University of Bradford
Division of Peace Studies
Awarding and teaching
institution:
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University of Bradford
BA (Hons)
Development and Peace Studies
3 years full-time
L920 BA/DPS
not applicable
Politics and International Relations
original: June 2000; updated: July 2007;
updated 2008; updated April 2009; last
updated November 2010.
The Division of Peace Studies has an excellent international reputation in research
across the range of discipline areas in which we offer BA degree awards. The Division was
chosen from more than 100 universities worldwide to be one of six Rotary International
Peace and Conflict Resolution Centres of teaching excellence. The programme began in
2002 with ten scholarship students at the postgraduate level. The Division’s teaching at
postgraduate and undergraduate levels was judged ‘excellent’ (24/24) by the Quality
Assurance Agency. The Division has Erasmus partnerships with the Universities of
Brussels, Coimbra, Toulouse, Salamanca, Prague and Munich, and exchange
programmes with the California State University (USA), ClarksonUniversity (USA), Sogang
University (Seoul, Korea), Hosei University (Tokyo, Japan) and Slippery Rock University
(USA).
The Department aims:
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to develop your knowledge and understanding of a coherent, current and
intellectually stimulating body of theory and analysis;
to encourage you to develop an independent, critical and scholarly approach to your
field which will enable you to apply your knowledge and develop your
understanding;
to encourage you to relate academic study to questions of public concern in the
peace and conflict field;
to provide you with a curriculum supported by active scholarship, staff development
and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and
debate;
to help you to develop a valuable range of key skills and personal attributes for a
wide variety of careers;
to provide you with a friendly and supportive learning environment.
Development Studies is a well-established interdisciplinary field which emerged in the
1960s out of a concern to promote positive changes in the economies, societies and
politics of the poorer countries of the world. These countries are also where many of
today’s conflicts and peace settlements occur, so an increasing number of development
researchers and non-governmental organisations are turning to peace studies and conflict
resolution to seek more effective analyses and policies. Peace Studies was developed as
an academic discipline after the Second World War as a reaction to the threat to human
survival posed by nuclear weapons and the failures of international relations to create the
global conditions for peace, security and justice. Peace Studies is now taught in more
than 100 universities worldwide.
The Programme aims to bring the distinctive insights offered by peace studies to
contemporary debates on development issues.
Learning outcomes indicate what you should know and understand, and be able to do on
successful completion of the programme. They have been developed with reference to the
subject benchmarks, published by the QAAHE. When you have completed the BA in
Development and Peace Studies you will have acquired:
Knowledge and Understanding
 an understanding of the theories and concepts of peace and conflict and their
application to global, regional and local contexts;
 an understanding of the nature and significance of development issues in the global
south/developing world;
 an understanding of the competing perspectives on issues of peace, conflict and
development in the global south/developing world;
 an ability to evaluate the international policy debates in the fields of peace, conflict
and development;
Discipline Skills
 an independent and critical ability to gather, organise and analyse relevant primary
and secondary evidence or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned
arguments which address specific problems;
Personal Transferable Skills
 an ability to communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use
communication and information technology for the retrieval and presentation of
information, work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and
time-management and collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
The University of Bradford, and the School of Social and International Studies (SSIS), are
committed to the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) set out in
UNESCO’s definition
(see http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.phpURL_ID=23279&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html),
which include: interdisciplinarity; value-driven; critical thinking and problem solving;
participatory decision-making; and applied learning which is relevant and culturally
appropriate to local and other contexts.
In your programme you will find these principles underlie the teaching learning and
assessment strategies. Because of the explicit value-orientation and interdisciplinarity of
Peace Studies ESD is a core part of the content of all of our teaching and research and
therefore integrated into all our modules.
We are also committed in SSIS to giving you opportunities to engage in debates about the
meaning and future of Sustainable Development, as well as in the practice of ESD, for
example, through volunteering on and off campus, by taking action in a series of activities
as a School.
The curricula for undergraduate awards in the Department of Peace Studies
Staff research informs the curricula. The first year is a foundation for all the Division’s
degrees (with the exception of the BA in War, Peace and Media Studies) so students are
free to amend their choice of award in the second year. The common first year allows you
to progress to a BA (Hons) in any of the undergraduate awards offered by the Division in
Stage Two: BA International Relations and Security Studies; BA Politics; BA Peace
Studies; BA Development and Peace Studies.
The BA programme follows the university structure of 120 credits for each Stage, with 60
taken in each semester. All students may take up to 40 credits, over Stages Two and
Three, from units offered by all Schools across the University.
