1.
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Programme Title
Department and Faculty
BA (Hons) Politics and Global Studies
Department of History
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
March 2011 Date of most recent (re)validation
Date(s) when Programme Specification revised
August 2015
Revalidation due date
Awarding Institution
Teaching Institution (if different)
Programme also accredited by (if relevant)
Title of Final Award
Academic year 2017
University of Winchester
N/A
N/A
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Politics and Global Studies
Title(s) of Exit Award(s)
Language of Study
Mode(s) of Attendance
Mode(s) of Delivery
Diploma in Higher Education Politics and Global Studies
Certificate in Higher Education Politics and Global
Studies
English
Full-time, part-time
Intake start date(s) and number of intakes per year
Normal Period of Study
UCAS Code
Taught, Blended, Supervision of Research
September 2011 one intake per year
Three years full time, six years part time
L290
QAA Subject Benchmarking Group Politics and International Relations
2.
ADMISSIONS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Prospective students should consult the latest prospectus and/or course pages online for programme entry requirements.
Prospective students for Taught programmes should consult the Admissions Policy for Taught
Programmes. Prospective students for Professional Doctorate programmes should consult the
Postgraduate Research Programmes Admissions Policy. Both are available on the University’s public webpage.
3.
EDUCATIONAL AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
3.1 The aims of the Programme are:
The Politics and Global Studies programme at Winchester aims to offer undergraduate students the opportunity to understand the complex political and global issues which dominate the contemporary world.

Many of these involve the United States and its post-Cold War relations with other nations and regional actors through tendencies such as economic globalisation, the rise of a global culture through technological interconnection, the intersections of global/regional/local politics, and the alleged ‘clash of civilisations’ and it is in these issues that the programme finds its definition. Within this context the United States is often seen to act as a global hegemon, ordering the contemporary global political environment.
This programme debates and challenges this powerful and popular articulation by examining contentious political issues and the contemporary world order which has resulted (focusing, in particular, on the post-Cold War and post-9/11 environments). In essence, this programme seeks to interrogate the political order of the world into which today’s students were born, and in which they will live and grow. These topics, and others, will be will be set in firm historical and cultural contexts in order to provide students with a theoretical framework of knowledge with which to apply to the contemporary focus of the course at large.
As a result, the programme will deal with the United States in depth; however, this is not its sole focus, either geographically, or in political context. Some modules which take stock of the US place in the world order do so from the perspective of Europe and other nations enmeshed in the international system. This focus is set against the competing power structures and alliances posed by regional and potential global competitors such as China, India and Russia. Finally, in contemporary world order beset with uncertainty, much of it created either by, or in conflict with the United
States, the new challenge of ‘rogue’ state or non-state actors and institutions will be a significant focus.
This is reflected in the structure of the programme, its content, and the ordering of the modules it contains, for instance in the focus on legal, environmental, energy and religious issues which have global scope and have been significant sources of challenge and dispute in the contemporary world order and the American hegemony which remains pre-eminent and militarily dominant.
In doing so, the programme will provide its students with opportunity to develop their content knowledge, political awareness, their intellectual capacity and their skills. The programme will achieve this through learning and teaching which integrates lectures, seminars and workshops to mutual advantage. The programme will engage with a diversity of contemporary political topics and will employ a diversity of materials and approaches in turn.
Overall, therefore Politics and Global Studies aims to produce students who are knowledgeable about contemporary political issues, can take this forward into employment, confidently utilising a variety of intellectual concepts and skills, and recognising the capital they have accumulated from their studies.
Politics and Global Studies currently offers the following subjects to form its Combined Honours programme:
Geography
Media and Communication
Sociology
Theology, Religion and Ethics
Modern Liberal Arts
The subjects chosen are cognate to the study of politics and are mutually reinforcing. Several modules have been co-validated for Geography and Philosophy, Religion and Ethics and Media and
Communications programmes and this is intended for Sociology in future.
Elsewhere, Politics and Global Studies supports the aims of the Value Studies programme and will offer Value Studies module options at Level 5 and 6 for Single Honours students and at Level 5 for
Combined Honours.

