Web viewIntroduction. The study of international politics can be understood in a narrow sense as the study of relations between states and therefore as interchangeable with the label

School of Social and International StudiesDivision of Peace Studies Programme title: MA International Politics and Security Studies

Awarding and teaching institution:

University of Bradford

Final award and interim award(s):

MAPostgraduate Diploma.Postgraduate Certificate.[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]

Programme title: International Politics and Security Studies

Programme approved / accredited by:

Duration:

UCAS code

Relevant subject benchmark statement(s):FHEQ Level:

N/A

1 year full-time; 2 – 5 years part-time

N/A

N/A

7

Date produced: June 2009

Last updated : October 2013

Introduction

The study of international politics can be understood in a narrow sense as the study of relations between states and therefore as interchangeable with the label ‘international relations’. In Peace Studies, we understand the study of international politics to encompass not only relations between states but (i) a concern with the study of different political systems and political philosophies and (ii) a concern with the role of local, regional and transnational actors in the international system and their political impact on that system.

Similarly, security studies has traditionally been conceived very narrowly as the study of the security threats (generally understood as military threats) posed to the state and the strategies adopted by states to address these threats. In Peace Studies we adopt broader conceptualisation of security, understanding it to encompass both a wider range of security issues (economic, environmental, societal etc) and a diversity of security actors from the individual, the community, the state and a range of transnational or global actors (MNCs, criminal groups, terrorists networks, transnational civil society groups etc). A further aspect of our approach to security is our interest in exploring the relationship between hegemony, political economy and the construction of security through discourse and images.

© University of Bradford 1

This broad conceptualisation of both international politics and security studies provides the intellectual foundations on which the programme is built and permits us to explore and to highlight both the synergies and the tensions that exist between the discourses and practices of international politics and the contemporary construction of security issues and the policy debates they have given rise to. As part of the course you will engage with the foundational theoretical frameworks relevant to the study of IPSS at Bradford and key concepts such as the security dilemma and securitisation, structural violence and positive peace. You will also study a range of key topics such as global governance, transnational crime, political systems, authoritarianism and the politics of identity.

This programme draws on the work of Peace Studies staff who have made important contributions to academic and policy debates relevant to the field of international politics and security, most notably: the arms trade, arms control and disarmament, environmental politics and security, illicit economies (drugs, diamonds), gender politics, global governance, securitisation, the security dilemma, regional studies and authoritarian regimes. The programme is particularly distinctive because it reflects both the critical approach to the analysis of issues adopted by key members of staff involved in delivering this programme whilst also drawing on the extensive experience of staff in providing policy advice to a range of governments and other agencies.

The MA in International Politics and Security Studies is located within the Division of Peace Studies, an internationally recognised centre for excellence in teaching and research on peace and conflict issues. Our staff are accomplished scholars; and many also deploy their research skills on a range of practical issues in many parts of the world. Our international reputation received formal confirmation in 2002, when Peace Studies was chosen from more than 100 universities worldwide to be one of six Rotary International Peace Centres.

The Mission Statement of Peace Studies is to combine empirical, theoretical and applied research with sustained engagement at international, national and local levels to analyse, prevent and resolve conflicts and develop peaceful societies. Peace Studies combines academic research to advance knowledge, learning and understanding and applied research to inform and support the work of donors, decision-makers, policy communities, stakeholders and field practitioners

Programme Aims

The programme is intended to:

A1. Provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the theoretical perspectives pertinent to the study of international politics and security;

A2. Provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the key policy debates pertinent to the field international politics and security (understood in its broadest sense);

A3. Provide a curriculum supported by active scholarship, staff development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debates;

A4. Develop a range of key skills and personal attributes including retrieval, organisation, application and written and oral presentation of primary


and secondary data and other information sources in line with ethical requirements; independent and collaborative capacity to identify and analyse problems; time and workload management, working independently and as a member of a team.

