UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification: BA (Honours) in International Relations
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
UCLan, Preston Campus
3. University Department/Centre
School of Humanities and the Social Sciences
4. External Accreditation
No
5. Title of Final Award
BA (Hons) International Relations
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full time / Part time
7. UCAS Code
L250
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
Politics and International Relations
9. Other external influences
n/a
10. Date of production/revision of
this form
November 2013
11. Aims of the Programme
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To offer a broad introduction to the main sub-disciplines of the academic subject of
International Relations, Global Politics and International Political Theory
To provide opportunities for the critical evaluation of the role of political ideas, institutions,
decision-making processes in international and comparative context
To provide an intellectually challenging academic curriculum that is informed by the research
and scholarly activity of members of the International Relations teaching staff
To create a supportive environment to assist the academic development of students
To provide access to students from a range of educational backgrounds to develop their
academic and wider potential
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
1.
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Knowledge and understanding of key themes and developments of the main subdisciplines of the academic study of International Relations and Politics – in terms of
government, institutions processes, international and global politics and International
political theory
A2. Critical evaluation of political ideas, institutions and decision-making processes at domestic
and international level
A3. Understand how a range of contextual factors (historical,
economic, social) shape contemporary international trends and key political debates
A4. Critical appreciation of a range of primary and secondary sources relating to International
Politics and International Relations
Teaching and Learning Methods
Full or part-time study mode
Lectures, interactive seminars, group work, individual and group presentations, individual and group
tutorials, independent and supervised study and research, dissertation training and supervision, IT
and Blackboard support and interaction, study skills and Personal and Development Planning (PDP)
support for the development of appropriate academic and transferable and employability skills.
Assessment methods
A variety of appropriate, targeted assessment strategies are also employed throughout the
programme, and consist largely of a balance between various types of coursework and examination.
Means of assessment include essay and report writing, critical book and literature reviews, individual
and group oral and poster presentations, exams (seen and unseen), extended research dissertation.
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Analyse, assess and critically evaluate political concepts and ideas, theories of International
Relations and Politics and key texts of social and political analysis
B2. Devise a research project involving independent study, the location of appropriate sources
and the analysis of relevant material relating to the academic study of politics and society
B3. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, locate and use electronic and print based
materials related to the academic study of International Politics and International Relations
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, interactive seminars, group work, individual and group presentations, individual and group
tutorials, independent and supervised study and research, dissertation training and supervision, IT
and Blackboard support and interaction, study skills and Personal and Development Planning (PDP)
support for the development of appropriate academic and transferable and employability skills.
Assessment methods
Essay and report writing, critical book and literature reviews, individual and group oral and poster
presentations, exams (seen and unseen), extended research dissertation.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Analytical and critical thinking in relation to the key themes, issues and developments of the
core strands of the syllabus
C2. Understanding of and critical engagement with relevant wider literature, conceptual and
theoretical issues and central debates and perspectives of international politics
C3. Demonstrate independent learning and research skills and the ability to identify, organise
and evaluate relevant primary and secondary source materials
C4. Devise a focused research question and coherent research project involving independent
study, location of appropriate sources and analysis of relevant materials in the analysis of
international politics
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, interactive seminars, group work, individual and group presentations, individual and group
tutorials, independent and supervised study and research, IT and Blackboard support and interaction,
study skills and dissertation training and supervision.
Assessment methods
Essay and report writing, critical book and literature reviews, individual and group oral and poster
presentations, exams (seen and unseen), extended research dissertation.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Identify, collect and evaluate information from a variety of sources
D2. Analytical and critical thinking and its appropriate application
D3. Effectively present and communicate ideas and arguments to others in oral and written form,
utilising appropriate presentation techniques
D4. Work both independently and as part of a team, displaying skills such as self- and time
management, negotiation and effective comm]unication
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, interactive seminars, group work, individual and group presentations, individual and group
tutorials, independent and supervised study and research, dissertation training and supervision, IT
and Blackboard support and interaction, study skills and self-reflection on academic and skills
progress and development through Personal and Development Planning (PDP).
Assessment methods
Essay and report writing, critical book and literature reviews, individual and group oral and poster
presentations, exams (seen and unseen), extended research dissertation, formative assessment of
the learning process and development through discussion and debate, group and other peer
interactive work, individual and group tutorials, self reflection and PDP and feedback through tutor,
peers and learners teacher.