3.2 The Learning Outcomes of the Programme are:
Politics and Global Studies consists of two awards: a Single Honours Politics and Global Studies award, and an award in the Combined Honours programme which allows students combine two different areas of study in one degree.
The Learning Outcomes of Politics and Global Studies at Winchester have been devised and amended in accordance with the Politics and International Relations Benchmarks Statement (2015), revised from the previous Benchmark Statement in 2007. Sections 3.1 and 3.2 defines the key academic disciplines and components of the degree as follows :
Politics is concerned with developing a knowledge and understanding of government and society.
The interaction of people, ideas and institutions provides the focus to understand how values are allocated and resources distributed and contested in many sites, from the local through to the sectoral, national, regional and global. Thus analyses of who gets what, when, how, why and where are central, as are the collective decisions their contestations. Questions of power, justice, order, conflict, legitimacy, accountability, obligation, sovereignty, mediation, security, governance and decision-making are central to politics. Politics encompasses philosophical, theoretical, institutional and issue-based concerns relating to governance.
International relations shares the concerns of politics, but its focus is reasons for and implications of how the world is divided into multiple polities. International relations is preoccupied with anarchy
(the absence of international or global government), security, economy, globalisation, and the conflictual and cooperative engagement between states; international relations is increasingly concerned with engagement between states. It is also concerned with engagement below, above and beyond states in global public policy, Foreign Policy Analysis, intergovernmental organisations and non-state actors such as transnational corporations, transnational civil society groups, terrorist organisations and resistance movements. As with the study of politics, the study of international relations encompasses philosophical, theoretical, institutional and issue-based concerns relating to governance without government, often at regional and global levels but also locally.’
The benchmarks (Section 4.11, p. 11) recommend that teaching and learning methods are designed and deployed to:
● place questions of political and international order and disorder, decision-making and political contestation at the centre of analysis
● ensure that students of politics and international relations acquire knowledge and understanding in appropriate areas of theory and analysis
● enable students to understand and use the concepts, approaches and methods of their subject and develop an understanding of their contested nature and the problematic character of inquiry
● develop in students a capacity to think critically and independently about events, ideas and institutions
● relate the academic study of politics to questions of public concern and to relate the academic theory to policies and other political practices
● assist students to develop a range of cognitive, communication and social skills relevant to their intellectual, vocational and personal development
● provide a curriculum supported by scholarship, staff development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debate
● create a learning environment that is receptive to the needs and views of students and encourages them to achieve their full potential.

The benchmark further states, in Section 4.13 and Section 4.14, p. 12, that on successful completion of undergraduate study in Politics and Global Studies, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding outlined in the Politics and International Relations
Benchmark Statement (2015):
● understand the nature and significance of politics as a human activity
● apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and practices, relative to the historical and contemporary context
● demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different political systems; the nature and distribution of power in them; the social, economic, historical and cultural contexts within which they operate; and the relationships between them
● comprehend how politics is mediated to understand and evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events.
● understand the political significance of multiple polities coexisting and of political boundary drawing and transforming practices
● apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study of international relations to the analysis of political ideas, practices and issues in the international system
● demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the origins, evolution and contemporary dynamics of the international system and the challenges to it
● evaluate different interpretations of world political events and issues.
These principles are embedded in the learning outcomes of the levels of the degree as detailed below by Level and pathway.
The Politics and International Relations Benchmarks Section 4.15 (p.12-13) outlines the aims of degree programmes in Politics and International Relations that are embedded into the programme and lists the Generic Intellectual and Transferable Skills of graduates in politics and international relations subjects :
● gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and primary sources
● identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems
● construct reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement
● reflect on their own learning and seek and make use of constructive feedback
● manage their own learning self-critically
● recognise the importance of explicit referencing and the ethical requirements of study which requires critical and reflective use of information and communications technology in the learning process
● communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing. Employers require politics and international relations graduates to be able to communicate ideas effectively to a varied audience: this ability to translate complex ideas to a wide audience is a particularly valued skill

● use communication and information technology, including audiovisual technology, for the retrieval and presentation of information and where appropriate, statistical or numerical information
● progress through the degree programme to become mature, independent learners who can demonstrate initiative, self-organisation and time management attributes. The ability to identify opportunities for continuous learning and development, leading to future continuous professional development, is particularly valued by employers
● critically analyse and disseminate information
● apply employability skills
● utilise inter-cultural skills/global awareness, particularly in relation to employability
● collaborate with others to achieve common goals through, for example, group work, group projects, and group presentations. Employers regard collaboration and the identification of common goals highly. This is especially so as public sector organisations and other agencies increasingly work together, and multi-agency teams are developed.
Level 4 Learning Outcomes
At Level 4 all students, and in differing intensities dependent on their pathway, enter into a relationship with the subject which involves developing an awareness of politics within a range of critical and historical contexts bearing upon the development of the international system since the mid 17thC, whilst enhancing their skills of analysis and expression.
The following skills and knowledges are mapped onto the Level 4 mandatory and optional modules
(see module descriptions for details of the specific assessments and learning outcomes): a) a foundational knowledge in the origins, concepts, and methodologies of politics and the international system, placed in a historical context b) an introductory subject knowledge of the nature and significance of political history in different geographic contexts c) a basic ability to identify, locate and distinguish fundamental sources for the study of politics in print and on-line
d) a basic understanding of a political vocabulary and an ability to articulate ideas and concepts clearly about the social, economic, historical and cultural contexts of past political behaviour e) engagement with skills for debate in order to evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events
Students will also develop more generally in: f) basic skills in critical analysis and judgement of materials for study and their presentation in written work g) initial presentational skills h) communicating in both written and oral forms i) developing foundational skills in argumentation and advocacy j) working independently and in groups
Level 5 Learning Outcomes
At Level 5, all students, and in differing intensities dependent on their pathway, build upon the range of subject-specific knowledge and more general skills and develop their critical self-awareness of the contemporary political situation.
A core is provided and beyond this, to differing intensities, dependent on their pathway, students engage with their studies in a more sophisticated manner, drawing upon the critical foundation established at Level 4, evidencing a growing awareness of the relationship between constituent

