UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
Please note: This 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 passes the programme. More detailed information on the
learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module
can be found by following the links provided. The accuracy of the information contained in this
specification is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance
Agency for Higher Education.
Postgraduate Diploma in International Law with International Relations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Awarding Institution/Body
Teaching Institution
Teaching Site
Programme accredited by:
Final Award
Programme
UCAS code (or other code)
Relevant QAA subject
benchmarking group/s
9. Date of production/revision
10. Applicable cohort/s
University of Kent
University of Kent at Canterbury
Brussels
Not Applicable
Postgraduate Diploma in Law
International Law with International Relations
M3/M1
None
December 2002
2003 entry
11. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:
 Provide (a) a postgraduate qualification of value to those intending to pursue a career in
any field of public international law; (b) a detailed knowledge and high level of
understanding of a range of specialised subject areas; and (c) more broadly-based
communication skills of general value to those seeking postgraduate employment.
 Provide a sound knowledge and systematic understanding of the institutional structures,
key legal principles and particular contexts of international law and international relations.
 Provide a degree of specialisation in areas of public international law of individual interest
from amongst the range of options that are available and which require students to engage
with academic work which is at the frontiers of scholarship.
 Encourage students to develop a critical awareness of the operation of public international
law, particularly in contexts which are perceived to be controversial or in a state of
evolution.
 Encourage students to develop critical, analytical and problem-solving skills which can be
applied to a wide range of legal and non-legal contexts.
 Develop skills in the written presentation of arguments in a manner which meets relevant
academic conventions.
 Contribute to widening participation in higher education by taking account of past
experience of applicants in determining admissions whilst ensuring that all students that are
admitted possess the potential to complete the programme successfully.
1
12. Programme Outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge
and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas.
Teaching/learning and assessment
methods and strategies used to enable
outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
Knowledge and Understanding
A. Knowledge and understanding of:
Principal Methods of Teaching and Learning
 The institutions and structures of public Lectures and seminars. Normally, modules are
taught through two-hour sessions which take
international law, and the
place on a weekly basis and comprise a
interrelationships between these;
combination of lecture and seminar teaching.
 The key concepts, policy issues,
Broadly, the lectures provide an opportunity for
principles and relevant sources of
the module convenor to convey an account of the
public international law and
general context of the subject, an exposition of
international relations;
 The substantive law relevant to a range the key issues and to identify areas for seminar
of key areas of public international law; discussion. This knowledge is consolidated by
prescribed reading, particularly for seminar
 The theoretical perspectives and
preparation. Seminars are focused upon more
academic debates which underlie the
detailed discussion of particular matters and
substantive areas of public
usually based upon students presenting papers
international law;
 The practical contexts in which the law and introducing a discussion of critical issues.
Seminar presentations require students to
operates;
formulate their views on the area under
 The importance of evaluating public
consideration, and provide important feedback to
international law alongside its
students from staff and fellow students.
theoretical and practical contexts; and
Assessment of modules is based upon written
 The relationship and interrelationship
assessments, comprising essays of 4,000 to
between public international law theory
5,000 words, which must be submitted for each
and practice, and international relations
taught module which is followed. The facility is
theory and practice.
also made available for particular modules to be
assessed, up to 20%, by awarding a mark to
each student according to the quality of their
participation in seminar sessions.
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual skills:
On successful completion of the
Programme students should be able to:
2

Effectively apply the knowledge of
public international law and
international relations theory to a wide
range of situations where relevant
practical or theoretical issues are
under consideration.
 Evaluate issues according to their
context, relevance and importance.
 Gather relevant information and
access key sources by electronic or
other means.
 Formulate arguments on central issues
and areas of controversy, and be able
to present a reasoned opinion based
upon relevant materials
 Recognise potential alternative
arguments, and contrary evidence, to a
student’s own opinion and present a
reasoned justification for preference.
 Demonstrate an independence of mind
and ability to offer critical challenge to
received understanding on particular
issues.
 Reflect constructively on their learning
progression.
C. Subject-specific skills:
On successful completion of the
Programme students should be able to:
 Identify and characterise issues of
public international law which arise in
practical situations;
 Research and access the main
sources of law and policy which are
relevant;
 Appreciate and evaluate the main
theoretical and political perspectives
that underlie the legal provisions and
the perspectives of international
relations;
 Provide a reasoned and justified
opinion as to possible legal
consequences in particular
circumstances; and
 Be aware of the limitations of present
knowledge and matters needing to be
resolved by further research.
Teaching and Learning. Primarily, the listed
intellectual skills are developed through seminar
preparation and participation. This provides the
opportunity for different interpretations of law and
policy to be critically scrutinised and for
alternative positions to be comparatively
assessed. Seminar presentations may usefully
be directed towards those areas which allow
most scope for discussion and debate, and
corresponding feedback.
In addition, module assessments allow for, and
encourage, evaluative discussion and the
presentation of such discussion in accordance
with the conventions of academic writing.
Assessment. As above.