13. Programme Structures*
Level
14. Awards and Credits*
Module
Code
PO1101
Module Title
PO1109
Global Politics: An
Introduction to International
Relations [COMP]
20
IR1002
Alliances, Coalitions and
Organisations in
International Relations
Since 1945
[COMP]
20
Level 4
Power, Politics and the
State [COMP]
IR1001
Credit
rating
20
20
International Relations
Portfolio [COMP]
AI1000
20
Shaping of Asia Pacific
Region
HY1108
20
Nations and Empires in
Asia: China, India, Japan
and Thailand 1857-1949
PO1112
20
British Politics
HY1117
20
State and Society in Europe,
1815-1914
SO1112
20
Global Social Inequalities
VO1006
20
Volunteering and
Community Action
20
Certificate in Higher
Education
Requires 120 credits at Level 4
or above
IR2101
Elective/Language Option
Globalisation: History,
Theory and Approaches
[COMP]
20
IR2102
Research Methods in
International Relations
[COMP]
20
SO2103
Social Movements and
Revolutions [COMP]
20
HY2099
America in The World 1898Present [COMP]
20
Diploma in Higher Education
in International Relations
Requires 240 credits including a
minimum of 100 at Level 5
Level 5
A FIFTH MODULE FROM
THE FOLLOWING SHORT
LIST OPTIONS:
AI2001
Cultural Transformations
and Cross-cultural
Encounters in the AsiaPacific
HY2084
20
20
International History of
Europe 1914-1991
HY2095
20
Cold War in Asia 19451989: History, Society and
Conflict
HY2003
PO2110
A SIXTH MODULE FROM
THE FOLLOWING LONG
LIST OPTIONS:
Britain and the World 17761949
VO2004
20
20
20
History of Political Ideas
20
Volunteering in the EU
IR3991
Elective
Dissertation in IR [CORE]
20
THREE MODULES FROM
THE FOLLOWING SHORT
LIST OPTIONS:
AI3000
Development and Change in
Asia Pacific
20
AI3001
Asia Pacific International
Relations
20
CJ3206
Gendered Imaginations and
International Relations
20
CJ3025
Terrorism and Security
20
BA Honours Degree
Requires 360 credits, including a
minimum of 220 at Level 5 or
above, and including 100 at
Level 6.
CJ3018
State Crime and Genocide:
State Terrorism and Denial
20
CJ3026
Crime and New
Technologies
20
CJ3027
Human Trafficking and
Modern Day Slavery
20
HY3063
Kennedy, Johnson and the
World: US Foreign Policy,
1961-69
20
Level 6
TWO FURTHER OPTIONS
FROM THE FOLLOWING
LONG LIST OPTIONS:
HY3054
India, Pakistan and
Afghanistan since 1947:
International Conflict and
Democracy
20
HY3059
African Nationalism and
Independence, 1921-1982
20
HY3062
A Place Apart? The
Northern Ireland Troubles
20
IR3001
Ethics, War and Society
20
PI3006
Modern European Thought
20
PO3134
Continuity and Change in
British Politics
20
PO3112
Contemporary AngloAmerican Political
Philosophy
20
RB3005
Political Islam and Islamic
Movements
20
SO3003
‘Suspect’ Populations and
‘Insecure’ Spaces: Security
and Policing in the TwentyFirst Century
20
VO3007
Global Community
Exchange
40
15. Personal Development Planning
PDP is an integral component of the programme. Modules have specific learning outcomes which
incorporate personal development specific to module aims and elements of employability skill
building. Additionally, the School of Education & Social Science has facilitated development of
practical intelligence and generic skill building, personal reflection and evaluation into an explicit and
structured PDP programme. Skills and employability enhancement has been integrated into personal
reflection on learning, teaching and assessment for development of core skills, process skills,
transferable skills and personal development.
PDP is embedded in the programme through a variety of reflective activities, including oral and written
assignments and interactive feedback, interactive peer sessions, student-centred and student-led
workshops, discussions and debates, group work and presentations, extensive Blackboard support
for PDP, individual and group tutorials and other formative assessment outlined above. Personal
tutorials for students are also scheduled throughout programme. Please refer to additional PDP
documentation for further information.