aspects of political studies and international affairs in economic, cultural and social areas of the current world order.
The following skills and knowledges are mapped onto the Level 5 modules. Module descriptions outline the specific assessments and inhabitancies of the learning outcomes.
Through the two mandatory core modules PO2301 and PO2401 a) a more sophisticated understanding of the United States as a global hegemonic force and the challenge provide to it by a variety of state, nonstate, and global tendencies. b) a research methods module designed to outline the skills and techniques needed for independent study related to the research and writing of the Level
6 Dissertation c) a understanding of the linkages of globalization (and counter-trends such as economic regionalism and nationalism) and its impact on the international business community
Through the selection of option modules: d) an awareness of the workings of various political actors in the processes of government and international affairs with this theme embedded in the field trip e) deeper knowledge of key issues with global impacts such as the role of religion in politics and the development of the international security environment in the post-9/11 world
Students will also develop more generally: f) the improved ability to weigh up competing claims, argument and evidence g) the improved ability to assimilate complex material into a coherent argument in oral and written form h) a more advanced critical terminology and grasp of key concepts and methodologies i) improved collaborative skills and team work j) the ability to study and research independently k) improved skills in debate, discussion and advocacy l) improved ability to evaluate different kinds of source material
Level 6 Learning Outcomes
At Level 6, and in differing intensities dependent on their pathway, all students will fully develop their knowledge and critical awareness of the global political issues which mark the present, become more confident in assessing the validity of secondary material, and in deploying critical approaches to study. Work at this level will have a detailed and sophisticated understanding of a range of theoretical approaches.
The Dissertation (mandatory for Single Honours and optional for Combined Honours if the programme includes an Extended Independent Study or Dissertation option) particularly demonstrates the sustained ability to produce work that is independently researched, closely argued and well written and composed.
Through the mandatory core module PO3501 Debates in Globalisation: a) a sophisticated and more detailed perspective on the concept of globalisation, particularly in the context of US hegemony and the analyses, doubts, and challenges with which it has been met post-Cold War and post 9/11.
The following skills and knowledges are mapped onto Level 6 option modules (see the module

descriptions for details of the specific assessments and inhabitancies of the learning outcomes): b) a sophisticated and more detailed perspective on global political issues via in depth studies of areas of particular controversy and challenge in the contemporary world order c) the application of earlier study of theoretical knowledge to the detailed and specific topics provided for study via a range of option modules, and within such deploy a sophisticated critical terminology and grasp of concepts
Students will also develop more generally in: d) independence and skills in self-directed learning e) advanced skills in written and oral argumentation f) their ability to respond to relevant material from secondary sources and reshape it into effective critical perspectives and commentary g) the ability to produce written and orally presented work with a high degree of sophistication h) advanced techniques of argumentation and advocacy i) flexibility, adaptability, open-mindedness and criticality in complex problemsolving, taking responsibility for independent learning, and critical selfreflection. c) On successful completion of this programme, students will be able to demonstrate the following skills of
Knowledge and Understanding: a) the complex nature of the global world order post Cold War, and the place of the USA within as a dominant and domineering force. b) challenges to this order for and from a variety of other state and non-state actors. c) evolution of the international system in the post-Cold War world within the still extant but challenged Westphalian system. d) particular issues posed by post-9/11 developments such as the growth of fundamentalist religions and international co-operation and debates over climate change and resource shortage issues.
Intellectual and Cognitive Skills such as: e) analysing issues and skills of political debate f) applying such analysis across a range of different topics. g) distinguishing and ranking the value and importance of sources. h) applying a critically aware political vocabulary to the object of study. i) a self-reflexive attitude towards their own studying.
Skills and other Attributes such as the ability to: j) engage in self-critical and reflective learning. k) Communicate effectively in writing and orally. l) weigh competing claims, arguments and evidence from source materials. m) skills of debate, argument and discussion. n) work in groups and collaborate with others. o) work and research independently. p) information-gathering from a variety of sources. q) self-directed study and time management to deadlines. r) ability to demonstrate comfort with Information Technology for writing (word processing) research (Internet), and communication (email)

