REVISED JB
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Social and International Studies
Division of Peace Studies
MA International Politics and Security Studies
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final award:
Postgraduate Diploma, MA
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 7]
Programme title:
International Politics and Security Studies
Duration:
MA: 1 year full-time; 2-5 years part-time
Date produced:
June 2009
Last updated :
June 2012
Introduction
The study of international politics can be understood in a narrow sense as the study
of relations between states and therefore as interchangeable with the label
‘international relations’. In Peace Studies, we understand the study of international
politics to encompass not only relations between states but (i) a concern with the
study of different political systems and political philosophies and (ii) a concern with
the role of local, regional and transnational actors in the international system and
their political impact on that system. Similarly, security studies has traditionally been
conceived very narrowly as the study of the security threats (generally understood as
military threats) posed to the state and the strategies adopted by states to address
these threats. In Peace Studies we adopt broader conceptualisation of security,
understanding it to encompass both a wider range of security issues (economic,
environmental, societal etc) and a diversity of security actors from the individual, the
community, the state and a range of transnational or global actors (MNCs, criminal
groups, terrorists networks, transnational civil society groups etc). A further aspect of
our approach to security is our interest in exploring the relationship between
hegemony, political economy and the construction of security through discourse and
images. This broad conceptualisation of both international politics and security
studies provides the intellectual foundations on which the programme is built and
permits us to explore and to highlight both the synergies and the tensions that exist
between the discourses and practices of international politics and the contemporary
construction of security issues and the policy debates they have given rise to. As
part of the course you will engage with the foundational theoretical frameworks
relevant to the study of IPSS at Bradford and key concepts such as the security
dilemma and securitisation, structural violence and positive peace. You will also
study a range of key topics such as global governance, transnational crime, political
systems, authoritarianism and the politics of identity.
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This course draws on the work of Peace Studies staff who have made important
contributions to academic and policy debates relevant to the field of international
politics and security, most notably: the arms trade, arms control and disarmament,
environmental politics and security, illicit economies (drugs, diamonds), gender
politics, global governance, securitisation, the security dilemma, regional studies and
authoritarian regimes. The course is particularly distinctive because it reflects both
the critical approach to the analysis of issues adopted by key members of staff
involved in delivering this programme whilst also drawing on the extensive
experience of staff in providing policy advice to a range of governments and other
agencies.
The MA in International Politics and Security Studies is located within the Division of
Peace Studies, an internationally recognised centre for excellence in teaching and
research on peace and conflict issues. Our staff are accomplished scholars; and
many also deploy their research skills in a range of practical issues in many parts of
the world. Our international reputation received formal confirmation in 2002, when
Peace Studies was chosen from more than 100 universities worldwide to be one of
six Rotary International Peace Centres.
The Mission Statement of Peace Studies is to combine empirical, theoretical and
applied research with sustained engagement at international, national and local
levels to analyse, prevent and resolve conflicts and develop peaceful societies.
Peace Studies combines academic research to advance knowledge, learning and
understanding and applied research to inform and support the work of donors,
decision-makers, policy communities, stakeholders and field practitioners.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1.
Provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the theoretical
perspectives pertinent to the study of international politics and security;
A2.
Provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the key policy
debates pertinent to the field international politics and security
(understood in its broadest sense);
A3.
Provide a curriculum supported by active scholarship, staff
development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth
of intellectual enquiry and debates;
A4.
Develop a range of key skills and personal attributes including retrieval,
organisation, application and presentation of primary and secondary
data and other information sources in line with ethical requirements;
independent and collaborative capacity to identify and analyse
problems; time and workload management.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
Postgraduate Diploma
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LO1.
Comprehend and evaluate alternative theories, concepts,
interpretations and discourses relevant to the study of international
politics and security studies;
LO2.
Relate the study of conflict and conflict resolution to wider debates in
the field of peace studies;
LO3.
Critically evaluate alternative theories, concepts, interpretations and
discourses in the field of International Politics and Security Studies and
engage in an advanced evaluation of their explanatory and/or
transformatory potential when applied to relevant issues at the global,
or regional level.
