UNIVERSITY OF KENT Programme Specification Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she passes the programme. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this specification is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Bachelor of Art- in Politics and International Relations with a Language 1. Awarding Institution/Body University of Kent 2. Teaching Institution University of Kent and partner institutions 3. School responsible for management of the programme Politics and International Relations 4. Teaching Site Canterbury and location of partner institutions 5. Mode of Delivery Full-time Part-time 6. Programme accredited by N/A 7. Final Award BA (Hons) Fall back awards: BA in Politics and International Relations (for students who are deemed to have failed Stage A but have successfully completed Stage 3) Diploma in Politics and International Relations (for students who have failed Stage 3 but have successfully completed Stage 2) Certificate in Politics and International Relations (for students who have failed Stage 2 but have successfully completed Stage 1) 8. Programme 9. UCAS Code (or other code) 1. Politics and International Relations with a Language 2. 1:L2R9 10. Credits/ECTS Value 480 Kent credits (240 ECTS credits) 11. Study Level Undergraduate 12. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s) Politics and International Relations; Languages and Related Studies 13. Date of creation/revision Oct. 2011/revised September 2013 14. Intended Start Date of Delivery of this Programme September 2014 1 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT 15. Educational Aims of the Programme (Politics and International Relations 2007 Subject Benchmark Statement [Polir-sbs] no. 4.12) (Languages and Related Studies 2002 Subject Benchmark Statement [Lars-sbs] no. 3.0) The programme aims to: 1. provide a programme that will attract, and meet the needs of, those who wish to combine the 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. study of Politics and International Relations in the United Kingdom with a year abroad (either studying at a university or gaining professional experience through a suitable internship in a field relevant to the study of Politics and International Relations); be compatible with widening participation in higher education by offering a wide variety of entry routes; place questions of political and international order and decision-making at the centre of socialscientific analysis; ensure that students of politics and international relations acquire knowledge and understanding of political and international relations theory and analysis in a supportive and responsive learning environment; enable students to understand and use the concepts, approaches and methods of politics and international relations and develop an understanding of their contested nature and the problematic character of enquiry in the discipline; develop students’ capacities to think critically about political events, ideas and institutions; encourage students to relate the academic study of politics and international relations to questions of public concern; provide a curriculum supported by scholarship, staff development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debate; assist students in developing cognitive and transferable skills relevant to their vocational and personal development; introduce students to different academic or professional cultures; develop the ability to use the target language; develop knowledge of the language; develop knowledge of aspects of the cultures, communities and societies where the language is used; develop intercultural awareness and understanding. 16 Programme Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The programme outcomes have references to the subject benchmarking statement for Politics and International Relations; Languages and Related Studies. A. Knowledge and Understanding of (Polir-sbs 4.14, 4.15; Lars-sbs 3.1-3.4): 1. key concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics and international relations and their application to the analysis of political ideas, institutions, practices and issues in the global arena. 2. the structure, institutions and operation of different political systems; 3. the social, economic, historical and cultural contexts of political institutions and behaviour; 4. the political dynamics of interaction between people, events, ideas and institutions 5. factors accounting for political change 6. the contestable nature of many concepts and different approaches to the study of Politics and International Relations 7. the normative and positive foundations of political ideas; 8. the reliance of Politics on knowledge from cognate disciplines 2 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT 9. the nature and significance of politics as a global activity 10. the origins and evolution of the international political system, including contemporary changes underway 11. different interpretations of world political events and issues 12. target language 13. cultures and societies linked to target language Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Teaching/learning: Acquisition of 1-11 is through a combination of lectures and seminars beginning with Certificate-level modules at Stage 1, and subsequently developed through compulsory Intermediate-level and Honours-level modules at Stages 2 and 3. The Honours-level modules, in particular, provide an opportunity to develop a critical engagement with political phenomena and knowledge in the discipline of Politics and International Relations through small-group seminars based on lecture topics. Acquisition of 12-13 through language modules in Stage 1 and 2 at Kent and study or work in the target language in Stage A. Assessment: Assessed through a combination of unseen written examinations, assessed coursework and project work