s) bibliographic and citation skills. t) presentation skills, including the effective use of AV and IT. u) planning and undertaking an independent study.
A grid mapping the Modules to the Programme/Level Learning Outcomes is in Appendix 1 d) Learning for the Workplace: the programme addresses the graduate employability skills of students in the following ways:
All the general skills listed in this section are transferable to the workplace and the issue of employability is addressed more fully in section 9 of this document. The programme participates in the Volunteering and Activity Based Learning Modules and encourages students to take advantage of these opportunities. Additionally, work opportunities via internships, for example, are advertised on the Politics and Global Studies message board when they become available for application.
4.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, LEVELS, MODULES, CREDIT AND AWARDS
This section outlines the levels of study, modules and credits required for each programme (where there is more than one) and for final and exit awards.
Undergraduate Single Honours Programmes
Module code and title Credits
Core/Mandatory/
Optional
Comments
(eg pre/co-requisites)
Level 4
PO1101 Introduction to
Politics and Global Studies
I
PO1102 Introduction to
Politics and Political
Philosophy
PO1205 Introduction to
British Politics
Contemporary History
Survey Module
PO1201 Introduction to
Politics and Global Studies
II
PO1202 Introduction to
Global Political Economy
PO1203 United States
Politics and Society
PO1204 Human Rights in the Global Political
Economy
PO1206 The New Agenda-
Seekers
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Dependent on which modules HIS offers in Semester 1
Exit award: Cert HE
Level 5
PO2301 US Foreign Policy:
Institutions and Concepts
PO2302 Political and
Religious Themes in the
Near and Middle East
15
15
Core
Core

PO2303 Global
Governance
PO2401 Researching
Politics and Global Studies
PO2402B The ‘War on
Terror’ and the ‘Axis of
Evil’ and Beyond
15
15
15
PO2405 International Law 15
PO2406 Discourses Of War 15
PO2407 Independent
Study Module
PO2408 Security Studies :
Theory and Practice
PO2409 Political
Leadership and
Communication
PO2999 Volunteering For
Politics and Global Studies
AM2404 The Modern
American Presidency
AM2505 Southern
Cultures
BS2967 Globalisation and
Diversity
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
30
15
Level 6
PO3002A Dissertation
PO3501 Debates in
Globalisation
PO3502 Political Islam
PO3503 Diplomatic
Studies
PO3504 Contemporary
Civil War
PO3601 Politics, Energy and the Environment
PO3604 China : 21 st
Century Challenges
PO3605 Case Study in
Political Philosophy :
Conservatism
PO3606 Sexual Violence and Politics: a political, historical, and cultural investigation
PO3607 Global South :
Politics, Inequality and
(In)Security
PO3608 The Politics of
Food Production,
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Core
Core for Hons
Core
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
To be discontinued after Academic
Year 2014-15
Exit award: Dip HE
Delivered over two semesters
Optional
Optional
Optional

Consumption and
Distribution
AM3603 Liberty and
Extremism
15 Optional
Single Honours Students also have the option of taking one Value Studies module at level 5 and/or level 6.
Undergraduate Combined Honours Programmes
Combined Honours students will take 60 credits in both their first and second subjects at Level 4 and
Level 5 and will normally take an Extended Independent Study in either their first or second subject plus a further 45 credits in each subject at Level 6.
Module code and title Credits
Core/Mandatory/
Optional
Comments
(eg pre/co-requisites)
Level 4
PO1101 Introduction to
Politics and Global Studies
I
PO1102 Introduction to
Politics and Political
Philosophy
PO1201 Introduction to
Politics and Global Studies
II
15
15
15
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
PO1202 Introduction to
Global Political Economy
15
Level 5
PO2301 US Foreign Policy:
Institutions and Concepts
PO2302 Political and
Religious Themes in the
Near and Middle East
PO2303 Global
Governance
15
15
15
PO2401 Researching
Politics and Global Studies
PO2402B The ‘War on
Terror’ and the ‘Axis of
Evil’ and Beyond
15
15
PO2405 International Law 15
PO2406 Discourses Of War 15
15 PO2407 Independent
Study Module
PO2408 Security Studies :
Theory and Practice
15
PO2409 Political
Leadership and
Communication
15
Mandatory
Core
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Exit award: Cert HE

PO2999 Volunteering For
Politics and Global Studies
AM2404 The Modern
American Presidency
AM2505 Southern
Cultures
BS2967 Globalisation and
Diversity
15
15
15
15
Optional
Optional
Optional
Core To be discontinued after Academic
Year 2014-15
Exit award: Dip HE
Level 6
PO3002A Dissertation
30 Core
Delivered over two semesters. If not taken in this subject, the Dissertation
(or Extended Independent Study or equivalent) is taken in the second subject.
PO3501 Debates in
Globalisation
PO3502 Political Islam
15 Core
15 Optional
PO3503 Diplomatic
Studies
PO3504 Contemporary
Civil War
PO3601 Politics, Energy and the Environment
PO3604 China : 21st
Century Challenges
PO3605 Case Study in
Political Philosophy :
Conservatism
PO3606 Sexual Violence and Politics: a political, historical, and cultural investigation
PO3607 Global South :
Politics, Inequality and
(In)Security
PO3608 The Politics of
Food Production,
Consumption and
Distribution
AM3603 Liberty and
Extremism
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Optional
Combined Honours Students also have the option of taking one Value Studies module at level 5.
Part-time students can complete their degree programme by taking four modules per year, namely half the modules taken by a full-time student
Glossary
Core = modules must be taken and passed
Mandatory = modules must be taken but may be eligible for compensation
Optional = modules may be selected by students, subject to availability
5.
LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
5.1 Means of Delivery