The development of employability skills is incorporated and embedded in the curriculum in terms of
critical reading and analysis of evidence, the need to marshal and judiciously apply large amounts of
information and skills of group interaction and negotiation, oral and written communication and
presentation. Formal group and individual feedback sessions will also be scheduled to support and
develop students’ progress and performance. Assessment and feedback processes enable students
to develop further employability skills of project and time management. Relevant central services
such as LIS and Futures is utilised both within modules and as part of the wider programme in
Induction. Progression etc.to support development of academic employability and graduate skills.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website
for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
The minimum level of attainment required for entry to the start of standard courses leading to
awards at first degree level is expressed in terms of UCAS Tariff Points.
Please check the course website for the most up-to-date tariff requirements
Other acceptable qualifications include:
Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
International Baccalaureate
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in an appropriate subject level at least merit overall
Access to HE Diploma
Applications from people with relevant work or life experience and/or non-standard qualifications
are welcome.
International Students (English Language Requirements): IELTS 6.0, or other international
tests: TOEFL (Paper based) 550 and TWE of 4; TOEFL Computer based 213 and TWE of 4; TOEFL
iBT 80+ (with 18 in writing subscore); Cambridge Advanced C; Cambridge Proficiency C;
International Baccalaureate Standard Level (Grade 4 in English); London Test of English Level 4;
TEEP 6.0; WELT CCC; Anglia Examinations Syndicate Proficiency-pass or better; City and Guilds
English for Business; Communication-Level 2 First; Institute of Linguists Diploma in English for
International Communication; LCCI Level 3; MELAB 78 or above; Trinity College (ESOL and ISE)
Grades 10 and 11 or ISE III; ESB (International) All-Modes Examinations and the Lancashire English
Language Examinations C1.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
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External Sources: QAA website, UCAS handbooks, Sector Skills Council sources
Internal Sources: University website and School brochures
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Core (C),
Compulsory
Module
(COMP) or
Knowledge and
Subject-specific
Level Code
Module Title
Option (O)
understanding
Skills
Thinking Skills
LEVEL 6
A1
IR3991
Dissertation in International
Relations
CORE
AI3000
Development and Change in
Asia Pacific
O
AI3001
Asia Pacific International
Relations
O
CJ3018
State Crime and Genocide:
State Terrorism and Denial
O
CJ3025
Terrorism and Security
O
CJ3026
Crime and New
Technologies
O
CJ3027
Human trafficking and
Modern Day Slavery
O
CJ3206
Gendered Imaginations and
International Relations
O
A2
A3
B1
B2
B3
C1
C2
C3
C4
D1
D2
D3
D4
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HY3063 Kennedy, Johnson and the
World: US Foreign Policy,
1961-69
A4
Other skills relevant
to employability and
personal
development
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O
X
X
HY3054 India, Pakistan, Afghanistan
and the Middle East since
1947: International Conflict
and Democracy
O
HY3059 African Nationalism and
Independence, 1921-1982
O
HY3062 A Place Apart? The Northern
Ireland Troubles
PI3006 Modern European Thought
PO3134 Continuity and Change in
British Politics
O
PO3112
Contemporary AngloAmerican Political
Philosophy
O
IR3001
War, Ethics and Society
O
RB3005
Political Islam and Islamic
Movements
O
‘Suspect’ Populations and
‘Insecure’ Spaces: Security
and Policing in the TwentyFirst Century
O
SO3003
LEVEL 5
VO3007 Global Community Exchange
IR2101
IR2102
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O
O
COMP
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O
Research Methods in
International Relations
X
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COMP
X
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Globalisation: History,
Theory and Approaches
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S02103
Social Movements and
Revolution
HY2099 America in the World 1898Present
AI2001
Cultural Transformations and
Cross-cultural Encounters in
the Asia-Pacific
X
X
O
HY2003 Britain and the World 17761949
O
PO2110
O
IR1002
IR1001
Power, Politics and the State
Global Politics: An
Introduction to International
Relations
Alliances, Coalitions and
Organisations in
International Relations Since
1945
International Relations
Portfolio
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
HY2095 Cold War in Asia 1945-1989
PO1101
PO1109
X
X
X
X
O
O
History of Political Ideas
X
COMP
HY2084 International History of
Europe 1914-1991
VO2004 Volunteering in the EU
LEVEL 4
COMP
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COMP
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COMP
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COMP
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COMP
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AI1000
Shaping of Asia Pacific
Region
HY1108 Nations and Empires in Asia:
China, India, Japan and
Siam/Thailand 1850-1949
HY1117 State and society in Europe,
1815-1914
PO1112
British Politics
SO1112
Global Social Inequalities
VO1006 Volunteering and
Community Action
Note:
O
X
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O
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Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
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