particular human rights and their significance in theory and in practice, and the efficacy of the legal institutions designed to protect them. Several specific substantive issues (right to life, freedom of speech, conscience, and equality) will be studied in depth to illustrate the complex interplay between theory, legal concepts and procedure, and between legal and non-legal sources of protection. It will draw on international human rights law, but will not be confined to it. The course as a whole will aim to provide the opportunity for in-depth comparative study, during which the appropriateness and utility of comparative legal techniques will be considered.

  Learning Outcomes

  This module offers students the opportunity to:
  • Explore how human rights have emerged as a comparative issue.
  • Enhance their understanding of the limitations to comparison in human rights law.
  • Develop key transferrable skills, including presentation skills, data gathering and essay-writing.
  • Develop an understanding of legal research methodologies.

  Skills

  • Identify the relevant primary and secondary legal and non-legal materials relating to comparative human rights law and theories.
  • Synthesise and critically analyse these materials.
  • Organise and conduct effective comparative research on human rights.
  • Develop coherence and clarity in written presentations that allow them to articulate to others a critical evaluation of the knowledge they have acquired.
  • Thoroughly understand the skills required to do effective comparative human rights research – such as collecting sources, referencing and how to write critically.
  • Understand and apply legal research methodology.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  LAW7816

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Conflict Mediation and Transformation (20 credits)

  ×

  Conflict Mediation and Transformation

  Overview

  This module is a second semester elective module, taught jointly by the Mitchell and Clinton Institutes and will address the theory and practice of conflict mediation. It will address mediation in inter-personal relationships and in relationships in society after conflict. Its focus on post-violence mediation will concentrate on such groups as mediation between groups of ex-combatants, between groups of victims, and in victim-perpetrator dialogue. Students will be introduced to the relevant theories and principles that undergird and support conflict mediation and to the issues and skills around its practice. They will practically explore the practice of mediation through experiential leaning and relevant case studies. The course will provide students with the opportunity of engaging with professional conflict mediators, such as NGOs like Mediators Beyond Borders international and the UN Mediation Support Unit and draw on the expertise of the Mitchell Institute’s World Leading Researcher, Professor Pumla Gobodo Madikizela, who specialises in victim-perpetrator dialogue, and who visits the Mitchell Institute every April. It will offer the opportunity to focus in depth on one conflict zone and to address generic issues in conflict mediation.

  Learning Outcomes

  By the end of this course, students will have:
  Engaged in up-to date debates about the issues involved in conflict mediation in inter-personal relations and in society after violent conflict;
  Be aware of the variety and diversity of inter-disciplinary approaches to conflict mediation;
  Be aware of the variety of skills and principles involved in the practice of conflict mediation;
  Have an overview of the strength and limitations of a variety of policies and practices for undertaking conflict mediation;
  Have a conceptual understanding of the specific opportunities, challenges, and problems around the practice of conflict mediation;
  Explored a case study that examines the strengths and weaknesses, potential and threats, around conflict mediation in one conflict zone (case study report);
  Developed a methodological and theoretical argument about conflict mediation as an assignment project (final essay).

  Skills

  By the end of this course, students will have acquired the capacity to:
  Understand and evaluate the use of different approaches to conflict mediation;
  Understand the complexity of conflict mediation from an inter-disciplinary perspective;
  Critically appraise policies and practices in conflict mediation;
  Understand the specific ethical and practical challenges inherent conflict mediation;
  Apply critical judgement to the difficulties on practising conflict mediation with ex-combatants, victims, and in victim-perpetrator dialogue;
  Keep abreast of literature on conflict mediation;
  Develop oral and written communication skills in developing arguments and in relaying evidence with respect to conflict mediation;
  Apply communication skills in order to disseminate research results effectively;
  Design and write up an essays on some aspects of conflict mediation.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  CSJ7008

  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

  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

  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

  The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions (20 credits)

  ×

  The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions

  Overview

  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.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module each student should have gained knowledge of:
  • The emergence of carbon literacy and its role in the creation of a low carbon society;
  • The conceptual and interdisciplinary dimensions of carbon literacy as a communication and policy language and tool;
  • The scientific and normative components of carbon literacy in theory and practice;
  • The positive and negative dimensions of carbon literacy in relation to communication and policy relevance; and
  • The relationship between carbon literacy and existing frameworks for understanding and devising policies for the green economy.

  Skills

  The module provides students with opportunities to develop the following skills:
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; to manage such information in an independent manner;
  • Analytical Thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments;
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: 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: to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing;
  • Diversity: to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment;
  • Self-Reflexivity: 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: to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; to cope with stress; and to achieve a work / life balance.
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT.
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: to demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines;
  • Clear organisation of information: to 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: to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; to show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way;
  • Enterprising thinking: to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7036

  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.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 16th August 2024 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.

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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 Violence, Terrorism and Security provides you with the essential transferable skills and in-depth knowledge of theories and issues in the areas of violence, security, and terrorism for career development at any stage, from students straight from an undergraduate degree with limited to no prior professional experience to those seeking continued professional development. Our programme enables you to broaden your horizons providing you with a competitive edge in a global graduate market in a wide variety of areas such as the security sector, including intelligence agencies, government agencies and public office, the military, NGOs, academia, businesses and corporations, and the media among many other possibilities.

Some of our graduates now serve in the most senior ranks of a number of National Police Services, and Law Enforcement Agencies, Border and Immigration Control, National Armed Forces including the US Army, US Air Force, British Army and Irish Defence Forces. Graduates also work as senior government policy advisers, in international NGOs and the media.

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.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,250
EU Other 3	£21,500
International	£21,500

¹EU 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 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

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

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.

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.

Download a prospectus