Subject knowledge is taught through lectures, and learning is consolidated, exemplified, and made more focused in the student-centred context of seminars or workshops. These are the prime location for learning via interaction with tutors and peers. Individual and small group tutorials offer the opportunity for more directed instruction and feedback.
Skills are developed primarily as an integrated part of teaching and learning, but there is a more overt focus on inculcating all skills in Level 4 modules; these then become more integrated into learning, teaching and assessment as the programme progresses. Institutional training opportunities provides for the acquisition of other practical skills.
The Key Information Set (KIS) activity type is indicated in brackets.
Lectures: Lectures provide a valuable way of delivering core content in an interactive environment where student engagement can be observed, and an opportunity for tutors to convey liveliness and enthusiasm for the topic. They also provide a demonstration of a critical mind at work, developing ideas, applying theoretical perspectives to topics, and communicating with clarity in a live format using audio-visual aids. Lectures are invariably followed by seminar discussion where a more interactive interrogation of the material delivered can take place. (KIS: lecture)
Seminars/Workshops: Seminar sessions cover a wide range of practices based around interactive group discussion. Where modules are delivered by a combination of lecture and seminar, seminars are used to open out concepts introduced by lectures and deepen learning by textual inquiry.
Seminar work covers a wide variety of learning strategies including group discussions and studentled sessions. Modules may use the entire teaching period for a seminar in workshop format, in which students develop collaborative work, or enter into dialogue with their peers via assessed presentations are prominent in a range of modules. (KIS: seminar)
Tutorials: Tutorial support is rarely explicitly timetabled, but students are made aware and confident of the availability of module tutors and academic advisers to respond to any individual questions they may have. Most frequently these are discussions focussed on the preparation of, or response to, a piece of assessed work. Staff-student contact through e-mail, and via the Learning Network
(LN), is increasingly used to give personal support to students in a rapid and mutually convenient manner. (KIS: seminar)
Programme/Module/ Extended Independent Study Project Handbooks: Module handbooks are a standard aspect of all modules. These handbooks vary in detail according to the content of the module, but always give students detailed guidance on the programme, the expectations of each module and its assessment requirements. They may also identify tasks of preparation and encourage critical engagement appropriate to the level of the module. Level 4 students receive a Programme
Handbook outlining various aspects of the programme as well as advice on referencing, aid to studying and a variety of answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Level 6 students receive an
Extended Independent Study Handbook with academic and practical guidance to completing the final year dissertation.
The Learning Network: The Learning Network (LN) is a repository for key module information and lecture materials and provides a gateway to more extensive on-line learning resources. Modules have an individual LN page which includes administrative messages, lecture notes, journal and periodical articles, exemplars of previous work by students, module outlines, grade descriptions and boundaries etc.
5.2 Types of assessment employed:
The Key Information Set (KIS) activity type is indicated in brackets.
Principles of Assessment
Assessment is the means whereby staff and students are able to measure the performance of individuals, the group, and the wider academic community both at intermediate points and at the