supplemented in the case of an internship by a manager appraisal. Progress is also monitored through small group work, contact with teachers and module convenors, and with the Student Support and Guidance Officer. Skills and Other Attributes B. Intellectual Skills (Polir-sbs 4.16; Lars-sbs 4.5.1): 1. gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and some primary sources; 2. identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems; 3. develop reasoned arguments, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement 4. reflect on, and manage, their own learning and seek to make use of constructive feedback from peers and staff to enhance their performance and personal skills 5. manage their own learning self-critically 6. employ their understanding of different educational curricula and pedagogic methods in their own work 7. integrate into a different educational, cultural, social, linguistic and, in some cases, professional environment Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Teaching/learning: Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined below. Each module, whatever the format of teaching, involves the critical reflection on key themes, verbal discussion and the written analysis and interpretation of the relevant material. Lectures and teacher-led seminars and project work promote 1-5. Students are introduced to ways in which political-science perspectives can be employed to interpret a range of political issues and encourage a critical awareness of political phenomena and an appreciation of the diverse ways of interpreting them. The lectures provide students with an outline of the 3 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT respective topic. Essays allow students to demonstrate their ability to sustain an argument. Skills 6 and 7 are developed in Stage A. Assessment: Intellectual skills are assessed through coursework and unseen examinations. C. Subject-specific Skills (Polir-sbs 4.14, 4.15; Lars-sbs 4.1-4.4): 1. understanding the nature and significance of politics as a human and global activity; 2. application of concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics and international relations to the analysis of political ideas, institutions, practices and issues in the global arena; 3. evaluate different interpretations of world political events and issues; 4. describe, evaluate and apply different approaches to collecting, analysing and presenting political information; 5. knowledge of competing approaches to theories and concepts of politics and international relations 6. understanding the nature of political conflict between and within states 7. reading, writing, listening and speaking in the target language 8. ability to describe and analyse the main features of the language studied 9. knowledge and understanding of the cultures and societies where the language is used Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Teaching/learning: All students receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use material available in the library and online resources. Comprehensive reading lists are provided for each module at outset. Discussion of theoretical and conceptual issues are integrated into all modules. Students are encouraged to evaluate a comprehensive sample of political, theoretical and global perspectives and texts. Skills 7-9 are acquired through language modules in Stage 1 and 2 and study/work in Stage A. Assessment: Discussion of issues, formative assessment of presentations in class; essays and projects; marks for essays and exams but not individual seminar contributions. D. Transferable Skills (Polir-sbs 4.17; Lars-sbs 4.5.2, 4.5.3): 1. communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing; 2. use communication and information technology for the retrieval and presentation of information, including, where appropriate, statistical or numerical information; 3. work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organization and time-management; 4. collaborate with others to achieve common goals 5. communicate fluently and appropriately both orally and in writing in the target language Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Teaching/learning: Transferable/key skills are generally incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Examples of strategies include: student and teacher-led seminars; self-directed learning and the use of research-based teaching materials and methods. All modules require written work and feedback on this is given to the students to help develop their 4 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT power of presentation, analysis and communication. Skill 4 is promoted through assessed group work in some modules and through seminar discussions in all modules except PO657. IT skills are trained through coursework, the use of email and the use of online and internet resources. Skill 3 is developed through ‘reflective essays’ in which students review their own learning experience, language study and the year abroad. Assessment: Discussion of issues, formative assessment of presentations in class; essays and projects; marks for essays and exams but not individual seminar contributions. For information on which modules provide which skills, see the module mapping 5 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT 17 Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards This programme is studied over four years full-time or six years part-time. The programme is divided into four stages, each stage comprising modules to a total of 120 credits. Students must successfully complete each module in order to be awarded the specified number of credits for that module. One credit corresponds to approximately ten hours of 'learning time' (including all classes and all private study and research). Thus obtaining 120 credits in an academic year requires 