LO4.
Critically assess the nature, significance of, and relationship between
varied political and security issues that have become prominent in the
international system and provide advanced analysis of international
policy debates, challenges and responses in the field of international
politics and security studies.
LO5.
Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use
communication and information technology for the retrieval of and
presentation of information, work independently, demonstrating
initiative, self-organisation and time management and collaborate with
others to achieve common goals.
Masters
LO6.
Gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence
or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments
which address specific problems ;
LO7.
Apply conceptual frameworks and research methodologies to casestudies.
Curriculum
For the MA, you must study units amounting to 180 Credits, which includes a
dissertation worth 60 Credits and taught courses amounting to 120 Credits. Full time
students must take taught courses amounting to 60 Credits in each semester. The
Postgraduate Diploma course extends over a period of two semesters (full time) or
four semesters (part time). You must study units amounting to 120 Credits. If you are
a full time student you must take taught units amounting to 60 Credits in each
semester. You may take the MA or Postgraduate Diploma on a part-time basis over
two years. If you are a part time student you must take 60 Credits in your first year,
and a further 60 taught credits in your second year. The list of course units below
illustrates the compulsory and optional course units available in each academic
period.
There are four core modules on the MA International Politics and Security Studies. In
semester one, you will take Introduction to Peace Studies along with all students
on the Division of Peace Studies MA programmes. The module itself, and the
requirement for all students to take this module, reflects the distinctive approach
adopted to the study of security and development in the Division of Peace Studies,
not least in the commitment to positive peace. The module aims to provide you with
a thorough grounding in both the evolution of peace studies as an area of study and
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the history of peace research at Bradford. The module also provides you with
advanced knowledge and understanding of key theories of conflict, approaches to
conflict analysis, approaches to peace in different societies; non-violence, the history
of peace movements and the relationship between culture and peace. A key feature
of the module is a one day workshop that explores the relationship between gender,
peace and conflict. The theoretical frameworks and the issues explored in this
module will provide you with a rigorous grounding in the history, philosophy and
practice of peace and therefore underpins your more focussed exploration of political
and security issues in the other core modules.
Your second core module is International Politics and Security Studies. This
module draws on the research expertise of staff in PS who have focussed on
different aspects of IPSS, most notably international relations theory, the structures
of global governance, regimes, norm diffusion, identity, securitisation and the
security dilemma. The module examines trends and dynamics, particularly
globalizing forces, which have begun to affect the prospects for international peace,
for governing institutions and for the development of an inclusive global society. The
course begins by introducing key themes in contemporary global society. These
perspectives are then used to inform analysis of the issue areas that are discussed
in subsequent parts of the course such as: the role of domestic politics and civil
society in international relations and analysis of whether either democratic politics or
the development of international civil society has significantly changed the nature of
international politics.
You will consider the nature and limits of contemporary international cooperation,
focusing in particular on how successful the key international organisations and
arrangements established in the aftermath of World War Two have been in
promoting cooperation. The second component of the module facilitates the
interrogation of the broad spectrum of concerns that relate to human, military,
political, environmental (biological), national, state, regional and international
security. This advances your critical appreciation of contemporary security studies
theory and practice and allows you to explore and develop skills for understanding
complex inter-related global security dynamics.
In semester 2, the core module Authoritarian Challenge to Democracy advances
your knowledge and engagement with historical, theoretical and comparative
frameworks in which to engage in advanced study of authoritarian regimes in the
international system and processes of regime collapse and political change in the
contemporary world. Although rooted in historical and theoretical understandings of
different types of non-democratic political system, the module will also engage you in
current processes of political change in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and
other regions.
The regional, national and political focus of this module is complemented by the
second core module in semester 2, Regional and Global Security. Here you will
develop an advanced understanding of the key issues and dynamics of security,
conflict and co-operation in relation to regions that include Asia, the Middle East and
Latin America and the emerging global presence of countries that include Russia,
China and Brazil. You will analyse key issues of conflict, conflict-prevention, security
and co-operation within these regions and at the international level - and examine
security interactions, foreign and security policies and the significance and recent
dynamics of new global powers.
