UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights
Master of Arts in Human Rights
Master of Arts in Human Rights (120 ECTS)
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6.
Awarding Institution/Body
Teaching Institution
Teaching Site
Programme accredited by:
Final Award
Programme
7.
8.
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
Canterbury campus
N/a
MA
Human Rights – PDip
Human Rights – MA
Human Rights –MA (120 ECTS)
N/A
Politics and International Relations
July 2007
2007 entry onwards
11. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:
1. provide (a) a postgraduate qualification of value to those intending to pursue
a career in the field of Human Rights; (b); a programme that will attract, and
meet the needs of, those seeking advanced training in the discipline of
Politics and International Relations, with special emphasis on human rights;
and (c) more broadly-based analytical, communication and research skills of
general value to those seeking postgraduate employment;
2. provide students with a research-active teaching environment which gives them
a good grounding in the study of human rights as they pertain to the field of
politics and international relations;
3. ensure that students acquire a solid understanding of the political, ethical and
legal importance of human rights within the state, non-state, and international
level;
4. expose students to a range of traditional and contemporary perspectives and
theories within human rights and international relations;
5. introduce students to a wide range of human rights issues which are currently
of concern in the political domain and develop students’ ability to engage with
these issues in a critical way;
6. provide students with the necessary knowledge and research tools to take part
in policy decisions and judgements concerning human rights and international
relations;
For the MA and MA (120 ECTS) versions:
7. develop students’ general problem solving skills, research skills and personal
skills (transferable skills), particularly through a substantial dissertation.
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. The programme outcomes have references to the subject benchmarking
statement for Politics and International Relations.
Knowledge and Understanding
Teaching/learning and assessment
methods and strategies used to
enable outcomes to be achieved and
demonstrated
A. Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. key historical and theoretical issues
as they pertain to human rights in
world politics, together with familiarity
with the appropriate bibliographical
sources;
2. how to apply general theoretical and
conceptual frameworks to the
analysis of specific issues in human
rights;
3. how to design a research project
demonstrating an awareness of
ontological, epistemological and
methodological principles;
4. the nature and distribution of power in
the international systems and the
links between power and human
rights as they emerge with regards to
problems of political order and
justice; political participation of
individuals and groups in world
affairs, and with regard to the
distributions of social, economic, and
cultural resources;
5. the different kinds of actors on the
international scene together with the
interests which they pursue and the
ethical and legal claims which they
make for themselves with regard to
human rights;
6. key ontological, theoretical, and
methodological problems of politics
and international relations and their
implications for human rights;
7. the human rights dimensions of
current challenges to international
order, cooperation, identity, social
formations, and global issues, and
possible strategies to address them;
8. the ethical and legal challenges to the
role of the state in the context of the
globalisation of human rights norms
and the implications for international
peace, security, and justice.
Teaching/learning: Acquisition of all
intended learning outcomes listed under
12.A is through a combination of
lecture/seminars in compulsory and
elective modules providing an
opportunity to develop a critical
engagement with the human rights
dimensions of political phenomena and
knowledge in the discipline through
lectures and/or small-group seminars.
For the MA and the MA (120 ECTS)
versions: Students write a dissertation of
on an approved topic. The dissertation
provides an opportunity for independent
work, under supervision from academic
staff enabling students to design and
carry out a research project.
Assessment: Learning is assessed
through a combination of written
coursework, oral presentations, and for
MA students, through a dissertation.
Progress is monitored through small
group work and the Personal Academic
Support System.
For the MA and MA (120 ECTS)
versions
9. how to carry out an independent
research project and write in a
scholarly manner demonstrating
familiarity with academic conventions.
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual Skills:
1. general research skills, especially
bibliographic and computing skills;
2. gather, organise and deploy
arguments about human rights and
international relations from a variety
of secondary and some primary
sources;
3. identify, investigate, analyse,
formulate and advocate solutions to
human rights related problems in
international relations;
4. develop reasoned arguments,
synthesise relevant information and
exercise critical judgement;
5. reflect on, and manage, their own
learning and seek to make use of
constructive feedback from peers and
staff to enhance their performance
and personal skills;
6. manage their own learning selfcritically.
Teaching/learning: Intellectual skills and
general research skills are developed
through the teaching and learning
programme outlined below. Each
module, whatever the format of teaching,
involves the critical reflection of key
themes, verbal discussion and the written
analysis and interpretation of the relevant
material. Lectures and/or staff-led
seminars and project work promote 1-6.
Students are introduced to ways in which
social science and philosophical
perspectives can be employed to
interpret a range of political issues.