Teaching and Learning. As previously
indicated, analytical and evaluative skills are
primarily developed through seminar
presentations and participation in discussion, and
through preparing written module assessments.
D. Transferable key skills:
On successful completion of the
Programme students should be able to:
3






Identify relevant issues from potentially
complex factual situations;
Undertake research from a diverse
range of sources;
Summarise detailed and complex
bodies of information concisely and
accurately;
Formulate arguments in verbal
presentations and defend these
against opposing views;
Present information and arguments in
written form, in accordance with
academic conventions, and
appropriately to the intended
readership; and
Evaluate personal performance.
Teaching and Learning. As previously,
seminars and written submissions for modules
are the principal means by which verbal and
written transferable skills are developed.
Although mastered in subject-specific contexts,
many of the essential skills are of wide
application.
13. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards
The Postgraduate Diploma in Public International Law with International Relations is offered on
both a full-time and part-time basis. Full-time students complete the Programme over one
academic year and part-time students over two academic years. For full-time students, six
modules must be followed during a single academic year and for part time students three
modules are followed in the first year and three in the second.
Each taught module which is successfully completed carries 20 credits, with each credit
amounting to approximately 10 hours of ‘learning time’. In total, therefore, the Programme
requires 120 credits for the Diploma to be awarded, with all of these at level M.
Details of the content of individual modules can be found on the Kent Law School website, at
http://www.ukc.ac.uk/law/postgraduates/llm_inlawintrel.htm#modules_available.
And at
http://www.ukc.ac.uk/international/bsis
All students reading for the Postgraduate Diploma in International Law with International
Relations will follow two international law modules in the first term with one international
relations module and this pattern is repeated in the second term. Particular modules may not
be offered every year.
Code
Title
Modules
LW844
Legal Aspects of Contemporary
International Problems
PO843
Public International Law
PO828
Theories of International Conflict
LW843
International Protection of Human
Rights
LW846
International Criminal Law
PO845
International Political Economy
14. Support for Students and Their Learning
4
Level
Credits
Term/s
M
20
1
M
M
M
20
20
20
1
1
2
M
M
20
20
2
2
Orientation and Introduction. Before the start of formal teaching, a meeting takes place to
introduce all incoming taught postgraduate students to key staff, to explain administrative and
practical arrangements, and to allow students the opportunity to raise any initial difficulties.
Each student will already have met the Director of the Brussels School of International Studies
and the Programme Convenor individually. This is followed by a meeting with the Programme
Convenor to discuss the general structure of the Programme and to answer any questions
which may have arisen. Subject-specific enquires are dealt with at the first meetings with
module convenors. The day of introductory meetings is concluded with a social gathering, at
which students have the opportunity to raise any matter they wish informally with academic
and administrative staff, and to meet fellow postgraduate students.
Student Guide. All students are supplied with a booklet which documents all the formal
information about the Programme including the criteria that are applied to assessed work, the
conventions for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma, information on student representation
and complaints procedures, and contact information for members of staff. Another booklet
which is provided sets out information about the modules that are available and the timetable
for classes.
The Law Librarian. An early opportunity is provided for all students to meet the Law Librarian
and for information to be provided on training sessions on library use and electronic research
skills. Every effort is made to encourage students to make the fullest possible use of
electronic research resources including the highly regarded ‘LAWLINKS’ website.
Personal Academic Support. All students are allocated to the Programme Convenor in
relation to the provision of personal advice and pastoral support. The Convenor is available at
‘office hours’ during the week but is usually willing to meet individual students at any time by
mutual agreement, particularly where an ‘urgent’ matter arises. If this is not possible the
Director of BSIS would be available for consultation.
Resolving Difficulties. Several mechanisms are provided for the resolution of academic,
teaching or administrative difficulties which may be encountered by students. Matters which
are specific to a particular module are most appropriately addressed by discussion with the
Module Convenor, and Convenors will make themselves available to discuss issues of this
kind and make their best effort to resolve the matter. Issues which cannot be resolved with
the Module Convenor, or matters which do not concern a particular module, should be directed
to the Programme Convenor for consideration. In the event of a satisfactory solution not being
reached, the issue may be referred to the Head of Department for consideration or to the
Director of BSIS.
Representation. Students following the Programme elect a student representative early in
the first term and the Student Representative is invited to attend the departmental consultation
meetings and any other departmental meetings at which issues concerning taught
postgraduate students are discussed.
General University Facilities. Brussels has a wide range of information and support services
that are available to students following the Programme. Students are able to avail themselves
of facilities and services offered to students who are studying at both the Vrije Universiteit
Brussel and at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
15. Entry Profile
Entry Route
For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus.
5
The basic entry requirements for the Programme are that applicants should have a good first
or second class honours degree in law or an equivalent qualification. However, full account is
taken of equivalent qualifications from universities with other systems of degree classification
and special consideration is given to applicants who have employment or practical experience
which may compensate for a lack of traditional academic qualifications. Every effort is made
to allow the widest possible participation, within the constraint that applicants can provide
evidence of their capacity to complete the programme successfully.
