Postgraduate Programme Specification
MA Politics
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 Politics | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Master of Arts | |||||||||||
Programme Code | POL-MA-PO | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100491 - Politics - 34 100612 - European Union politics - 33 100618 - Comparative politics - 33 |
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 NO |
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
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).
This MA gives students the opportunity to engage with core theories, concepts, issues and debates in politics.
In this programme students will have the opportunity to study key issues in contemporary politics and normative theory, British Politics, Irish Politics, European Politics, International Relations, Policy, and Comparative Ethnic Conflict (depending on module choice).
In addition, students will develop their independent research skills through the MA dissertation.
This MA gives students the opportunity to engage with core theories, concepts, issues and debates in politics.
In this programme students will have the opportunity to study key issues in contemporary politics and normative theory, Irish Politics, International Relations, and Comparative Ethnic Conflict (depending on module choice).
In addition, students will develop their independent research skills through the MA dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 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. |
The MA Politics provides postgraduate learners with the opportunity to acquire and develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills that will be beneficial for further employment, research or study. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MA in Politics 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 in the following areas: 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 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. |
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. |
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 These general cognitive skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations 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, think critically and pursue independent research. |
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 These general cognitive skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and tutorial contributions. |
The MA in Politics provides postgraduate learners with the opportunity to develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MA Politics enables postgraduate learners to further develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills. 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. |
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 learner will be able to develop problem solving and information processing strategies, as well as general methodological and theoretical approaches. 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. |
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. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Self reflection and evaluation will further enhance the critical thinking, sound judgement and independence of the learner 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: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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The course's carefully structured interdisciplinary framework further makes the MA an appropriate basis for those wishing to proceed to doctoral work. |
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. |
to equip students with a set of key, subject, employability and transferable skills; to encourage a professional attitude towards self-organisation; and to provide students with the intellectual tools to reflect upon the subject of Politics both by theoretical explorations of the nature of Politics and by comparisons between 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. |
It further provides students with a knowledge and understanding of the core debates in the subject, and fosters an attitude of self-motivated and independent learning; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies 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. |
It enables students to research political phenomena, events and arguments/ideas |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies It helps them to build on their existing knowledge and understanding acquired at the undergraduate level. 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 MA in Politics provides a grounding in the key issues in contemporary politics and normative theory, British Politics, Irish Politics, European Politics, International Relations Policy and Comparative Ethnic Conflict (depending on modules chosen). |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MA Politics enables postgraduate learners to develop knowledge and understanding of the key areas of Politics 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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Graduates in the MA Politics will have developed a number of subject specific skills (depending on modules chosen). |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MA Politics encourages postgraduate learners to develop specific knowledge and understanding about Politics. 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. |
They will also be able to evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events. |
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 |
They 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. |
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 |
They will have learned how to apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and practices. |
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 |
They will be able to understand the nature and significance of politics as a human activity. |
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 |
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% |
Theories in Comparative Politics | PAI7038 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 90% | 10% | 0% |
Comparative Territorial Politics | PAI7101 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Freedom and modernity | PAI7059 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Social Injustice | PHL7057 | 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% |
Institutions and Politics of the European Union | PAI7052 | 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% |
The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland | PAI7021 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Global Political Economy | PAI7030 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Gender and Politics | PAI7032 | 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% |
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 THREE CORE modules (semester 1 PLUS the MA Dissertation).
Students are required to take ONE further OPTIONAL Semester 1 module PLUS choose AT LEAST TWO OPTIONAL modules from the following FOUR PLUS an ADDITIONAL module from the list below if necessary.
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.“