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Undergraduate Programme Specification

BA International Relations and Conflict Studies

Academic Year 2021/22

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

BA International Relations and Conflict Studies

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Bachelor of Arts

Programme Code

INR-BA-S

UCAS Code

L253

HECoS Code

100490 - International relations - 50
101288 - International studies - 50

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Single Honours

Length of Programme

Full Time - 3 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

360

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Queen's University Belfast
School/Department	History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics
Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england	Level 6
Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf	Politics and International Relations (2015)
Accreditations (PSRB)

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No (If yes, please state here any exemptions to regulations which have been approved for this programme)

Programme Specific Regulations

At Level II & III a student may substitute up to 20 CATS of optional modules with the equivalent number of CATS from a list of approved modules beyond those listed below.

At Level III a student may substitute up to 20 CATS of optional modules with the equivalent number of CATS from a list of approved modules beyond those listed below.

A student who has transferred onto this Single Honours programme having only completed 60 CATS at Level I in the Single Honours subject may at Level II or Level III substitute up to 20 CATS of optional modules with the equivalent number of CATS from a list of approved modules beyond those listed below.

On completing Level I a Joint Honours student who has passed 60 CATS at Level I in International Studies modules may be admitted to this Single Honours programme having obtained the approval of the advisor of studies for the programme.

A Joint Honours student wishing to be admitted to the Single Honours programme must have passed the following modules: PAI1001; PAI1006

The admission requirement of [ABB] is waived provided students have achieved an average mark across the 60 CATS of 60 or above.

Students with protected characteristics

The School works with internship and placement providers and partner institutions to ensure that students with disabilities are able to complete residence abroad requirements.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Educational Aims Of Programme

• The programme provides students with an in depth, interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary international affairs and conflict situations in their political, historical, cultural, economic and legal dimensions.

• Dedicated modules introduce students to core concepts and debates in International Relations and the study of conflict alongside modules on migration, international organisations, and the political institutions of states such as the USA and also those of supranational organisations such as the European Union.

• Students will acquire familiarity with the experiences of differing national polities and societies, facilitating the development of culturally sensitive cross-national comparisons.

• The degree fosters an attitude of self-motivated and independent learning; equips students with a set of key, subject, employability and transferable skills; and encourages a professional attitude towards self-organisation.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

The Single Honours International Politics and Conflict Studies programme provides the opportunity for students to acquire and develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Single Honours International Politics and Conflict Studies programme will enable learners to 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 presentations.

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 introduced to 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 presentations.

The learner will understand the general methodological and theoretical approaches of the discipline as well as its basic history. This includes knowledge of its specific concepts, issues and vocabulary.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Self-reflection and evaluation will further enhance the critical thinking and sound judgement 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 presentations.

At the end of the programme learners will have the capacity to be self-reflexive and practice sound judgement and critical thinking.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The learner will gain both skills and confidence through oral and written assignments, discussion groups and team tasks.

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 presentations.

....

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 hand-outs.

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 presentations.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

....

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Learning methods to this effect include locating and organizing information, small group work and teamwork, tutorial participation, presentations, written assignments, debate and discussion.

Methods of Assessment

These general cognitive skills will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative methods including essays, exams, journals, group-work, portfolios and tutorial contributions. A currently ongoing Academic Year Review process forms the basis for extending innovation in assessment, including the range and types of coursework elements offered, across modules on the programme.

The programme fosters an attitude of self-motivated and independent learning; equips students with a set of key, subject, employability and transferable skills; and encourages a professional attitude towards self-organisation.

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 engage with knowledge on their own terms and develop the skills and confidence to independently process and understand that knowledge.

Methods of Assessment

Students will acquire familiarity with the experiences of differing national polities and societies, facilitating the development of culturally sensitive cross-national comparisons.

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 hand-outs.

Methods of Assessment

Dedicated modules introduce students to core concepts and debates in International Relations, Security and Conflict as well as to particular experiences of regional areas.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

It helps them to build on their existing knowledge and understanding acquired at 2nd level education (or equivalent).

Methods of Assessment

The Single Honours International Politics and Conflict Studies programme provides students with an in depth and extensive interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary international affairs and conflict situations in their political, historical, cultural, economic and legal dimensions.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Single Honours International Politics and Conflict Studies programme enables learners to develop in depth and extensive knowledge and understanding of International Relations and comparative Politics.

Methods of Assessment

Learners will be assessed by a variety of traditional and innovative means, including essays, exams, journals, portfolios, dissertations and presentations.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Upon completion of the program the learner will be well versed with the methodology, the historiography and the basic approaches to International Relations and Conflict Studies, and be able to communicate using the expert language of the subject.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Single Honours International Politics and Conflict Studies encourage learners to develop in depth and extensive knowledge and understanding about specific areas in the discipline.
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 hand-outs.

Methods of Assessment

The learner will acquire competency in areas such as the analysis of political decision-making, International History, International Security, and regional organizations areas such as the European Union.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

The programme will furthermore provide a firm grounding in approaches to the study the emerging structures of governance beyond the nation-state.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

It will introduce the learner not only to the classic literature of the field, but to key debates in contemporary international relations theory, comparative politics and methodology.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

The Single Honours International Politics and Conflict Studies programme provides students with in depth and extensive knowledge of the generic skills of the subject.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

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 presentations.

The programme will provide a firm understanding of comparative methods, theoretical models, political sociology and historical textual analysis.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Methods of Assessment

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

....