In Stage Two, all students take three 20 credit modules as compulsory course units and
three 20 credit modules as options. In Stage Three, all students take the dissertation (60
credits) which must be in the area of specialisation. The remaining 60 credits are taken as
follows: two 20 credit Stage 3 core modules specific to the degree and one 20 credit
module as an option. All core units for all degrees are available as options to all students.
See the curriculum map below for specific explanation of requirements year by year.
Progression (what follows is a summary. Standard University regulations apply and can
be found at: http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Undergrad_Regs_.html)
To pass and proceed from each stage to the next, and also to be eligible for a classified
Honours award, you must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 35% in the other 20
credits, with an overall average of at least 40%.
The class and division of the undergraduate Honours degree that you are awarded is
based on the overall weighted marks that you receive for each stage. Stage Two
contributes 30% and Stage Three contributes 70%. The degree is awarded on the basis of
the following minimum final overall weighted average marks:
70% or above
First Class Honours
60% or above
Second Class Honours – First Division
50% or above
Second Class Honours – Second Division
otherwise
Third Class Honours
If you complete Stage 1 successfully, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education;
if you complete Stage 2 successfully, you are eligible for a Diploma of Higher Education.
Curriculum Map
Stage 1:
In the first year, all students (except War, Peace and Media Studies students) take 120
credits of core modules.
Stage 2 & 3 Core Modules:
During your second year you must take three 20-credit core modules specific to the
degree, as per the table below. In your third year you must take two core modules and the
60-credit core Dissertation module. The Dissertation module is split over the year, with 20
credits in the 1st semester, and 40 credits in the 2nd semester.
Stage 2&3 options:
In the second year students can take 3 option modules to be chosen from core modules of
other degrees as well as other Division and School options. Note that some options are
offered simultaneously to Stage 2 and 3, with assessment at either level 2 or 3 as
appropriate. In the third year students can take one option module which can be chosen
from core modules of other degrees as well as options. In addition, the School and
University offer a wide choice of options and you can take 20 credits outside the
Department in each year, and 20 credits at MA level in your 3rd year.
BA (HONS) DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE STUDIES
Stage 1
Semester 1
PE-0101D Introduction to International
Semester 2
PE-0103D Sociology of Peace and Conflict
Relations
PE-0112D Introduction to Politics
PE-0111D Introduction to Development
PE-0105D Introduction to Peace Studies
PE-0109D Conflict and Cooperation
Stage 2
PE-0506D Development Ideas in Practice
PE-XXXXD Conflict Analysis
OR
PE-0720D Understanding Violence
SSIS-2000D Permaculture Design Course
Choose TWO Options:
From core modules of other Peace Studies
degrees:
PE-0603D Concepts and Practices of
Peacemaking
PE-0407D Global Governance LH-2016D War,
Democracy and Consensus:
Britain 1914 to the present
From options:
PE-0302D International Politics of the Cold War
PE-0303D International Politics of the
Environment
PE-0206D Arms Control and Disarmament
Choose ONE Option:
From core modules of other Peace Studies
degrees:
PE-0720D Understanding Violence
PE-0208D International Relations:
Theories and Applications
SS-2078D Political Philosophy
PE-0201D Peace and Change
From options
PE-0716D US Power and International Security
PE-0701D Politics of Narcotics
PE-0722D Sustainability in Practice
One option from School/University
Stage 3
PE-0801B Dissertation
PE-1605 Culture and Conflict Resolution
PE-0801B Dissertation
Choose ONE Option:
From core modules of other Peace Studies
degrees:
PE-1708D Human Rights
PE-1711D International Terrorism
PE-5095D Participation and Politics
PE-1507D Peace, Conflict and Development
From options:
PE-1302D International Politics of the Cold War
PE-1303D International Politics of the
Environment
PE-1206D Arms Control and Disarmament
From MA modules (semester 1)
One option from School
Study abroad opportunities: The Diploma of International Studies
We encourage students to consider an optional year of study abroad, taken
between stage 1 and 2 or stage 2 and 3 of your degree at Bradford. You will be invited to
various University events providing more information and will be formally introduced to
opportunities in stage 1 in your 1st year Tutorial sessions. You may take advantage of
Study Abroad opportunities in three ways: through studying at one of our partner
institutions; through studying at a University that does not have formal links with Bradford;
or through developing your own combination of work/study. Whichever choice you make,
you should plan to be abroad for 1 academic year.
This optional Diploma of International Studies aims to enable you to: i) benefit from
studying and living abroad ii) develop intercultural awareness and competence through
reflection on the experience; iii) enhance your personal development allowing you the
scope to transfer the skills acquired to both academic work and future vocational work; iv)
widen your knowledge and understanding, and embrace different academic approaches in
one or more of your degree subject areas by studying appropriate modules; v) where
appropriate, enhance your language skills and develop strategies for more effective
language learning.