1,200 hours of overall learning time. For further information on modules and credits refer to the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfo.html Each module is designed to be at a specific level. For the descriptors of each of these levels, refer to Annex 2 of the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/creditframework/creditinfoannex2.html. To be eligible for the award of an honours degree students must obtain 360 credits, at least 210 of which must be Level I or above, and at least 90 of which must be level H or above. Compulsory modules are core to the programme and must be taken by all students studying the programme. Optional modules provide a choice of subject areas, from which students will select a stated number of modules. Students entering the programme from September 2013 must take at least 90 H level credits at Stage 3 and may only take a maximum of 150 C level credits. Where a student fails a module(s) due to illness or other mitigating circumstances, such failure may be condoned, subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the student has achieved the programme learning outcomes. For further information refer to the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfo.html. Where a student fails a module(s), but has marks for such modules within 10 percentage points of the pass mark, the Board of Examiners may nevertheless award the credits for the module(s), subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the student has achieved the programme learning outcomes. For further information refer to the Credit Framework. Failure in certain modules, however, may not be compensated and/or condoned, as indicated by the symbol * below. In order to proceed to Stage A, students must achieve a 2:2 standard [2:1 in the case of the Université de Montréal and of the Universidad de San Andrés] – on either the average or the preponderance method – in Stage 2, including in their language module, and demonstrate satisfactory attendance and coursework submission records. Progression to Stage A may also be subject to a satisfactory interview and students’ choice of destination is always subject to approval by the Programme Director at her/his discretion. Students failing to qualify for progression to Stage A will re-register on the 3-year BA in Politics and International Relations. Students spend their Year Abroad at one of our partner institutions or on an approved work placement. A list of partner institutions can be found at http://www.kent.ac.uk/politics/partnerships/internationalopps.html . Students who spend their Year Abroad on university study negotiate a Learning Agreement with their School Co-ordinator which is then counter-signed by the International Development office. Modules taken abroad contribute 120 credits (equivalent to 60 ECTS) to the degree, which is worth 480 credits overall. Up to 25 per cent of the credits (i.e. 15 ECTS credits) may be of non-Politics modules and/or modules not in the target language. Students who are deemed to have failed Stage A but have successfully completed Stage 3 will be awarded the BA in Politics and International Relations. Students who have failed Stage 3 but have successfully completed Stage 2 may be awarded the Diploma in Politics and International Relations. Students who have failed Stage 2 but have successfully completed Stage 1 may be awarded the Certificate in Politics and International Relations. 6 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT Code Title Level Credits Term(s) Stage 1 Compulsory Modules PO326 Introduction to Political Science C 15 1 PO327 Introduction to Comparative Politics C 15 2 PO310 Introduction to International Politics C 15 1 PO314 Introduction to Political Thought C 15 1 FR300 Learning French 3** C 30 1+2 Intensive French for Beginners** C 30 1+2 FR327 Learning French 2A** C 15 1 FR328 Learning French 2B** C 15 2 Learning German 3** C 30 1+2 Learning Italian 1** C 30 1+2 Learning Italian 3** C 30 1+2 LA300 Learning Portuguese 1A** C 15 1 LA301 Learning Portuguese 1B** C 15 2 Learning Spanish 3A** C 30 1+2 Intensive Learning Spanish 1** C 30 1+2 Or FR330 Or Or GE301 Or IT301 Or IT308 Or Or LS300 Or LS302 Optional Modules Remaining 30 credits to be chosen from Politics and International Relations Stage 1 offering or another Social Science. ** Students who are native speakers of the language or are otherwise deemed to already meet the learning outcomes of the module, will be required to choose another 30 credits at the discretion of the Module Convener and the Programme Director. Stage 2 Compulsory Modules PO661 Key Debates in Comparative Politics I 15 1 PO555 International Organisation: the UN I 15 2 7 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT System PO657 Political Research and Analysis I 15 2 FR589 Learning French 4** I 30 1+2 Learning German 4** I 30 1+2 Learning Italian 2** I 30 1+2 Learning Italian 4** I 30 1+2 LA500 Learning Portuguese 2A I 15 1 LA501 Learning Portuguese 2B I 15 2 Learning Spanish 3B** I 30 1+2 Learning Spanish 4** I 30 1+2 Or GE507 Or IT508 Or IT521 Or Or LS504 Or LS505 ** Students who are native speakers of the language or are otherwise deemed to already meet the learning outcomes of the module will be required to choose another 30 credits of culture/literature within the same discipline, at the discretion of the Module Convener and the Programme Director. Optional Modules At least 15 credits to be chosen from Politics and International Relations Stage 2 and 3 offerings Up to 30 credits can be ‘wild’ modules. Intermediate level modules should normally be taken in Stage 2 Stage A (Year Abroad) Compulsory Modules PO624 Politics and International Relations Year Abroad Mark 1 H 60 1 PO625 Politics and International Relations Year Abroad Mark 2 H 60 2 PO624 Politics and International Relations Year Abroad Mark 1 H 60 1 PO670 Year Abroad Work Placement (term) H 60 2 Year Abroad Work Placement (term) H 60 1 Or Or PO670 8 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT PO625 Politics and International Relations Year Abroad Mark 2 H 60 2 Year Abroad Work Placement (year) H 120 1+2 Or PO626 Stage 3 There are no compulsory modules Optional Modules 120 credits in total. At least 90 credits must be chosen from Politics and International Relations H level modules. Up to 30 credits can be ‘wild’ modules. 