For those applicants for whom English is not a first language, it is necessary to demonstrate
proficiency in written and spoken English. In accordance with University requirements, this
requires a minimum score of 600 in Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); 6.5 in
International English Language Test (IELTS); ‘B’ in the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in
English; or ‘A’ in the Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English. The University offers a
Foundation Programme on English Language Skills for international students, allowing a
year’s academic and language training before commencement of the Postgraduate Diploma,
and admission to the Diploma Programme may be offered conditionally upon students
following the Foundation Programme.
What does this programme have to offer?
 Excellent facilities are available for the enhancement of legal knowledge, critical
awareness and research skills in International Law with International Relations.
 Teaching by a range of specialists with nationally and internationally distinguished
reputations in a wide range of relevant fields.
 Outstanding learning support facilities.
 The opportunity to study in a cosmopolitan and multilingual environment (Brussels) while
following courses taught in English.
 The opportunity to study alongside, and learn from, exceptionally able and enthusiastic
students from many countries.
 A qualification that is highly regarded internationally.
Personal Profile
 A critical and enquiring mind with the desire to ‘look behind’ the law and understand and
question its wider, social, political, economic and international implications.
 A capacity to absorb the enthusiasm for the study of public international law and
international relations possessed by those who will be teaching the subject and fellow
students.
 A willingness to work hard, in mastering complex legal concepts and ideas, and to achieve
personal potential to the greatest possible extent.
16. Methods for evaluating and enhancing the quality and standards of teaching and
learning
Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the
curriculum and outcome standards
6
Annual Module Reports. These contain information on student performance and feedback
and actions taken in consequence thereof.
Annual Programme Reports. These include an analysis of statistical data on student
achievement and progression, withdrawal and failure rates and the destination of former
students who have followed the Programme. The Reports also record any significant
difficulties that have been identified from student feedback, external examiners’ reports or
otherwise, and actions taken in consequence of these.
Periodic Review. This involves scrutiny of the Programme by both internal and external
panel members.
External Examiners’ Reports. These relate to both academic standards and to the quality of
learning and teaching provision, and may provide commentary on particular aspects of the
Programme which need to be addressed.
Graduate Studies Committee. This Committee usually meets once or twice a term to
discuss all aspects of the programme and to take action, where necessary, in respect of
student feedback. The Graduate Studies Committee reports to the departmental Learning and
Teaching Committee, which ensures that Graduate matters are conducted in accordance with
departmental policy and objectives.
Annual Staff Appraisal. This includes consideration of all aspects of the work of individual
members of academic staff, including teaching and learning provision, and will extend to
encompass ‘peer review’ involving teaching observation and evaluation by a fellow member of
staff.
Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards
 Kent Law School Graduate Studies Committee
 Kent Law School Learning and Teaching Committee
 Kent Law School Staff-Student Liaison Committee
 Kent Law School Departmental Committee
 Social Sciences Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee
 University Learning and Teaching Board
 International Law with International Relations Board of Examiners
Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning
experience
Module Evaluations. All students following a module are asked to complete an anonymous
questionnaire at the end of the module. The questionnaire includes questions about content,
organization, teaching, learning and assessment of the module and provides the opportunity
for those responding to make specific comments on any matter concerning the module.
Student Liaison Officer. A Student Liaison Officer has been designated to meet students
informally to discuss issues of general concern to taught postgraduate students and to
communicate these to staff where appropriate.
Student Representatives. The students following the Programme (at LLM and Postgraduate
Diploma levels) elect student representatives to a Staff-Student Liaison Committee early in the
academic year. The minutes of the Staff-Student Liaison Committee are reported to the
student body, to the Kent Law School, to the Department of Politics and International Relations
and to the Brussels School Academic Board Meetings. All matters relating to the Programme
and the Brussels School may be discussed by the Liaison Committee.
Programme Convenor. The Programme Convenor is generally available to discuss any
matter concerning the Programme which any particular student is concerned about. However,
matters which relate to specific modules may be most usefully raised with the particular
Module Convenor at the first instance.
Staff development priorities include:
7






PGCHE for all new staff
Attendance at University staff development seminars and courses.
Involvement of key members of staff with the work of the UK Centre for Legal Education.
Attendance at conferences relating to educational issues.
Development of the staff appraisal scheme in conjunction with peer review to improve
monitoring and support of staff, particularly new members of staff.
Dissemination of good practice on new learning and teaching methods.
17. Indicators of quality and standards
Research Assessment Exercise. The Department was awarded grade 5B.
Teaching Quality Assessment. The Department was assessed as satisfactory in the
independent review carried out under the auspices of HEFCE in 1993.
LAWLINKS Website. This website has won numerous national awards.
External Examiners’ Reports. These reports have indicated the consistently high standard
of teaching and general administration of the Programme.
The following reference points were used in creating these specifications:
 UKC University Plan 2000-03
 UKC Learning and Teaching Strategy
8