Lectures encourage a critical awareness
of the human rights and ethical
dimensions of political phenomena and
international relations as well as an
appreciation of the diverse ways of
interpreting them. The lectures provide
students with an outline of the respective
topics and focus on methodological as
well as practical problems. Through their
coursework and dissertations, students
are trained to develop their general
research skills and to sustain
methodological as well as substantive
arguments.
Assessment: Intellectual skills are
assessed through assessed coursework.
C. Subject-specific Skills:
1. understanding the nature and
significance of human rights and
international relations;
2. applying concepts, theories and
methods used in the study of politics
and international relations to human
rights and issues in international
relations;
3. analysing and critically evaluating key
human rights instruments in use at
the state and international level,
questioning their rational, practicality
and consequences;
Teaching/learning: All students receive
initial guidance on how to identify, locate
and use material available in the library
and online resources. Reading lists are
provided for each module at the outset.
Discussion of theoretical and conceptual
issues is integrated into all modules.
Students are encouraged to evaluate a
comprehensive sample of political
perspectives and texts.
Assessment: Discussion of issues,
formative assessment of presentations in
4. evaluating the practices and beliefs
which impact on human rights and
international relations in theory and
practice;
5. identifying and assessing the key
problems in human rights
implementation and practice at the
state and international level;
6. describing, evaluating and applying
different approaches to collecting,
analysing and presenting political
information;
7. developing a good understanding of
the main epistemological issues
relative to research in the social
sciences, including the major
theoretical and epistemological
debates in the social sciences as well
as the practical implications of the
major alternative philosophical
positions in the social sciences for
research;
8. understanding the epistemological
implications of the use of alternative
quantitative and qualitative methods
in social science research.
D. Transferable Skills:
1. Communication: communicate
effectively and fluently in speech and
writing (including, where appropriate,
the use of IT); organise information
clearly and coherently; use
communication and information
technology for the retrieval and
presentation of information, including,
where appropriate, statistical or
numerical information;
2. Information technology: produce
written documents; undertake online
research; communicate using e-mail;
process information using databases;
3. Working with others: define and
review the work of others; work cooperatively on group tasks;
understand how groups function;
collaborate with others and contribute
effectively to the achievement of
common goals;
4. Improving own learning: explore
personal strengths and weaknesses;
time management; review working
environment (especially student-staff
relationship); develop autonomy in
learning; work independently,
demonstrating initiative and self-
class; essays and projects; marks for
essays and, in some cases, individual
seminar contributions.
Teaching/learning: Transferable/key
skills are generally incorporated within
modules and related to relevant
assessments as appropriate. Examples
of strategies include: student and staffled seminars. In various seminars
students have an opportunity to present
their work to colleagues. They also
attend and contribute to workshops and
conferences where appropriate. They
engage in self-directed learning and the
use of research-based teaching materials
and methods. All modules require written
work and feedback on this is given to the
students to help develop their power of
presentation, analysis and
communication. Skill 4 is not formally
taught, but learnt implicitly through tutor
feedback on coursework, the
management of time to meet deadlines
and in planning a supervised dissertation
project. In the MA programmes,
supervised dissertations give students
the opportunity to acquire essential skills
of writing and presentation such as
organising the dissertation; using
references and appendices; using
graphics; making citations; preparing
organisation. Important research
management skills include the setting
of appropriate timescales for different
stages of the research with clear
starting and finishing dates (through a
dissertation); presentation of a clear
statement of the purposes and
expected results of the research; and
developing appropriate means of
estimating and monitoring resources
and use of time.
5. Problem solving: identify and define
problems; explore alternative
solutions and discriminate between
them.
research findings in a variety of ways;
and using Internet-based research tools.
IT skills are also developed through
individual learning. Team working skills
are developed through group work,
workshops and the self-organised
graduate conference sponsored by the
Department.
Assessment: Effective communication
of ideas, problem solving and research
skills are continually taken into account in
assessing all areas of a student's work,
and regular feedback and the final mark
reflects this. Group work skills and skills
of time planning and management are
not formally assessed.
13. Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and
Awards
The PDip and the MAs in International Relations are offered on both a full-time and a
part-time basis in line with the University’s credit framework. Study on the
programme is divided into a number of blocks called modules. Each module carries
20 University of Kent credits. One University of Kent credit corresponds to
approximately 10 hours of "learning time". This includes all taught and supervised
classes and all private study and research. The dissertation carries 60 credits
The PDip programme is comprised of a total of 120 University of Kent credits – 60
ECTS credits – earned through coursework. The MA programmes comprise of a total
of 180 University of Kent credits – 90 ECTS credits – for the coursework plus
dissertation version and 240 University of Kent credits – 120 ECTS credits – for the
(120 ECTS), version. Thus, for a full-time student the year of study involves
approximately 1200, 1800 or 2400 hours of learning time. To be eligible for the award
of a Postgraduate Diploma, students normally have to obtain 120 University of Kent
credits – 60 ECTS credits –, at least 90 of which must be level M or D. To be eligible
for the award of a Master’s degree students normally have to obtain 180 University of
Kent credits – 90 ECTS credits –, at least 150 of which must be level M or D.
