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
Politics with Research Methods
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Programme Code
POLT85 (Full-time), POLT86 (Part-time)
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JACS Code
L200
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Level of Study
Postgraduate
5a
Final Qualification
Master of Science
5b
QAA FHEQ Level
Masters
6
Intermediate Qualification(s)
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
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Teaching Institution (if not Sheffield)
Not applicable
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Faculty
Social Sciences
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Department
Politics
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Other Department(s) involved in
teaching the programme
Not applicable
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Mode(s) of Attendance
Full-time or Part-time
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Duration of the Programme
1 year Full-time, 2 years Part-time
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Accrediting Professional or
Statutory Body
ESRC
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Date of production/revision
September 2003 (revised April 2014)
15. Background to the programme and subject area
Politics/international relations are broad disciplines concerned with the development of knowledge and
understanding about governance in human societies. This programme allows students to acquire the knowledge
and skills necessary to carry out research in politics/ international relations. This includes training in generic social
science research methods, in the specific approaches employed in politics/international relations, and in a particular
specialist sub-field of politics/international relations. Graduates are equipped to pursue doctoral research or embark
on a career as a specialist researcher. Teaching is organised to provide a challenging learning environment that
reflects the research interests and expertise of staff. The programme has been designed to meet the research
training guidelines of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
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 theories, concepts, and methods
employed in the study of politics/international relations;
2. To permit students to acquire knowledge about the research process in politics/international relations, an
understanding of the qualitative and quantitative methods used in such investigation, and to gain practical
experience in applying these techniques;
3. To equip students with a substantive and research knowledge in a selected field of politic/international relations;
4. To allow students to develop a range of important intellectual, practical, and key skills necessary for researchers
in politics/international relations;
5. To prepare graduates for doctoral studies and employment as a specialist researcher.
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17. Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: By the end of the programme students will be able to demonstrate:
K1
An advanced understanding of theories, concepts and methods used to study politics/international relations;
K2
A critical appreciation of the research process and of research methodologies in the social sciences,
particularly within the field of politics/international relations;
K3
Knowledge and understanding of quantitative research methods and of their appropriate application in the
field of politics/international relations;
K4
Knowledge and understanding of qualitative research methods and of their appropriate application in the
field of politics/international relations;
K5
The ability to engage critically with current research and advanced scholarship in politics/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
Employ quantitative methods appropriate to politics/international relations, including the secondary analysis
of data-sets available through the ESRC data archive;
SIP3
Employ qualitative methods appropriate to politics/international relations, including the secondary analysis
of qualitative data-sets available through the Qualidata archive;
SIP4
Apply appropriate techniques to collect information, systematise data, analyse findings, and interpret
evidence;
SIP5
Deploy general research skills including project management and the use of information technology;
SIP6
Manage learning effectively, including self-assessment and the constructive use of feedback.
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, originality in problem solving, and
the ability to make sound decisions in the face of incomplete evidence;
SK3
Undertake self-directed learning to acquire further knowledge and skills.
Programme learning outcomes (MA only)
Knowledge and understanding: By the end of the programme students will be able to demonstrate:
K6
Substantive knowledge and understanding of a selected field of politics/international relations, and
advanced and detailed knowledge of a particular topic in politics/international relations.
Key skills: By the end of this programme students will be able to:
SIP7
Design and formulate a research proposal, and undertake a research project.
18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Knowledge and understanding (K1-5) are acquired in a variety of teaching and learning environments including,
seminars, workshops, lab sessions and dissertation work. Sessions involve a variety of formats including formal
presentations by staff and students, class discussions, class exercises, debates and individual and group problem
solving and role playing. Seminars structure the context for the acquisition of substantive knowledge of a selected
field of politics/international relations.
For MA students, preparation of the dissertation allows the attainment of advanced and detailed knowledge of a
particular topic (K6). The dissertation may also contribute to learning outcomes K1, 2 and 6, and to K2 and/or K3
(depending on the topic and approach adopted). For all such learning outcomes (K1-6) considerable 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
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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, workshops and lab sessions provide guidance and a framework to assist the progressive acquisition of
intellectual and practical skills SIP1-6. A ‘hands-on’ approach is adopted to the acquisition of research skills, with
students getting practical experience in working with quantitative and qualitative data (SIP2, 3). Seminars, group
work and class assignments 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 SIP7 is ensured through individual
and collective 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
(including originality in problem solving and decision making in the face of incomplete information) (SK2), and selfdirected learning (SK3). 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 (SK3), with the MA
dissertation extending this capacity to the fullest extent.
Opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the programme 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.
These include essays, short written forms, research reports, poster presentation, oral presentation and lab reports.
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, K7 is assessed through the dissertation.
Assessment of intellectual and practical skills (SIP1-6) is closely linked to that of knowledge and understanding.
Cover sheets returned after graded work provide feedback. Feedback on SIP7 is provided by project and
dissertation supervisors.
Assessment of key skills is integrated with the evaluation of course work at all levels of the programme. SK1 and
SK2 are assessed through seminar participation and the successful and timely completion of oral and written course
work. SK3 is not assessed independently, but demonstrated by student attainment on the programme.
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

ESRC Guidance
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20. Programme structure and regulations
The curriculum is structured around three elements:
i) discipline-specific methods training in politics/international relations;
ii) knowledge appropriate for postgraduate study in political theory;
iii) the preparation of the dissertation.
Discipline-specific training is provided by two compulsory modules ('Research Methods in Politics' and 'Philosophy and
Methodology of Political Research'). For the second and third elements, students elect two optional modules from our
postgraduate provision, and undertake a dissertation within an appropriate sub-field.
Taken together the three elements offer an integrated programme of research training in politics/international relations
that allows the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and of practical research skills.
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. Student development over the course of study
The curriculum is designed to allow students progressively to achieve the specified learning outcomes. Generic and
subject specific strands of the programme develop over the course of the year providing a deepening understanding
of the research process and methods. 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/
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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