Note that study abroad years are voluntary and the diet of modules chosen will be relevant
to your University of Bradford degree and agreed with the Programme Director. You will
normally take the equivalent of 120 credits of modules. Your study abroad experience is to
be taken in addition to the 360 credits you study towards your degree. The range and
variety of teaching and learning methods will depend on your diet of study at the partner
institution. In addition to your study and assessment at the partner institution, you will keep
a reflective log or journal of your learning and cultural experiences. Upon return to the
University of Bradford you will submit this for assessment and make a reflective and critical
oral presentation (using PowerPoint), in English, about the period of living and studying
abroad to current students during the first semester after the period abroad. During your
year abroad a tutor from the University of Bradford will remain in contact with you and can
provide feedback on your journal. Assessment will be on a pass/fail basis.
The Division of Peace Studies has formal links with universities in Europe and North
America as listed below, as well as several exchange agreements that are currently being
negotiated. Through the European Union Erasmus Scheme you can choose to study at
partner institutions which offer classes in English and the local language as well as
language classes.
Work abroad opportunities: The diploma of professional experience
The Diploma of Professional Experience is designed to provide you with an opportunity to
apply the knowledge, understanding and skills gained on your course in a professional
setting; to help you develop autonomy and initiative, and work effectively as a member of a
professional team; to help you gain experience of the working environment and assess
career opportunities available on graduation; to encourage critical reflection on your
personal and skills development.
Note that placement opportunities are to be identified by the student, with support
from the University and agreed by the Programme Director. The duration must be between
38 and 52 weeks. Your placement work is directed by the supervisor appointed by the
provider, but you will be appointed an academic tutor who will remain in contact to check
that integration into the workplace is proceeding and that the work being required of you is
appropriate and at a later stage to assist and advise both you and your employer as to the
requirements of the assessment process. Your performance during this placement
(including a monthly diary, reflective end of placement report, oral presentation and
placement supervisor assessment) will form the basis for consideration for the award of a
Diploma of Professional Experience. Assessment will be made on a pass/fail basis.
Admission requirements
We admit about 85 undergraduate students each year. The traditional route for entry onto
the degree course is with A-levels, but applications are also welcomed from candidates
with qualifications equivalent to or superior to A-levels. In any case, each candidate is
considered on his/her merits and we offer all candidates the opportunity to visit the
Department and campus and meet staff and students. Overall, students without A-levels
account for one third of our intake each year.
The standard admission offer is 280 points overall to include a minimum of grade B (100
points) in each of two 6-unit subjects (or B, B in a 12-unit award). The remaining 80 points
can be gained from any combination (and number) of tariff-based qualifications, including
Key Skills and General Studies. A-levels in a social science or modern history might help
to prepare you for the degree, but the Department does not stipulate any particular
subjects. The Department offers an interview to any students who don’t meet our standard
requirements, and can therefore be more flexible about entry qualifications. The
Department welcomes applications from students who have completed a BTEC National
award (five distinctions), or Scottish Framework Qualifications (280 points), or Irish
Highers (A, B, B, B, B), or overseas examinations which show an equivalent level of
attainment, (please enquire). Mature students, particularly those with Access courses are
encouraged; those with experience and motivation should contact the Admissions Tutor for
details of how prior learning and experience may be used during the admissions process.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes,
progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject and the student intake,
and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as you progress
through the course.
Free standing options in Stages Two and Three share the same teaching sessions, but
learning outcomes and forms of assessment are different for the two levels: at Stage
Three, examination questions are more challenging than at Stage Two, for example. The
options available alter slightly each year, with regular updating as a result of course
review. In Stage Three, you will be expected to complete a dissertation in Development
and Peace Studies, a substantial project, working on your own but with one-to-one
supervision from a member of staff.
Throughout the course, you will acquire skills that will be useful not only in Development
and Peace Studies, but in whatever profession you choose to follow. These will be taught,
practised and assessed. They are listed on the front cover of this document as personal
transferable skills. For example, through the project work in some of the course units you
to learn skills in planning, negotiating, team working and presenting.
Student support and guidance
The University and the Department have a well-deserved reputation in this area. You will
be allocated a personal tutor. According to the Department’s Subject Review Report, “The
ethos of the staff is one of accessibility to students, and partnership in the learning
experience. Students are overwhelmingly positive about the strong staff-student
relationship existing in the Department.”
Careers
Graduates of Development and Peace Studies therefore gain a sure footing in both
camps, and are well-places for careers in national and international non-government
organisations concerned with development, including UN agencies, and development
policy research.
Further information
If you would like more information about the University of Bradford, please check the
undergraduate prospectus. More details about the Department and its courses can be
obtained from the Admissions Tutor.