At its discretion the University allows for narrow failure in a small proportion of
modules to be compensated by good performance in other modules or, in cases of
documented illness or other mitigating circumstances, condoned. Failure in certain
modules, however, may not be compensated and/or condoned, as indicated by the
symbol * below.
The structure of the programme and the modules that make it up, their levels, credits
and the terms in which they are taught, are shown below. Details of each module can
be found at http://www.ukc.ac.uk/politics/teaching/modules/index.html.
Please note that the programme as laid out in term of available modules is subject to
change.
Required Modules Year 1 Stage 1 (PDip stage and MA [90 and 120 ECTS
versions] Year 1 Stage 1)
Level
University
Term
Code
Title
Credits
M
20
2
LW843
International Human Rights
Law
M
20
2
PO825* Philosophy and Methodology
of Politics and International
Relations
M
20
1
PO839
Ethics in International
Relations
M
20
2
PO859* Human Rights in a World of
States
Optional Modules
40 credits to be chosen from the Department’s modules offered at MA level. A
complete and up-to-date list can be found on the Department’s website:
http://www.kent.ac.uk/politics/prospectivepg/pgmodules/index.html
Year 1 Stage 2 for MA (90 ECTS)
Required Modules
PO998* Dissertation
Year 2 Stage 2 for MA (120 ECTS)
3 optional M-level modules
PO998* Dissertation
M
60
3
M
M
60
60
4
5, 6
14. Support for Students and their Learning
Canterbury
 Induction programme
 Handbook
 Library tours at the beginning of the academic year
 Computing ‘Getting Started’ sessions
 Generic library skills training sessions taught by library staff
 All new postgraduate students are offered subject-specific library skills training
sessions taught by subject librarian
 Training sessions on the use of online-resources and data bases
 Special support for students writing projects and dissertations
 All new students obtain the Essential Information Services Guide
 All new students obtain Library Special Guide on learning resources in Politics,
International Relations and European Studies
 All new students receive the Computing Resources Book
 The subject librarian and the Department’s Director of Learning Resources can
be consulted on an individual basis by telephone, email or in person
 Individual support from Library Enquiry Desks and Computing Help Desk
 Individual supervision of dissertations

Learning resources
 long- and short term lending, access to online resources, interlibrary
loans, video library
 online book renewals and reservations
 more than 1,300 study spaces/seats available in Library
 ca. 80 opening hours during term time with night time opening being
introduced
 there are more than 25,000 books and 10,300 bound periodicals
catalogued under Politics and International Relations and related class
marks (not including Philosophy, Civilisation and Media Studies material),
plus ca. 11,700 items in the European Documentation Centre
 students have access to over 200 online full-text journals in Pol/IR
 the Department subscribes to more than 170 journals
 Online library resources available from off-campus via Athens and a
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proxy service
550 public PCs are available for use by all students, 25%, 24 hours per
day, 7 days per week
Windows and standard software (MS Office, Internet Explorer, SPSS,
and others)
laser printing facilities available in all larger terminal rooms
internet, email and online resources can be accessed from most study
bedrooms on campus
student representation on the Library Users’ Panel and the Computer
Users’ Panel
Thriving Current Affairs society run by students
Programme Director acts as personal tutor
Central support services, including a Unit for the Enhancement of Learning
and Teaching, a medical centre, a Students' Union (including its Advice and
Information Service), a Careers Advisory Service, Counselling Service and
Disability Support Unit.
15. Entry Profile
Entry Route
For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus
Minimum requirements:
 You should have a good Honours degree
normally in Politics, Government, International
Relations, International Studies or European
Studies or in a cognate discipline in social
science (e.g., Geography) or humanities (e.g.,
History). However, students from other
disciplines will also be considered. Under
certain conditions, relevant professional
experience will be considered in lieu of formal
academic qualifications.
 Applicants whose first language is not English
need to provide evidence of their proficiency
in written and spoken English. This requires a
score of 6.5 in the International English
Language Test (IELTS), a ‘C’ in the
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in
English or an ‘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 MA programme and
admission to the MA may be offered
conditionally upon students following the
Foundation Programme.
What does this programme have to offer?