end of the course. The aims of assessment are expressed as a series of principles designed to test knowledge and understanding and to develop skills as expressed in the objectives and learning outcomes of degrees, phases, and modules. These underpin the assessment of this degree: skills are implicit in modules and assignments and students are encouraged to reflect on their development through tutorials and feedback on assignments.
In keeping with the University Assessment Strategy, the programme rests on a varied diet of assessment designed to test increasingly advanced learning outcomes through each of the three phases. Level 4 assessment facilitates the formative acquisition of subject knowledge and key skills.
Level 5 assessment facilitates the development of subject knowledge and key skills, including basic independent study and research skills and Level 6 assessment stresses facilitates the summative development of subject knowledge and the application of skills, particularly in independent research and self-directed study. Full grade boundary definitions and marking criteria for assignments are set out in the appendices (and appear in the Student Handbook and are posted each Learning Network module page).
Essays: Essays enable students to externalise their views, analyse and revise them, and encourage the development of original thought. Essay-based assignments are used and designed to encourage students to transform their knowledge not repeat it, to apply that knowledge and also to critically reflect upon it and to apply critical understanding to issues and debates. (KIS: written assignment)
Presentations: Presentations test the demonstration of knowledge and test skills in oral and visual presentation and collaborative learning skills. Presentations may be individual or involve group activity. Presentations also usually involve the allied task either of a proposal for the presentation or a written evaluation after the task. (KIS: oral assessment and presentation)
Commentaries: Commentaries test the student’s understanding of different texts and encourage the application of knowledge to a variety of source materials. Materials for commentary are not just the written word. They include visual sources such as photographs and the use of data as included in tables, graphs etc. (KIS: written assignment)
Library Research Exercises: This exercise involves the compilation of an annotated bibliography on a political concept or other subject, testing the student’s ability to retrieve and rank information from a variety of sources (books, journals, audio-visual sources, the web) on a particular subject. (KIS: written assignment)
Book Reports: This involves a critical evaluation of a key text relating to political philosophy or political vocabulary or to primary texts in the form of a review of the book contents, argument and presentation together with a sense of its utility as a source in the module under study. (KIS: written assignment)
Keywords: These assignments are designed to test student ability to define and contextualise a set of specified headings. Such headings focus on politics concepts, debates and issues, and not simple factual items. This assessment has particular utility in Level 4 modules that introduce students to political language and terminology. (KIS: written assignment)
Dossiers, Reports and Study Guides, including Independent Study Module assessment: These exercises test knowledge and research skills, and the ability to assemble material into an evidenced and informative text. Examples include the submission of primary and/or secondary materials and a written evaluative summary, or the compilation of evidence, namely for critical definitions or for a sustained report style document. (KIS: written assignment)
Research Proposal: This acts to give students an opportunity to devise a research proposal as a practice for the Dissertation in Year 3. The proposal forms part of the Level 5 assessment in PO2401
Researching Politics and Global Studies and includes a rational for the project together with a literature review, methodology to be employed, chapter by chapter outline and putative conclusions. It is not intended that the proposal topic will be necessarily that which the student will eventually choose to write a thesis on. (KIS: written assignment)

Timed Exercise: In the assessment weeks particularly, some assignments are set to a short deadline, thus encouraging skills of time management and working to pressure. Use of the term “Timed
Exercise” indicates that this assignment may take the form of an Essay, Commentary, Book Report,
Keywords exercise or the like. (KIS: written exam)
Projects: Projects offer the opportunity to create a long piece of sustained work on a dedicated theme. In Politics and Global Studies, the project will often take the form of a facsimile exercise, to reproduce the detail and intellectual calibre of an official text. (KIS: project output)
Debates: Debates test the skill of students in oral argumentation, research and preparation, and (if appropriate) teamwork towards a common, integrated goal. Debates may take the form of a proposition argued in favour and against by competing teams or individuals. (KIS: oral assessment and presentation)
Examinations: Examinations test the capacity to apply prior learning to a particular set of tasks under timed conditions. They also offer conditions that apply to all students, are not subject to plagiarism, are easily moderated by External Examiners, and are comparable with practice elsewhere. They also credibly prepare students for work-related situations where functioning knowledge is time-stressed. Examinations usually have elements where some questions are known in advance and may require the composition of essays, commentaries, or critical reviews, and allow students to take into the examination prepared notes to be submitted at the examination’s conclusion along with the script itself. (KIS: written exam)
Dissertation: This consists of an 8-10,000 word piece of work (with an additional 10% leeway permitting submission of an 11,000 word maximum piece of work), equivalent, in credits, to two
Year 3 modules. Students apply their knowledge and understanding by producing an independent piece of research which exhibits clarity of expression, creativity and logical thought. The ability to undertake an independent piece of research is an essential element of demonstrating graduate competency requiring students to show skills in independent learning, research and time management. The Project is on a topic negotiated between the student and the supervisor. Students intending to take a PGS Dissertation complete a preliminary form outlining their topic and indicative bibliography, at the end of Year 2. A more detailed form, outlining dissertation topic, including potential chapter themes and a fuller, indicative bibliography is submitted for Programme Leader approval by Week 2 of Semester 1 in their Final Year. Study is student directed with supervision provided by a tutor. Successful completion of an Extended Independent Study is a requirement for the award of a degree with Honours. (KIS: dissertation)
PGS uses formative assessments in the form of student contact both informal and formal, in class in outlining the nature of each assessment, and via email and tutorial to allow student questions to be raised and developed as per each student’s needs. The programme does not operate a uniform rule on whether drafts of assessments are accepted in all modules but leaves this to the tutor’s discretion. The availability or otherwise of the submission of drafts is clarified to students by each module tutor in class and via the module’s Learning Network pages.
Draft submissions for the dissertation are accepted by all tutors during the course of its development at periods to suit the student’s requirements whether directed by the tutor or initiated by the student. A deadline after which draft submissions will no longer be accepted in advance of the submission deadline is made clear to students in the Dissertation Handbook, made available on the PO2401 Researching Politics and Global Studies Learning Network page.
Assessment criteria and marking guidelines are posted on each modules Learning Network page.
A grid detailing the assessments by module is in Appendix 2.
The interests of students with protected characteristics will be taken into consideration and reasonable adjustments to assessments will be made provided that these do not compromise academic standards as expressed through the learning outcomes.
6.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ENHANCEMENT

