Postgraduate Programme Specification
MA International Relations
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 International Relations | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Master of Arts | |||||||||||
Programme Code | POL-MA-IP | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100490 - International relations - 50 101288 - International studies - 50 |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
-- |
Interview Required |
-- |
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Mode of Study | Full Time or Part Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 1 Academic Year Part Time - 3 Academic Years |
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) |
|
No accreditations (PSRB) found. |
Regulation Information
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations N/A |
Programme Specific Regulations This programme follows the University's Regulations. |
Students with protected characteristics N/A |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
This MA gives students the opportunity to engage with core theories, concepts, issues and debates in International Relations.
During the programme, students will develop intellectual skills (e.g. critical reasoning, analysis, interpretation); practical skills, (e.g. retrieving and sifting information); and transferable skills (e.g. time management, teamwork, effective communication).
In this programme students will have the opportunity to study key issues in contemporary International Relations including theory and methodology; changes and emerging structures of governance beyond the state; and contemporary debates and political decision-making surrounding the politics of globalisation (depending on module choice).
In addition, students will develop their independent research skills through the MA dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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, think critically and pursue independent research. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The modules within the programme are laid out to foster the development of the above cognitive skills, and are delivered through a variety of teaching methods including formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts. Methods of Assessment Self-reflexivity and critical thinking will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions |
The learner will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding about the history of the discipline and knowledge of its specific concepts, issues and vocabulary. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The learner will enhance their skills and confidence through oral and written assignments, discussion groups, team tasks and independent research. Methods of Assessment The acquisition of knowledge and understanding specific to the discipline will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions |
The learner will enhance their knowledge of the general methodological and theoretical approaches to key issue areas of the discipline. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Self reflection and evaluation will further enhance the critical thinking, sound judgement and independence of the learner, and will be central to all modules. Methods of Assessment The acquisition of knowledge and understanding specific to the discipline will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions |
The learner will be able to solve problems, process and prioritize a wide variety of information, and express arguments and positions in oral and written form. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Opportunities to develop problem solving and information processing strategies, as well as general methodological and theoretical approaches, will occur throughout the programme on all modules and through independent study. Methods of Assessment These skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions |
The MA in International Relations provides postgraduate learners with the opportunity to develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Opportunities to develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills will occur throughout the programme on all modules and through independent study. Methods of Assessment These general cognitive skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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The MA in International Relations provides postgraduate learners with the opportunity to acquire and develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills that will be beneficial in further research, education or employment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MA in International Relations enables postgraduate learners 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 learner will develop skills through engagement with module content, group projects, seminar discussion, independent learning, presentations, debate and discussion, and informal networking with peers. Methods of Assessment Transferable skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios and tutorial contributions. |
The learner will be able to solve problems, process and prioritize a wide variety of information, and express arguments and positions in oral and written form. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MA in International Relations provides a number of teaching methods to deliver key skills including communication (presentations, written assignments, teamwork); Methods of Assessment Transferable skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios and tutorial contributions. |
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. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies writing skills (note-taking, organizational skills, logical progression of argument, the ability to gather information from a wide range of both contemporary and archival sources, prioritizing information, independent research) Methods of Assessment Transferable skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios and tutorial contributions. |
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. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies This broad portfolio of skills will be delivered through a variety of teaching methods including formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts. Methods of Assessment Transferable skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios and tutorial contributions. |
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. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies and the ability to work independently. Methods of Assessment Transferable skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios and tutorial contributions. |
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. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies career management (including building a learning portfolio and developing a CV); Methods of Assessment Transferable skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios and tutorial contributions. |
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. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies time management skills (working to deadlines, prioritizing demands); Methods of Assessment Transferable skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios and tutorial contributions. |
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. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies IT skills (including Powerpoint, use of the internet as a research tool, Queens Online); Methods of Assessment Transferable skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios and tutorial contributions. |