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 hand-outs.

Methods of Assessment

....

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

and the ability to work independently.

Methods of Assessment

....

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

career management (including building a learning portfolio and developing a CV);

Methods of Assessment

....

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

time management skills (working to deadlines, prioritizing demands);

Methods of Assessment

....

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

IT skills (including PowerPoint, use of the internet as a research tool, Queens Online);

Methods of Assessment

....

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

interpersonal skills (small group or team work activities, debate, discussion);

Methods of Assessment

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, work in collaboration, demonstrate initiative, and use communication and information technology where appropriate.

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);

Methods of Assessment

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

The Single Honours International Politics and Conflict Studies programme provides students with the opportunity to acquire and develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills which will be beneficial in terms of employment or further study.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Single Honours programme enables 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 postgraduate level (either MA or doctoral work) 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 presentations.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Comparative Politics	PAI1009	1	20	YES		12 weeks	N	YES		90%	10%	0%
Contemporary Europe	PAI1001	1	20		YES	12 weeks	N	YES		100%	0%	0%
World Politics	PAI1006	1	20	YES		12 weeks	N	YES		90%	10%	0%
Issues in Contemporary Politics	PAI1003	1	20		YES	12 weeks	N	YES		90%	10%	0%
Politics and Policy of the European Union	PAI2001	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Modern Political Thought	PAI2005	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
The Politics of Deeply Divided Societies	PAI2011	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
Irish Politics	PAI2013	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	30%	10%	60%
International Relations	PAI2017	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N	YES		90%	10%	0%
Studying Politics	PAI2043	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
American Politics	PAI2018	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Security and Terrorism	PAI2055	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
International Organisations	PAI2056	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Apocalypse! End of the World.	HAP2065	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
British Politics in crisis?	PAI2002	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Radical Musics: Understanding Sounds of Defiance across Disciplines	HAP2000	2	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
The Northern Ireland Conflict and paths to peace	HAP2001	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Peace and Conflict Studies	PAI2065	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Identity Politics in Diverse Societies	PAI2066	2	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Contemporary Political Philosophy	PAI3025	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Internship	PAI3097	3	40	YES	YES	12 weeks	Y		YES	100%	0%	0%
Dissertation (Politics and International Studies)	PAI3099	3	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	Y		YES	100%	0%	0%
Earth, Energy, Ethics and Economy: The Politics of Unsustainability	PAI3026	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
European Cultural Identities	PAI3027	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	0%	10%
Politics of the Global Economy	PAI3063	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
The Far Right in Western Europe and North America	PAI3056	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
National and Ethnic Minorities in European Politics	PAI3059	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
Northern Ireland: A Case Study	PAI3064	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
Arms Control	PAI3039	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
Asylum and Migration in Global Politics	PAI3041	3	20	YES		12 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
Global Pol. Econ. of Energy	PAI3012	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	90%	10%	0%
The Placement	PAI3089	3	20	YES	YES	12 weeks	Y		YES	100%	0%	0%
Radical Hope:Inspiring Present-day Sustainability Transformations through an Examination of Our Past	PAI3100	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%
Politics and International Relations of East Asia	PAI3101	3	20		YES	12 weeks	N		YES	100%	0%	0%

Notes

Students must take 120 credits - 6 MODULES (THREE in Semester 1 and THREE in Semester 2). Students are required to take either: (a) PAI3097 Internship (double weighted – either semester) and a further FOUR modules OR (b) PAI3099 Dissertation (double weighted – both semesters) and a further FOUR modules; OR (c) SIX modules. PLEASE NOTE: Students MUST consult their Advisor of Studies before enrolling for TWO double-weighted modules. “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.“

Students must take 120 credits - 6 MODULES (THREE in Semester 1 and THREE in Semester 2). Students must take FOUR CORE modules. Students must take TWO OPTIONAL modules offered by AHSS Faculty, these may include modules from HAPP (ONE module from semester 1 and ONE module from semester 2). “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.“ Students are encouraged to consider enhancing their undergraduate experience by taking one of the International study options. These are: o Studying for one semester exchange at one of our partner universities in Europe through the ERASMUS student exchange programme • Studying for one semester at one of our partner universities in the United States through our American student exchange programme. For further information about semester abroad opportunities, contact Advisor of Studies or happexp@qub.ac.uk

Students must take 120 credits - 6 MODULES (THREE in Semester 1 and THREE in Semester 2). Students must take ONE CORE module. Students are required to take FIVE OPTIONAL modules. “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.“ Students are encouraged to consider enhancing their undergraduate experience by taking one of the International study options. These are: o Studying for one semester exchange at one of our partner universities in Europe through the ERASMUS student exchange programme • Studying for one semester at one of our partner universities in the United States through our American student exchange programme. For further information about semester abroad opportunities, contact Advisor of Studies or happexp@qub.ac.uk

Students must take 120 credits - 6 MODULES (THREE in Semester 1 and THREE in Semester 2). Students must take ONE CORE module. Students are required to take FIVE OPTIONAL modules. ��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.“ Students are encouraged to consider enhancing their undergraduate experience by taking one of the International study options. These are: o Studying for one semester exchange at one of our partner universities in Europe through the ERASMUS student exchange programme • Studying for one semester at one of our partner universities in the United States through our American student exchange programme. For further information about semester abroad opportunities, contact Advisor of Studies or happexp@qub.ac.uk