 The possibility to gain a truly international experience while studying human
rights and international politics;
 Inter-cultural understanding, cooperation, and cosmopolitanism reflected in the
staff and student body;
 An insight into the dynamics of international relations, across a number of issue
areas, and the different ways of approaching them, so as to enable students to
engage in a number of career paths;
 An insight into the nature of change as an endemic feature of politics on an
national, regional and global scale; an understanding of the causes of change;
and ways in which to manage change;
 An insight into the role of various international actors – state, and non-state – as
actor on the international scene;
 A solid introduction to the philosophical and epistemological foundations of the
study of international relations;
 Insights into the complex relationship between the concerns of domestic and
international politics, global and geopolitical issues;
 Research-informed teaching;
 Wide choice of specialised modules;
 Teaching informed by research at the cutting edge of the discipline
 Flexible yet coherent programme with wide choice of optional modules
 Extra-curricular learning opportunities
 A friendly campus with high student morale and dedicated teaching staff
Personal Profile
 A track record of high academic achievement
 An interest in human rights, international politics and current affairs
 A willingness to engage in informed debate about current, and often
controversial, issues
 An interest to acquire advanced training in the study of human rights
 A commitment to develop the skills required to analyse ethical and political
problems in the field of international relations
 An ability to thrive in a demanding and competitive environment
 An interest in acquiring advanced training in the study of political phenomena
 A desire to acquire and develop professional skills linked to academic study
 An interest to pursue a career in human rights-related jobs within the NGO,
government, or other private sector
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
 Student module evaluation questionnaires
 Annual monitoring reports (includes review of progression and achievement
statistics)
 External examiners' reports
 Periodic programme reviews
 Peer observation
 Annual staff appraisal
 Mentoring of new lecturers
 QAA Institutional Audit
 Annual Away Days
 Vetting process of examination questions by vetting committee and external
examiners
 Double marking and/or moderation of at least 80% of assessed work
Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and
standards
 Board of Graduate Studies
 Staff/Student Liaison Committee
 Departmental Learning and Teaching Committee
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
Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee
University Learning and Teaching Board
Programme Approval Sub-Committee of the University Learning and
Teaching Board
 Board of Examiners
Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their
learning experience
 Staff/Student Liaison Committee
 Student module evaluations
 Exit questionnaires
 Discussions with MA convenor
 Discussions with module convenors
 Discussions with teaching staff
 Discussions with the Director of Graduate Studies
 Student representation on Department committees
 Student representation on Faculty committees
 Student representation on University committees
 Staff have office hours when students can discuss their modules/programmes
 Library suggestions page (email) on Departmental website
Staff Development priorities include:
 Research-informed teaching
 Links with other European institutions
 Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education requirement for all probationary
lecturers
 Staff development courses
 Staff supervision
 Research seminars
 Subject based conferences
 Minimum expected qualifications for appointments to lecturing posts
 Minimum expected research record for appointments to lecturing posts
 Mentoring of new and part-time lecturers
 Study leave
 Annual Away Day meeting
 Membership of relevant professional/academic bodies
 Dissemination of good practice on new learning and teaching methods
17. Indicators of Quality and Standards
 Independent review of the quality of educational provision in the Department of
Politics and International Relations by the Quality Assurance Agency subject
review process in 2001 achieving a grading of 21 out of a maximum 24 points.
 Curriculum Design Content and Organisation
=3
 Teaching Learning and Assessment
=3
 Student Support and Guidance
=4
 Student Progression and Achievement
=4
 Learning Resources
=4
 Quality Management and Enhancement
=3
 External Examiners’ reports
 Graduate destinations
The following reference points were used in creating these specifications:
 Subject benchmark statement for Politics and International Relations
 University Plan and Learning and Teaching Strategy

Departmental Plan
Appendix: Learning Outcomes Matrix
12A Knowledge and understanding of
Skill
LW843
PO825
1.
X
2.
X
3.
X
4.
X
X
5.
6.
X
7.
8.
9.
X
12.B. Intellectual skills
Skill
LW843
PO825
1.
X
X
2.
X
3.
X
4.
X
X
5.
X
X
6.
X
X
12.C. Subject-specific skills
Skill
LW843
PO825
1.
X
2.
3.
X
4.
5.
X
6.
X
7.
X
8.
X
12.D. Transferable skills
Skill
LW843
PO825
1.
X
X
2.
X
X
3.
4.
X
X
5.
X
X
PO839
X
X
X
PO839
X
X
X
X
PO839
X
X
PO859
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
PO998
X
X
X
PO859
X
X
X
X
X
X
PO998
X
X
PO859
X
X
X
X
X
X
PO998
X
X
X
X
X
PO839
X
X
X
X
PO859
X
X
X
X
X
PO998
X
X
X
X