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. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies interpersonal skills (small group or team work activities, debate, discussion); Methods of Assessment Transferable skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios and tutorial contributions. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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The MA International Relations provides postgraduate learners with an in depth and extensive interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary international affairs in its political, historical, cultural, economic and legal dimensions. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MA International Relations enables postgraduate learners to develop in depth and extensive knowledge and understanding of key skills required for the study and practice of International Relations. Methods of Assessment Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
Dedicated modules introduce the postgraduate learner to core concepts and key debates in International Relations, Governance and International Security. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies It helps them to build on their existing knowledge and understanding acquired at the undergraduate level. Learners will participate in teaching methods that include formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts. Methods of Assessment Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
The Postgraduate learner will deepen his/her knowledge and understanding of differing national polities and societies |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies While these teaching and assessment methods are intended to deliver information to the students and test their knowledge of that information, it is expected that students at the postgraduate level will engage with knowledge on their own terms and develop the skills and confidence to independently process and understand that knowledge. Methods of Assessment Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
The program is geared at facilitating the development of culturally sensitive cross-national comparisons. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Learning methods to this effect include locating and organizing information, small group work and teamwork, tutorial participation, written assignments, debate and discussion, and a substantial piece of independent research. Methods of Assessment Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
The degree fosters an attitude of self-motivated and independent learning; equips learners with key subject and transferable skills; and encourages independent research and therefore a professional attitude towards self-organisation. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Independent and self-motivated learning will be encouraged in all aspects of the programme, and especially in each module Methods of Assessment Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Upon completion of the program the learner will be well versed with the methodology, the historiography and the basic approaches to International Politics and be able to research independently using the expert language of the subject. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The teaching methods used to embed this knowledge and understanding include formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts. Methods of Assessment The methods used to assess this knowledge include a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions |
The program will enhance the existing understanding of comparative methods, theoretical models, political sociology and historical textual analysis. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The teaching methods used to embed this knowledge and understanding include formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts. Methods of Assessment The methods used to assess this knowledge include a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
The learner will acquire competency in specific areas such as the analysis of political decision-making, International History and International Security. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The teaching methods used to embed this knowledge and understanding include formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts. Methods of Assessment The methods used to assess this knowledge include a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
The program will furthermore provide a firm grounding in the study the emerging structures of governance beyond the nation-state |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The teaching methods used to embed this knowledge and understanding include formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts. Methods of Assessment The methods used to assess this knowledge include a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
It will introduce the learner not only to the specialist literature of the field, but to key debates in contemporary international relations theory and methodology. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The teaching methods used to embed this knowledge and understanding include formal lectures, small group tutorials and seminars, many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as power point presentations and handouts. Methods of Assessment The methods used to assess this knowledge include a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
The MA International Relations will enhance the postgraduate learner's generic skills of the subject |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MA International Relations enables postgraduate learners to develop specific subject skills of the discipline of International Relations Methods of Assessment The methods used to assess this knowledge include a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
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 % | ||||||
APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN | HAP7001 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Engaging citizens in democratic institutions | PAI7100 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 90% | 10% | 0% |
The UK and Europe | PAI7099 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
From Cold War to Cold Peace: The Transformation of the International Order, 1979-1999 | PAI7058 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Social Injustice | PHL7057 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Global Development | PAI7103 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Freedom and modernity | PAI7059 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Global Ireland | PAI7102 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 90% | 10% | 0% |
Institutions and Politics of the European Union | PAI7052 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Contemporary Security | PAI7051 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Theories and Issues in International Politics | PAI7026 | 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% |
Conflict Intervention | PAI7027 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Global Political Economy | PAI7030 | 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% |
Gender and Politics | PAI7032 | 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 AND the MA Dissertation (summer). Students must also choose AT LEAST ONE of PAI7051 (semester 1) and PAI7007 (semester 2).
Students are required to take THREE OPTIONAL modules (ONE in semester 1, if PAI7051 is not taken and TWO OPTIONAL modules in semester 2 (ONE if PAI7007 is taken).
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.“