6.1 Mechanisms for review and evaluation:
Quality assurance and enhancement at Module Level
Students provide feedback to module tutors through Module Evaluation Forms, reviews and other responses. The tutor collates the evaluation forms and produces a response for discussion at
Programme Committee. The response identifies good practice and proposes remedies for any points of concern. The response is made available to students at the next running of the module.
Quality assurance and enhancement at Programme Level
The Programme Committee evaluates the success of the programme, paying particular attention to student feedback and student representatives. Minutes from the Programme Committee and the
External Examiners report will inform the Annual Programme Evaluation which is submitted for approval to the Faculty Academic Development Committee. Issues for attention are identified and included in the action plan for the following year.
Quality assurance and enhancement at Department Level
The Annual Programme Evaluation is submitted to the Department for discussion and to draw out department objectives.
Quality assurance and enhancement at Faculty Level
The Annual Programme Evaluation is submitted to the Faculty Academic Development Committee which has oversight of learning development in the Faculty, including via the Peer Observation of
Teaching.
Quality assurance and enhancement at University Level
The quality of the programme is monitored by an External Examiner appointed by the University’s
Senate Academic Development Committee. The External Examiner’s Report is distributed to the
Vice-Chancellor, First Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Director of Academic Quality and Development, the
Faculty Dean and Faculty Head of Quality. A summary of all external examiner reports is received at
Senate Academic Development Committee. An annual audit of Faculties is conducted by Senate
Academic Development Committee.
Quality assurance and enhancement for Staff
The quality of learning and teaching is supported by the Peer Observation of Teaching and Staff
Development, by Staff Development and Review, by attendance at conferences and curriculumfocused staff development, by external involvement such as external examining and by involvement in research and knowledge exchange activities.
6.2 Indicators of Quality and Standards
External Examiner Report(s)
Annual Monitoring process
Student feedback including the National Student Survey or Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey
Student representation at Faculty level and University level committees
Programme Revalidation
Higher Education Review
7.
THE REGULATORY & POLICY FRAMEWORK
7.1 The programme conforms fully with the University’s:
Academic Regulations for Taught Programmes

7.2 No exemptions from the Academic Regulations are required.
Programme Level Attendance Regulations apply and details will appear in the Programme Handbook and on the Learning Network.
7.3 External Professional Statutory Regulatory Body Accreditation
None
7.4 Engagement with UK Quality Code and Subject Benchmarks
Validation and Revalidation assure the University of the Programme’s continued engagement with
FHEQ and appropriate consideration of subject benchmarks. Between validations external examiners assure the University that this engagement remains active and evident.
7.5 Engagement with Work Based Learning and Placements Approved Procedures
PGS uses PO2999 Volunteering in Politics and Global Studies to afford students the opportunity to engage in volunteering projects in cognate areas of work experience, approved by the Programme
Leader as relevant to their studies and pertinent to improving their employability options. This operates in accordance with the University of Winchester’s Work-Based Learning And Placements
Approved Procedures document, effective from May 2014.
Approval of work-based learning and placement opportunities in line with these procedures is the responsibility of the Programme Leader who acts as co-ordinator as defined in these procedures.
The Programme Leader works in collaboration with appropriate faculty or central University staff such as the Volunteering Co-ordinator

Appendix 1
Grid mapping Modules to Programme Learning Outcomes
Level 4 a) a foundational knowledge in the origins, concepts, and methodologies of politics and the international system, placed in a historical context b) an introductory subject knowledge of the nature and significance of political history in different geographic contexts c) basic ability to identify, locate and distinguish fundamental sources for the study of politics in print and on-line d) basic understanding of a political vocabulary and an ability to articulate ideas and concepts clearly about the social, economic, historical and cultural contexts of past political behaviour e) engagement with skills for debate in order to evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events
Level 5 a) a more sophisticated understanding of the United States as a global hegemonic force and the challenge provide to it by a variety of state, non-state, and global tendencies. b) a research methods module designed to outline the skills and techniques needed for independent study related to the research and writing of the Level 6 Dissertation c) a understanding of the linkages of globalization (and counter-trends such as economic regionalism and nationalism) and its impact on the international business community d) an awareness of the workings of various political actors in the processes of government and international affairs with this theme embedded in the field trip e) deeper knowledge of key issues with global impacts such as the role of religion in politics and the development of the international security environment in the post-
9/11 world
Level 6 a) a sophisticated and more detailed perspective on the concept of globalisation, particularly in the context of US hegemony and the analyses, doubts, and challenges with which it has been met post-Cold War and post 9/11. b) a sophisticated and more detailed perspective on global political issues via in depth studies of areas of particular controversy and challenge in the contemporary world order c) the application of earlier study of theoretical knowledge to the detailed and specific topics provided for study via a range of option modules, and within such deploy a sophisticated critical terminology and grasp of concepts d) independence and skills in self-directed learning e) advanced skills in written and oral argumentation