18 Work-Based Learning Disability Statement: Where disabled students are due to undertake a work placement as part of this programme of study, a representative of the University will meet with the work placement provider in advance to ensure the provision of anticipatory and reasonable adjustments in line with legal requirements. Where relevant to the programme of study, provide details of any work-based learning element, inclusive of employer details, delivery, assessment and support for students: Students can do a work placement in Stage A, for either one term (PO670) or the full year (PO626). Responsibility for securing an appropriate work placement is with the students. Work placements must be approved by the School Co-ordinator and the International Development office. Work placements are assessed through a student report and a manager’s appraisal, as detailed in the relevant module specifications (PO670 and PO626). Throughout their work placement student can access support from, in particular, the School Coordinator, the School Student Support Officer, and the International Development Office. 19 Support for Students and their Learning School and University induction programme Programme/module handbooks Library services, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/library/ Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS), see www.kent.ac.uk/ddss/ Centre for English and World Languages, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/cewl/index.html Student Learning Advisory Service, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/about/slas.html PASS system, see https://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/quality/code2001/annexg.html Academic Advisor system Kent Union, see www.kentunion.co.uk/ Careers and Employability Services, see www.kent.ac.uk/ces/ Counselling Service www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/ Information Services (computing and library services), see www.kent.ac.uk/is/ Undergraduate student representation at School, Faculty and Institutional levels 9 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT International Office, see www.kent.ac.uk/international/ Medical Centre, see www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/menu/Medical-Centre.html School Student Support Officer School Co-ordinator Study Abroad guide Year Abroad meeting Regularly updated Partnerships section on the School’s website International Development Office Provided by Partner Universities Each institution will designate an appropriate office / a contact person to coordinate student services for incoming exchange students. This office will provide orientation to incoming students upon arrival. The orientation will include information on academic, cultural, health, personal safety, security, general work and welfare issues. The office will also advise students on issues as they arise. Exchange students will enjoy the same support as local students do. Each partner institution will comply with health and safety laws relevant to students. The institution will satisfy itself that it can provide adequate resources, training and supervision to ensure that students are not subjected to unreasonable risks to health and safety. 20 Entry Profile The minimum age to study a degree programme at the university is normally at least 17 years old by 20 September in the year the course begins. There is no upper age limit. 20.1 Entry Route For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus GCE/GCSE Five passes, including English Language or Use of English and at least two subjects at A level. Or Three passes at A level and a pass in English Language or Use of English Applicants under the age of 21 must have a minimum of 12 units at Level 3 in a maximum of two subjects (i.e. 2xA2 level or 1x12-unit AGNVQ. We do not accept 4xAS levels). Key skills We may take into consideration passes at Level 3 key skills in Communication where applicants cannot meet the matriculation requirements for English at GCSE level. VCE A level (previously AGNVQ) Vocational A level (Double award 12 units) and a pass in an approved English Language qualification. BTEC BTEC National Diploma Grade DDM and a pass in an approved English language qualification. Or Higher National Diploma and a pass in an approved English language qualification. Access/foundation programme A satisfactory pass in an approved foundation or Access programme. 10 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT Other qualifications Kent also accepts the following qualifications, provided they reach a satisfactory standard, and include a pass in English at the equivalent of GCSE. Scottish (SQA) qualification Irish Leaving Certificate International Baccalaureate Diploma European Baccalaureate Diploma Certificate in Education University degree Advanced International Certificate of Education Advanced Placement Overseas Certificates (including other European Union countries) The Higher School Certificate of Matriculation (of approved and EU authorities) American High School Diplomas if accompanied by Advanced Placements (AP) passes Mature applicants If you are a mature student without the ‘traditional’ qualifications listed here, we ask you for proof of any recent study you have done or of your ability to complete a degree programme successfully. International applicants In addition to the above requirements international