Programme Specification
A statement of the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin a
taught programme of study leading to an award from
The University of Sheffield
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Programme Title
International Relations
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Programme Code
POLT01 (full-time), POLT10 (part-time)
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JACS Code
L250
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Level of Study
Postgraduate
5a
Final Qualification
Master of Arts (MA)
5b
QAA FHEQ Level
Masters
6
Intermediate Qualification(s)
Diploma
7
Teaching Institution (if not Sheffield)
Not applicable
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Faculty
Social Science
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Department
Politics
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Other Department(s) involved in
teaching the programme
None
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Mode(s) of Attendance
Full-time or Part-time
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Duration of the Programme
One year Full-time, two years Part-time
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Accrediting Professional or
Statutory Body
Not applicable
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Date of production/revision
September 2003 (revised April 2014)
15. Background to the programme and subject area
This programme allows students to develop an advanced understanding of the politics of the international scene. It
deals with the nature and direction of global change, including political, economic and security aspects, and explores
links between global, regional and national politics. At the centre of its concerns are the concepts and theories
international relations has developed to shed light on the contemporary international scene. Students will examine
the realist/neo-realist paradigm which dominated International Relations for much of the twentieth century, as well as
the so- called 'post-positivist' theories which proliferated after the end of the Cold War.
Students may specialise in a range of options including global security, global governance, development, human
rights, globalisation, climate change, international law, migration, and political economy. Graduates are equipped to
pursue a variety of careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Teaching is organised to provide a
challenging learning environment that reflects the research interests and expertise of staff, assuring that students
engage with insights and problems at the frontiers of the discipline.
Further information on programmes can be found on the Department’s website at http://www.shef.ac.uk/politics.
16.
Programme aims
1. To produce graduates with an advanced knowledge and understanding of international studies, and of the
concepts, theories, approaches and methods employed in the study of international relations;
2. To enable students to evaluate different interpretations of international processes, events and controversies; to
engage critically with current research and advanced scholarship; and to assess critically issues related to global
change;
3. To allow students to develop a range of important intellectual, practical and key skills;
4. To prepare graduates for employment in a wide range of contexts, or for continued studies.
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17.
Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: By the end of the programme students will be able to demonstrate:
K1
Systematic knowledge and understanding of the ideas, institutions and practices of international politics;
K2
Advanced understanding of concepts, theories and methods deployed to analyse international relations;
K3
The ability to evaluate differing interpretations of international processes, events and debates;
K4
The ability to engage critically with current research and advanced scholarship in international political
analysis;
K5
The ability to assess critically issues related to global political change.
K6
Advanced and detailed knowledge of a particular topic in international relations.
Skills and other attributes:
Intellectual and practical skills: by the end of the programme students will have demonstrated (in relation to the
subject matter) an ability to:
SIP1
Apply knowledge in an original and creative way, analyse complex issues, exercise critical judgement; and
solve problems;
SIP2
Apply appropriate techniques to collect information, analyse findings, and interpret evidence:
SIP3
Manage learning effectively, including self-assessment and the constructive use of feedback;
SIP4
Conduct an independent research project (including project design, investigation, analysis, and written
presentation of the findings).
Key skills: By the end of this programme students will be able to:
SK1
Communicate effectively in oral and written forms;
SK2
Work independently, demonstrating initiative and personal responsibility;
SK3
Display originality in problem solving, and the ability to make sound decisions in the face of incomplete
evidence;
SK4
Undertake self-directed learning to acquire further knowledge and skills.
18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Knowledge and understanding (K1-5) are acquired in a variety of teaching and learning environments including,
seminars, small group interactions, and independent research. For MA students, advanced and detailed knowledge
and understanding of a specific topic (K6) is acquired through preparation of the dissertation, which builds on and
further extends knowledge acquired on the taught components. For all such learning outcomes (K1-6) emphasis is
placed on individual study – on reading and note taking, exploring printed and electronic sources, reflecting on
material, and preparation. Assessment (see below) forms an integral part of the learning process, with essays,
projects and other course work designed to focus the learner’s attention on critical issues, and feedback provided to
allow the learner to further improve their performance. Seminars and small group interactions are important
throughout the programme. Individual supervision is central to the MA dissertation.
Seminars provide guidance and a framework to assist the progressive acquisition of intellectual and practical
skills SIP1-3. Seminars and assessed work provide a context to practice these skills, receive feedback from peers
and staff, and gain confidence and proficiency. For MA students, guidance in the acquisition of SIP4 is ensured
through individual dissertation supervision sessions.
Promotion of specific key skills occurs in different combinations in various modules. Preparation for, participation in,
and feedback from, seminars provide a context for developing capacities for oral communication (SK1 oral),
independent working (SK2), and self-directed learning (SK3). Preparation of, and feedback from, written
assignments provide a context for developing skills of written communication (SK1 written), independent working
(SK2), originality in problem solving and decision making in the face of incomplete information (SK3), and selfdirected learning (SK4). Explicit guidance on essay writing (SK1 written) is provided during induction sessions. All
modules require students to display their capacities to undertake self-directed learning (SK4), with the MA
dissertation extending this capacity to the fullest extent.
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Opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes are provided through the following
assessment methods:
Knowledge and understanding (K1-5) are assessed in a variety of methods appropriate to the specific material. All
modules involve essays; some require the preparation of short written forms, oral presentations and group exercises.
Formative assessment is provided in seminars, and structured feedback is provided on all written and oral forms of
assessment for which marks are awarded. For MA students, K6 is assessed through the dissertation.
Assessment of intellectual and practical skills (SIP1-3) is closely linked to that of knowledge and understanding.
Cover sheets returned after graded written and oral work provide feedback on a range of qualities related to SIP1
and 2. For MA students, feedback on SIP4 is provided by dissertation supervisors. Assessment of key skills is
integrated with the evaluation of course work at all levels of the programme. SK1 to SK3 are assessed through the
successful and timely completion of oral and written course work. SK4 is not assessed independently, but
demonstrated by student attainment on the programme, especially in the preparation of the dissertation.
19. Reference points
The learning outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:
Internal:

University of Sheffield Mission Statement

University Learning and Teaching Strategy

Departmental research interests
External:

Quality Assurance Agency Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
20. Programme structure and regulations
The curriculum enables students to develop both systematic knowledge of international relations and more advanced
and detailed engagement with specific topics. ‘International Relations’ provides the compulsory core of the
programme. Substantial choice from a wide range of relevant modules enables students (in consultation with staff) to
devise a course of study tailored to their individual needs and interests. All masters’ students must successfully
complete the dissertation on a specialist topic related to international studies.
The essential characteristics of this programme are the same, whether students take this programme on a full-time or
part-time basis. Part-time students take the same module load spread over two years of study.
Detailed information about the structure of programmes, regulations concerning assessment and progression and
descriptions of individual modules are published in the University Calendar available on-line at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/calendar/regs.html.
21. Progression through the programme structure
The curriculum is designed to allow students progressively to achieve the specified learning outcomes. The
compulsory core module is completed during the first semester of study, and this provides a conceptual, theoretical
and empirical foundation for further study in the second semester. The four taught modules provide MA students
with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake the dissertation, which constitutes the last phase
of study.
Advice is available to help students choose coherent programmes of individual study. The summer MA Exam Board
reviews student performance in relation to progression to the dissertation component of the MA degree.
22. Criteria for admission to the programme
Detailed information regarding admission to the programme is available at http://www.shef.ac.uk/prospective/
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23. Additional information
This specification represents a concise statement about the main features of the programme and should be
considered alongside other sources of information provided by the teaching department(s) and the University. In
addition to programme specific information, further information about studying at The University of Sheffield can be
accessed via our Student Services web site at http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid.
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