Postgraduate Programme Specification
MA Global Security and Borders
Academic Year 2022/23
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
Programme Title | MA Global Security and Borders | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Master of Arts | |||||||||||
Programme Code | INT-MA-GS | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
101288 - International studies - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
-- |
Interview Required |
Places available: 12 Shortlisted applicants for the programme will be interviewed by a panel comprising the Programme Convenor, and, one or more other members of the School's academic staff. |
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Mode of Study | Part Time or Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Part Time - 3 Academic Years Full Time - 1 Academic Year |
Total Credits for Programme | 180 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available | No |
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics |
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
N/A |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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No accreditations (PSRB) found. |
Regulation Information
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations No |
Programme Specific Regulations General University Regulations apply at all Stages |
Students with protected characteristics N/A |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
Intellectual Aims: this programme will give students the opportunity to:
develop advanced knowledge and understanding of the core theories, concepts, issues, debates and case studies in Critical Security Studies and Border Studies – emerging fields in the discipline of International Relations;
think relationally about global security and borders: how pressing issues of global security are revealed most clearly in the operation of borders (i.e. excluding risks and threats), and how borders expose the fundamental contingency of state sovereignty and the international system (i.e. borders must be continually performed);
identify and develop their own intellectual interests in global security and borders, and refine those interests within an academic framework and through empirical workplace experience;
Skills Development Aims: this programme will give students the opportunity to:
develop and consolidate core intellectual skills (e.g. managing and prioritizing knowledge, analytical thinking, critical and independent thinking);
develop and consolidate career development skills (e.g. written and oral communication, time management, teamwork and collaboration, managing conflict);
develop and consolidate organizational skills (e.g. efficient and effective work practice; goal setting and strategic planning)
develop and consolidate management skills (e.g. delegation, decision-making, project management)
develop and consolidate professional skills (e.g. navigating institutional regulations, working in a professional environment)
develop and consolidate personal development skills (e.g. networking, initiative, independence, leadership, entrepreneurial thinking)
progress their learning in ways that develop and consolidate critical thinking and independent research skills, especially through the Borders Internship and the MA Dissertation
Impact Aims: this programme will give students the opportunity to:
understand how their learning, knowledge and understanding equips them to intervene in current debates about global security and borders;
contribute to academic impact by shaping key intellectual debates in International Relations, Critical Security Studies and Border Studies;
contribute to public impact by demonstrating how security and borders constitute some of our most pressing global challenges (e.g. migration, terrorism, conflict, nationalism, privacy, multiculturalism);
manage their own personal impact by implementing their intellectual, career development, organizational, management, professional and personal development skills in active seminar-based learning, through peer engagement and on an internship placement.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Develop advanced analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Opportunities to develop advanced analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills will occur throughout the programme on taught modules, through independent study and on the Borders Internship. Methods of Assessment These advanced cognitive skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essay, learning log (internship), briefing paper (internship), and MA dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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•engage in relational thinking by acknowledging how pressing issues of global security are revealed most clearly in the operation of borders, and how borders expose the contingency of state sovereignty and the international system |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The teaching methods used to embed this knowledge and understanding include formal lectures and small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations, video and role play. Students will also benefit from more innovative methods including one-on-one mentoring and cohort group work in Workshops. More individualized opportunities to facilitate independent learning are developed through academic and work-place mentoring and supervision (e.g. peer mentoring, dissertation supervision; Borders Internship). Methods of Assessment A variety of traditional methods will be used to assess students, including essays with pre-set and formatively developed questions, as well as the MA dissertation. The programme also develops innovative methods of assessment including a reflexive learning log and a project-oriented briefing paper to benefit the host institution (Borders Internship). |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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•understand of the key and evolving debates in Critical Security Studies and Border Studies |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The teaching methods used to embed this knowledge and understanding include formal lectures and small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations, video and role play. Students will also benefit from more innovative methods including one-on-one mentoring and cohort group work in the ‘Critical Security Studies in Action’ Workshop. More individualized opportunities to facilitate independent learning are developed through academic and work-place mentoring and supervision (e.g. peer mentoring, dissertation supervision; Borders Internship). Methods of Assessment A variety of traditional methods will be used to assess students, including essays with pre-set and formatively developed questions, as well as the MA dissertation. The programme also develops innovative methods of assessment including a reflexive learning log and a project-oriented briefing paper to benefit the host institution (Borders Internship). |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Acquire and develop advanced subject-specific skills, as well as organizational, professional and career development skills that will be beneficial in further research, education and employment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MA in Global Security and Borders enables postgraduate students to develop a broad portfolio of skills which will enhance their employability and/or provide them with a sound basis for progression to further research at doctoral level or elsewhere. The student will develop skills through engagement with module content, seminar discussions, independent learning, presentations, debate and discussion, informal networking with peers, expert mentorship, supervision and one-on-one mentorship. Methods of Assessment Interns will be assessed through coursework including methods such as a Learning Log detailing the skills development on the internship, a Briefing Paper focusing on a specific aspect of the internship as advised by the host mentor, and an Academic Paper. All assessments will be marked and moderated by academics at QUB. |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Borders Internship | PAI7097 | 7 | 40 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 10% | 0% | 90% |
Global Security and Borders | PAI7037 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Institutions and Politics of the European Union | PAI7052 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
The UK and Europe | PAI7099 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN | HAP7001 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Global Development | PAI7103 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Social Injustice | PHL7057 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Contemporary Security | PAI7051 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Ethnic conflict and consensus | PAI7050 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland | PAI7021 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Global Terrorism | PAI7007 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
The Politics of the Republic of Ireland | PAI7022 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Conflict Intervention | PAI7027 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Gender and Politics | PAI7032 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Global Political Economy | PAI7030 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Dissertation | PAI9099 | 7 | 60 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
Students must take 180 credits - 6 MODULES (THREE in Semester 1 and THREE in Semester 2) PLUS the MA Dissertation (60 credits).
Students are required to take FOUR CORE modules (TWO in semester 1 and ONE in semester 2 (one of which is a double-weighted module) PLUS the MA Dissertation)
Students are required to take TWO OPTIONAL modules (One OPTIONAL module in semester 1 and ONE OPTIONAL module in semester 2.
Students should normally have passed all taught modules prior to progression to the dissertation.
“Students will be notified each academic year of the optional modules being offered in the following academic year. Students are advised that not all optional modules will necessarily be offered in each academic year. Also, the delivery of a module may be subject to a minimum number of enrolments as well as unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness of a member of staff). The range and content of optional modules will change over time as degree programmes develop and students’ choice of optional modules may also be limited due to timetabling constraints.“