International Relations (MA)

How will I be taught?

Study for a master’s degree is intensive and challenging and it is important that you take full advantage of the teaching that is provided in order to succeed. Attendance at classes and dissertation supervisions is compulsory and we will expect you to be well prepared. 

Our teaching will be delivered through seminars or a combination of lectures and seminars.  Other teaching methods include the online use of discussion boards, self-access study packs and formative quizzes and activities.

Lectures take a range of forms but generally provide a broad structure for each subject, introduce key concepts, and convey relevant up-to-date information.

In seminars you will have the opportunity to discuss themes or topics, to consolidate and get feedback on your individual learning and to develop skills in oral presentation. Communication skills are developed in seminars, where you will make individual contributions to group study. Participation in diverse learning activities, such as small-group discussions, debates, oral presentations, independent research tasks and written assignments will develop your intellectual and presentation skills.

Modules are typically led by experienced staff actively engaged in research relevant to their subject area.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be made up of formative and summative assessment.

Formative tasks do not contribute towards your final degree classification but are designed to give you an opportunity to develop your skills and practice for your summative assessments.  They enable you and your tutors to evaluate the development of your skills and your progress in each module. Formative tasks will normally involve written coursework, class tests, may comprise individual student presentations or form part of group discussions and sharing of ideas with the module leaders where formative spoken feedback occurs. 

Summative assessments contribute towards your final degree classification. Your results in these assessments:

• determine your formal progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (dissertation); and 
• determine your final award.

The nature of the summative assessments in Stage 1 will vary by module but will typically involve written coursework, unseen examinations or pre-release examinations, presentations and can also include an assessment of your general engagement and participation in seminars. Summative assessment in Stage 2 (dissertation) comprises the dissertation (up to 15,000 words).

How will I be supported?

We’ll support you in developing your research and study skills across your modules and also via your dissertation supervisor.

Your learning will be supported through e-learning; all modules are supported by Learning Central, a virtual learning environment that is available on and off campus through which you will access a wide range of materials for your modules.

You’ll receive general academic and pastoral support through a personal tutor and where appropriate your personal tutor will be able to signpost you to other areas of student support. We’ll run a programme of guest lectures and talks which you are welcome to attend.

A designated Disability and Diversity Officer ensures that reasonable adjustments are made for students with disabilities. The University also has a range of services to support you, including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service and excellent libraries with specialist subject librarians and resource centres. 

Feedback

Feedback is available through oral feedback during seminars, and you will receive written feedback on both your formative and summative assessments. Individual feedback on formative work will help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your learning, as well as how you might improve your performance in summative assessments. Written feedback will generally be made available no later than 21 working days from the agreed submission date of your assessment.

What skills will I practise and develop?

On successful completion of your programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• KU 1 Critically evaluate the key theories utilised to help understand international relations, and the principal debates surrounding political, social and theoretical concepts in tasks and assessments. 
• KU 2 Assess the causes and outcomes of peace, crisis, and globalisation in the twenty-first century in a variety of different contexts in the world, using international relations theories in a written assessment. 
• KU 3 Critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different research methodologies and the debates around how they have been applied in contemporary international relations research.
• KU 4 Evaluate contemporary themes and debates across a range of subject areas within international relations in spoken and written tasks. 
• KU 5 Design and develop an independently researched dissertation focused in the area of international relations, drawing on appropriate analytical skills and research methods. 

Intellectual Skills:

• IS 1 Gather, organise, and collate evidence, data and information from a variety of sources.
• IS 2 Develop a reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement in various written and spoken assessments. 
• IS 3 Critically analyse and evaluate different approaches involved in collecting information on international relations, including recognising their ethical implications.
• IS 4 Investigate and advocate solutions to problems.
• IS 5 Evaluate an independent research topic for a dissertation. 

Professional Practical Skills:

• PS 1 Collaborate with others to achieve set tasks.
• PS 2 Gather, organise, and deploy evidence, data and information in assignments using information technology.
• PS 3 Reflect on your own learning and constructively utilise feedback in a variety of assessments. 
• PS 4 Critically analyse and evaluate a range of evidence to reach a reasoned judgment for a research dissertation. 

Transferable/Key Skills:

• KS 1 Manage your own learning development through self-critical evaluation. 
• KS 2 Communicate ideas effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing.
• KS 3 Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management.
• KS 4 Collaborate with others and contribute effectively to the achievement of common goals.
• KS 5 Independently gather, critically analyse and evaluate evidence for research tasks including a research dissertation.