International Studies and Politics

Course Structure

Additional Information	Modules often draw on international comparisons with a strong Irish (North and South) emphasis
Stage 1	Students are introduced to the study of politics, and politics and the media, the state of world politics, international history and contemporary Europe. Students who intend to study Politics at Stages 2 and 3 must choose between two and six of the introductory courses available in the first year. Courses are outlined below: Comparative Politics Perspectives on Politics
Stage 1 Optional Courses	Contemporary Europe World Politics Issues in Contemporary Politics Students may take two other courses offered within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Stage 2	In their second year, students focus on the political, economic and social transformations of the 20th century and beyond, and will be able to advance their conceptual understanding of the field of international relations and conflict. Courses are outlined below: Security and Terrorism International Relations Politics and Policy of the European Union Modern Political Thought The Politics of Deeply Divided Studying Politics International Organisations British politics in crisis?
Stage 3	In the final year, students can select more specific areas and specialist-based courses on, for example, the Middle East, US foreign policy, migration, the Far Right, political extremism, politics of the global economy, and modules on identity politics, international ethics, war and visual culture, conflict and conflict resolution. Students who intend to study Politics at Stages 2 and 3 must choose between two and six of the introductory courses available in the first year Thereafter, Politics may be studied at Stages 2 and 3 as a Single Honours subject (12 courses) on its own, or as a Major (eight courses), Joint (six courses), or Minor (four courses) component along with another subject. The Politics element of the Law with Politics LLB comprises four modules, two at each of Stages 2 and 3. At each Level there is a mix of compulsory and optional courses, depending on the mode of study Courses are outlined below: Dissertation (Politics and International Studies) Internship Women and Politics Middle Eastern Politics Arms Control Northern Ireland: A Case Study Asylum and Migration in Global Politics Ethics, Power and International Politics National and Ethnic Minorities in European Politics US Foreign Policy The Far Right in Western Europe and North America Security and Technology War and Visual Culture The Politics of Sustainable Development Contemporary Political Philosophy Contemporary Critical Theory Scotland and N Ireland: Points of Political Comparison Politics, Public Administration and Policy Makings The Politics of Irish Literature Middle Eastern Politics Political parties, representation and democracy Political Parties and Elections in N. Ireland Security and Technology Note: Modules at Stage 2 and 3 are subject to change based on availability.

Contact Teaching Times

Large Group Teaching	6 (hours maximum) hours of lectures
Medium Group Teaching	6 (hours maximum) hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week
Personal Study	30 (hours maximum) 30 hours studying and revising in your own time each week (10 hours per module), including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.
Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial	2 (hours maximum) hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week

• Dissertations
  In their final year, students can write a dissertation based on a research topic of their choice and under one-to-one supervision by an academic with specialist knowledge in the chosen field. This provides a unique opportunity for students to marshal all the research and writing skills they have learned through the course of their degree to produce an original piece of research which reflects the particular interests that they have acquired in their time studying at Queen’s.
• E-Learning technologies
  Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials, podcasts and web-based learning activities.
• Lectures
  These introduce foundation information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. As the module progresses this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments.
• Self-directed study
  This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Seminars/tutorials
  A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (typically 10-12 students). These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.

• A variety of assessment methods are used, depending on the learning objectives of each module, including coursework essays, written examinations, oral presentations, weekly assignments, learning logs, group projects, and dissertations.

• General comments or question and answer opportunities during or at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Immediate, on-the-spot feedback from your teacher during language classes.
• Individual consultations addressing specific queries with lecturers during designated consultation hours.
• Online or emailed comment to specific queries
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which students can review in their own time.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service
• Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work.

Entrance requirements

A level requirements ABB

Irish leaving certificate requirements H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3

Access/Foundation Course Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 70%.

All applicants There are no specific subject requirements to study International Studies and Politics.

Career Prospects

Introduction
Close links with employers

Studying for a degree in Politics and International Studies at Queen's will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen's are well regarded by local, national and international employers and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including Politics and International Studies. Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in the public and voluntary/community sectors, significant numbers develop careers in the private sector, working in industries from management consultancy to law and journalism.

Employment after the Course
Recent graduates have found employment:

• In government and civil service
• As researchers
• As mediators/negotiators
• In public affairs and/or public relations
• In media, journalism, and communications
• Conducting advocacy
• In marketing
• In teaching

Professional Opportunities
Skills to enhance employability

We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers, including NI government departments and the North/South Ministerial Council, who provide sponsorship for our internships. In addition, the School offers a range of employment placements where students can gain real world work experience which is invaluable in terms of employment after graduation. Given that Belfast is a regional capital with devolved powers, we can offer students placements in the high profile political and related institutions on our doorstep - for example in the Department of Justice, Equality Commission, Police Ombudsman’s Office, or BBC Northern Ireland.

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Degree plus 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 Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI)	£4,275
England, Scotland or Wales (GB)	£9,250
Other (non-UK) EU *	£4,275
International	£16,400

Tuition fees for 2020-21 have not been set. Those quoted above are for students commencing study in 2019-20. These will be subject to an increase for students commencing study in 2020-21.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

* The tuition fees that EU students starting courses at UK universities following the agreed transition period are required to pay will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations. Please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit

Additional course costs

International Studies and Politics costs

In Year 2 students can apply for a number of optional history exchanges with institutions in the USA. The cost will vary depending on the institution and length of exchange and can range from £500 - £6,000.

Students who undertake a period of study or work abroad, are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. Students should be aware that placement and internship modules do not normally involve payment or financial support from either Queen’s or the placement/internship provider.

Students have a compulsory year abroad in year 3 of their degree.

Placement options include:
Erasmus Work with British Council as Teaching Assistant: Students currently receive approximately €780 net per month and an Erasmus monthly grant of approximately €300 .
Erasmus Study Placement: Students currently receive an Erasmus monthly grant of €300.
A limited number of Erasmus grants are available.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/.

How and when to Apply

How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).  Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/apply.

When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00).

Late applications are, in practice, accepted by UCAS throughout the remainder of the application cycle, but you should understand that they are considered by institutions at their discretion, and there can be no guarantee that they will be given the same full level of consideration as applications received by the advisory closing date.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS

After an offer is made this will be notified to applicants through UCAS. Confirmation will be emailed by the Admissions and Access Service and this communication will also include Terms and Conditions (www.qub.ac.uk/Study/TermsandConditions) which applicants should read carefully in advance of replying to their offer(s) on UCAS Track.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

1. Applying through UCAS
   Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2019.
2. Applying direct
   The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
3. Applying through agents and partners
   The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

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