students can also qualify with the following: School Certificates and Higher School Certificates awarded by a body approved by the University. Subsidiary level credit or pass = pass at GCSE, Higher School Certificate pass = pass at A level. Matriculation from an approved university, with a pass in English Language at GCSE/O level or an equivalent level in an approved English language test. Passing one of Kent’s Foundation Programmes, provided that you meet the subject requirements for the degree course you intend to study. An examination pass accepted as equivalent to any of the above. English language In order to enter directly onto a degree programme you also need to demonstrate your proficiency in English, and we ask for one of the following: Average 6.5 in IELTS test, minimum 6.0 in reading and writing. Grade B in Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English. Grade A in Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English. A TOEFL score of at least 580 including 4.0 in reading and writing (written test) or 85 including 20 in reading and writing (internet test). For applicants without these qualifications the University runs its own Foundation Programme. For applicants who have not reached this standard the University runs a Foundation Programme which gives a year’s academic language training. Our standard offer conditions: UCAS tariff: A/AS level 320 points (3 A level equivalents) including either AB at A level or BB in GCE double A level IB Diploma: 33 (15 at Higher) points 11 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT or equivalent 20.2 What does this programme have to offer? An insight into the nature and significance of politics and international relations as a human and global activity A solid knowledge and understanding of the way government works in a number of European and non-European states An excellent grounding in the interaction between political ideas (for example realism, liberalism, feminism or constructivism), institutions and regimes (for example, parliaments, international organisations and NGOs) , practices (for example, democratic governance and international law) and issues in the global arena ( for example conflict between ethnic groups or states) A solid introduction to contending approaches in international relations theory. Insights into the complex relationship between the concerns of domestic and international politics The opportunity to study for a year abroad; The opportunity to become highly proficient in a foreign language; Cosmopolitan staff and student body Research-informed teaching Solid introduction to the discipline Wide choice of specialised modules Extra-curricular learning opportunities A friendly campus with high student morale and dedicated teaching staff The vast majority of students are successful in finding employment within the first six months of graduation or go on to further study The opportunity to spend a year abroad within the framework of your degree 20.3 Personal Profile An interest in Politics and International Relations An interest in other languages and cultures A willingness to engage in informed debate about current, and often controversial, issues A willingness to acquire or develop IT skills A commitment to develop the skills required to analyse political problems 21 Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and Learning 21.1 Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards Student module evaluations External Examiners system, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexk.html Annual programme and module monitoring reports, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexe.html Periodic programme review, http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexf.html Annual staff appraisal Peer observation Quality Assurance Framework, http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/index.html QAA Institutional Review, see http://www.qaa.ac.uk/InstitutionReports/types-of12 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT review/IRENI/Pages/default.aspx 21.2 Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards Staff/Student Liaison Committee School Learning and Teaching Committee Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee Faculty Board Learning and Teaching Board Board of Examiners 21.3 Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience Student module evaluations Staff/Student Liaison Committee Student rep system (School, Faculty and Institutional level) Annual NSS Year Abroad report Year Abroad meeting 21.4 Staff Development priorities include: PGCHE requirements HEA membership and requirements Annual appraisals Institutional Level Staff Development Programme Academic Practice Provision (PGCHE, ATAP and other development opportunities) Programme team meetings Research seminars Conferences Study leave 22 Indicators of Quality and Standards Results QAA Institutional Audit 2008 Annual External Examiner reports Annual programme and module monitoring reports 22.1 The following reference points were used in creating these specifications: QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education QAA Benchmarking statement for Politics and International Relations 2007 QAA Benchmarking statement for Languages and Related Studies 2002 School and Faculty plan University Plan/Learning and Teaching Strategy 13 Undergraduate programme specification UNIVERSITY OF KENT Staff research activities Appendix – Learning outcomes matrix A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A9 A10 A11 A12 A13 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 PO326 PO314 PO327 PO310 PO555 PO657 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Last updated December 2012 14 Undergraduate programme specification X X X X PO624/5 PO670/626 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lang mods X X X X X X X X X X X X X X