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You are able to take one option module in each semester. These provide an
opportunity for you to deepen your specialisation in either the security or the politics
aspect of your MA degree, or to advance your learning in relation to country case
study work, conflict analysis and resolution theories and practice and peacebuilding
approaches.
Postgraduate Diploma
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SP-7008D
Introduction to Peace Studies
Core
20
M
Sem 1
SP-7011D
International Politics and Security
Studies
Core
20
M
Sem 1
SP-7013D
The Authoritarian Challenge to
Democracy
Core
20
M
Sem 2
SP-7015D
Regional and Global Security
Politics
Core
20
M
Sem 2
SP-7009D
Fragile States and the SecurityDevelopment Nexus
Option
20
M
Sem 1
SP-7023D
Religions, Conflict and
Peacemaking in a Post-Secular
World
Option
20
M
Sem 1
SP-7010D
Conflict Resolution Theory
Option
20
M
Sem 1
SP-7012D
Arms Trade and Arms Control
Option
20
M
Sem 1
SP-7007D
Introduction to African Politics
Option
20
M
Sem 1
SP-7003D
Natural Resource Governance,
Conflict and Co-operation
Option
20
M
Sem 2
SP-7002D
Gender, Conflict and Development
Option
20
M
Sem 2
SP-7005D
Applied Conflict Resolution Skills
Option
20
M
Sem 2
SP-7004D
Cities in Conflict
Option
20
M
Sem 2
SP-7006D
African Security Studies
Option
20
M
Sem 2
SP-7026D
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Option
20
M
Sem 2
SP-7014D
Social Movements
Option
20
M
Sem 2
SP-7001D
Africa Study Visit
Option
20
M
Sem 2
Masters
The 15,000 word dissertation provides an opportunity for in-depth research on a
topic of your choice, working closely with your academic supervisor over a period of
about four months.
Module
Code
SP-7020Z
Module Title
Dissertation (IPSS)
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
Core
60
M
DISS
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring
and review procedures.
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Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Our teaching and assessment strategies emphasise active and collaborative
learning. They encourage the development of your existing skills in a range of areas,
from subject specific knowledge to transferable and applied skills that are essential
for future employability.
A variety of teaching strategies are employed on the MA programmeincluding
lectures, tutorials, simulations, role play, seminars and group work. Hand-outs
supplement the lectures and audio-visual aids are employed where appropriate. We
strongly encourage the use of digital learning technologies, for example the use of
podcasts of major international conferences / interviews, Skype conferences with
colleagues and peers, ‘virtual’ field work and the use of tools such as webquest.
A virtual learning environment called “Blackboard” will also be used to support
‘tandem’ learning (posting of lecture notes and presentations, readings and other
relevant materials; email discussion groups, notice boards and announcements) and
as a portal to information and organisations which focus on peace and conflict
issues. There is also a schedule of Divisional seminars and guest speakers.
A range of assessment methodologies are employed across the course units
including: essays, reflexive journals and formally assessed group and individual
presentations. These are configured to enable you to meet the learning aims and
outcomes of the MA programme and to advance your discipline specific, generic and
transferable skills. The assessment strategy on your four core modules develops a
range of your skills and tests your learning through a 4,000 word essay (International
Politics and Security Studies), shorter (2,000 – 2,500 word) theoretical essays
(Regional and Global Security Politics, The Authoritarian Challenge to Democracy,
Introduction to Peace Studies), a country case study political analysis (Authoritarian
Challenge to Democracy), a policy report linked to work that you have produced in a
related essay (Regional and Global Security Politics and a reflective report
(Introduction to Peace Studies).All pieces of assessment are numerically marked
and graded to transparent criteria. A dissertation of 14-15,000 words must be
submitted by a date to be determined by the Division each year and clearly specified
in the MA handbook.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/media/AcademicQualityUnit/Documents/RegulationsOrdin
ances/Reg-governing-postgrad-award.docx
Admission Requirements
Peace Studies, the Division in which teaching and learning in International Politics
and Security Studies belongs, admits about 100 postgraduate students a year. The
MA student body is diverse: some 30 nationalities are represented by men and
women of all ages and with a wide range of backgrounds and experience.