PO1202
Introduction to
Global Political
Economy
PO1203 US
Politics and
Society
PO1204 Human
Rights in the
Global Political economy
PO1205
Introduction to
UK Politics
PO1206 The
New Agenda
Setters
Level 5
PO2301 US
Foreign Policy :
Institutions and
Concepts
PO2302 f) their ability to respond to relevant material from secondary sources and re-shape it into effective critical perspectives and commentary g) the ability to produce written and orally presented work with a high degree of sophistication h) advanced techniques of argumentation and advocacy i) flexibility, adaptability, open-mindedness and criticality in complex problem-solving, taking responsibility for independent learning, and critical self-reflection.
Learning
Outcome description a b c d e f g h
Level 4
X X X X X i
PO1101
Introduction to
Politics and
Global Studies I
PO1102
Introduction to
Politics and
Political
Philosophy
PO1201
Introduction to
Politics and
Global Studies
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X X X X a
X
X
X
X
X b
X
X
X
X c
X
X
X
X d
X
X
X
X
X
X e
X
X f g h i

Political and
Religious
Themes in the
Near and
Middle East
PO2303 Global
Governance
PO2401
Researching
Politics and
Global Studies
PO2402B The
War on Terror, the Axis of Evil and Beyond
PO2405
International
Law
PO2406
Discourses of
War
PO2407
Independent
Study Module
PO2409
Political
Leadership and
Communication
PO2999
Volunteering in
Politics and
Global Studies
AM2404 The
Modern
American
Presidency
AM2505
Southern
Cultures
Level 6
PO3002A
Dissertation
PO3501
Debates in
Globalisation
PO3502
Political Islam
PO3503
Diplomatic
Studies
PO3504
Contemporary
X
X
X
X a
X b
X
X
X
X
X X X
X
X X X
X X
X X
X
X
X
X c
X
X
X
X
X d
X
X e
X
X f
X
X g
X
X h
X
X
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X X X X X

Civil War
PO3601
Politics, Energy and the
Environment
PO3604 China :
21st Century
Challenges
PO3605 Case
Study in
Political
Philosophy :
Conservatism
PO3606 Sexual
Violence and
Politics: a political, historical, and cultural investigation
PO3607 Global
South : Politics,
Inequality and
(In)Security
PO3608 The
Politics of Food
Production,
Consumption and
Distribution
AM3603
Liberty and
Extremism
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

Appendix 2
Grid mapping Assessments
Each column should be headed by the name of assessment type, as defined by the Programme (not
KIS), eg blog, essay, portfolio.
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3
PO1101 Introduction to Politics and Global
Studies I
Library Research
Exercise
PO1102 Introduction to Politics and Political
Philosophy
Book Report
Essay and
Bibliography
PO1201 Introduction to Politics and Global
Studies
PO1202 Introduction to Global Political
Economy
Debate
Essay
Essay
Exam
Essay
Commentary
PO1203 US Politics and
Society
Essay
PO1204 Human Rights in the Global Political economy
Essay
PO1205 Introduction to UK Politics
PO1206 The New
Agenda Setters
Essay
Individual
Presentation
PO2301 US Foreign
Policy : Institutions and
Concepts
Essay
Individual
Presentation
PO2302 Political and
Religious Themes in the Near and Middle
East
PO2303 Global
Governance
PO2401 Researching
Politics and Global
Studies
Report
Research Proposal
Presentation
Dossier
Exam
Exam
Essay
Exam
Essay
Commentary

PO2402B The War on
Terror, the Axis of evil and Beyond
PO2405 International
Law
Essay
Essay
PO2406 Discourses of
War
Essay
PO2407 Independent
Study Module
Extended
Essay/Report
PO2409 Political
Leadership and
Communication
PO2999 Volunteering in Politics and Global
Studies
AM2404 The Modern
American Presidency
AM2505 Southern
Cultures
Essay
Prospectus
Essay
Essay
PO3002A Dissertation Dissertation
PO3501 Debates in
Globalisation
Essay
PO3502 Political Islam Essay
PO3503 Diplomatic
Studies
Report
PO3504 Contemporary
Civil War
Essay
PO3601 Politics,
Energy and the
Environment
PO3604 China : 21st
Century Challenges
PO3605 Case Study in
Political Philosophy :
Conservatism
Essay
Essay
Essay
PO3606 Sexual
Violence and Politics: a
Essay
Exam
Individual
Presentation
Individual
Presentation
Exam
Portfolio
Dossier
Dossier
Individual
Presentation
Individual
Presentation
Individual
Presentation
Individual
Presentation
Exam
Exam
Individual

political, historical, and cultural investigation
PO3607 Global South :
Politics, Inequality and
(In)Security
Extended
Essay/Report
PO3608 The Politics of
Food Production,
Consumption and
Distribution
Individual
Presentation
AM3603 Liberty and
Extremism
Essay Exam
Presentation
Essay