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The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact
the programme leader before you apply.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of
Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support
your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group
study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students.
Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance
in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise
your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
Student Support and Guidance
Course Team
Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the
University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is
someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
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The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part
of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as
council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can
access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
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The Hub, Student Support Centre
The Hub, Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can
receive information, advice and guidance on a whole range of topics about their life
at University. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium.
The teams located within The Hub:





Accommodation
Admissions
o Education Liaison
o Enquiries
Student Administration and Support
o Bursaries and Financial Support
o Finance and Credit Control Group
o Payzone
o Records and Tuition Fees
International Office
Customer Service Team
www.brad.ac.uk/hub
+44 1274 232233
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability
and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available
throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find parttime work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.
Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the
extensive resources on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring
options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input
by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged
workshops.
The specific provision on this programme is intended to meet the employability
expectations of Peace Studies graduates. These are typically focused on careers in
conflict management, international organisations, non-governmental organisations,
civil service, local government, police, journalism, diplomacy, research and
education.
The MA in International Politics and Security Studies provides applied skills and
knowledge, and the critical research and analysis capacities that are required by
employers in these fields. Teaching on the program is research informed and
delivered by an academic team that is engaged in knowledge transfer activities with
employers and practitioners, enabling us to constantly review our employer
engagement capability. The MA provides a mix of both discipline and personal
transferable skills. Graduates develop an independent and critical ability to gather,
organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence or data, to use
communication and information technology for the retrieval of and presentation of
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information, to demonstrate initiative, and to collaborate with others to achieve
common goals.
The calibre and diversity of our student body adds value to our programme in terms
of the networking opportunities provided.
Learner Development Unit
The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths,
numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is
delivered during both semesters which complements the individual support available
from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to
help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can
discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether
these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact
the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see
www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
Course leader: Dr Simon Whitby s.whitby@bradford.ac.uk (23)4187
The Admissions Office
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
School of Social and International Studies
Richmond Road
The University of Bradford
Bradford, BD7 1DP
Pemberton Building
UK
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
© University of Bradford
10
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 234198/5255
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
http://www.brad.ac.uk/ssis/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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Appendices
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
Postgraduate Diploma
LO1.
Comprehend and evaluate alternative theories, concepts,
interpretations and discourses relevant to the study of international
politics and security studies;
LO2.
Relate the study of conflict and conflict resolution to wider debates in
the field of peace studies;
LO3.
Critically evaluate alternative theories, concepts, interpretations and
discourses in the field of International Politics and Security Studies and
engage in an advanced evaluation of their explanatory and/or
transformatory potential when applied to relevant issues at the global,
or regional level.
LO4.
Critically assess the nature, significance of, and relationship between
varied political and security issues that have become prominent in the
international system and provide advanced analysis of international
policy debates, challenges and responses in the field of international
politics and security studies.
LO5.
Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use
communication and information technology for the retrieval of and
presentation of information, work independently, demonstrating
initiative, self-organisation and time management and collaborate with
others to achieve common goals.
Masters
LO6.
Gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence
or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments
which address specific problems ;
LO7.
Apply conceptual frameworks and research methodologies to casestudies.
Module
Assessment
Learning Outcomes
Teaching and
Learning
Introduction to Peace
Studies
Essay (80%),
reflective report (20%)
LO1,2
Lectures, seminars,
Study Day, guest
speakers
International Politics
and Security Studies
Essay (4,000 words)
LO1,2,3
Lectures, seminars,
DLT
Authoritarian
Challenge to
Democracy
1 Essay (theoretical)
of 2,000 words
LO2,4
Lectures, seminars,
DLT, country case
study analysis
Regional and Global
Security Politics
1 Essay 2,500 words
with a policy report
linked to the topic of
LO1,3
Lectures, seminars,
DLT
1 political analysis of
a country case study
2,000 words
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the essay (2,000
words)
Dissertation
Dissertation, Proposal
LO5,6,7
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Lectures, One to one
supervision
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