Programme Learning Outcomes

When you have completed the programme you will be able to:

Postgraduate CertificateLO1. Comprehend and evaluate alternative theories, concepts,

interpretations and discourses relevant to the study of international politics and security studies;

LO2. Understand methodologies that underpin traditional and alternative theoretical approaches to international politics and security studies. ;

LO3. Critically evaluate alternative theories, concepts, interpretations and discourses in the field of International Politics and Security Studies and engage in an advanced evaluation of their explanatory and/or transformatory potential when applied to relevant issues at the global, or regional level;

LO4. Critically assess the nature, significance of, and relationship between varied political and security issues that have become prominent in the international system and provide advanced analysis of international policy debates, challenges and responses in the field of international politics and security studies;

LO5. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use communication and information technology for the retrieval of and presentation of information, work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management and collaborate with others to achieve common goals.

Postgraduate DiplomaLO6. Comprehend and evaluate alternative theories, concepts,




LO9. Critically assess the nature, significance of, and relationship between varied political and security issues that have become prominent in the international system and provide advanced analysis of international


policy debates, challenges and responses in the field of international politics and security studies;


MasterLO11. Gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence

or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments both orally and in writing which address specific problems ;

LO12. Apply conceptual frameworks and research methodologies to case-studies.

Curriculum

Postgraduate Certificate [Level 7] This stage of the programme will equip you with the learning as indicated in LO1- LO5 above. It provides the basis for you to reflect on your own experience and to analyse your own practice in relation to the new knowledge and skills acquired during this stage. It will have provided the opportunity for you to formalize the learning you have acquired so far in your professional career and to integrate that with new learning.

For the MA, you must study modules amounting to 180 Credits, which includes a dissertation worth 60 Credits and taught modules amounting to 120 Credits. If you are studying full-time you must take taught modules amounting to 60 Credits in each semester. The Postgraduate Diploma programme extends over a period of two semesters (full time) or four semesters (part time). You must study modules amounting to 120 Credits. If you are studying full time you must take taught modules amounting to 60 Credits in each semester. You may take the MA or Postgraduate Diploma on a part-time basis over two years. If you are a part time student you must take 60 Credits in your first year, and a further 60 taught credits in your second year. The list of modules below illustrates the compulsory and optional modules available in each academic period.

There are four core modules on the MA International Politics and Security Studies. In semester one, you will take Introduction to Peace Studies along with all students on the Division of Peace Studies MA programmes. The module itself, and the requirement for all students to take this module, reflects the distinctive approach adopted to the study of security and development in the Division of Peace Studies, not least in the commitment to positive peace. The module aims to provide you with a thorough grounding in both the evolution of peace studies as an area of study and the history of peace research at Bradford. The module also provides you with advanced knowledge and understanding of key theories of conflict, approaches to conflict analysis, approaches to peace in different societies; non-violence, the history of peace movements and the relationship between culture and peace. A key feature of the module is a one day workshop that explores the relationship between gender,


peace and conflict. The theoretical frameworks and the issues explored in this module will provide you with a rigorous grounding in the history, philosophy and practice of peace and therefore underpins your more focussed exploration of political and security issues in the other core modules.

Your second core module is International Politics and Security Studies. This module draws on the research expertise of staff in PS who have focussed on different aspects of IPSS, most notably international relations theory, the structures of global governance, regimes, norm diffusion, identity, securitisation and the security dilemma. The module examines trends and dynamics, particularly globalizing forces, which have begun to affect the prospects for international peace, for governing institutions and for the development of an inclusive global society. The programme begins by introducing key themes in contemporary global society. These perspectives are then used to inform analysis of the issue areas that are discussed in subsequent parts of the programme such as: the role of domestic politics and civil society in international relations and analysis of whether either democratic politics or the development of international civil society has significantly changed the nature of international politics.

You will consider the nature and limits of contemporary international cooperation, focusing in particular on how successful the key international organisations and arrangements established in the aftermath of World War Two have been in promoting cooperation. The second component of the module facilitates the interrogation of the broad spectrum of concerns that relate to human, military, political, environmental (biological), national, state, regional and international security. This advances your critical appreciation of contemporary security studies theory and practice and allows you to explore and develop skills for understanding complex inter-related global security dynamics.

In semester 2, the core module Authoritarian Challenge to Democracy advances your knowledge and engagement with historical, theoretical and comparative frameworks in which to engage in advanced study of authoritarian regimes in the international system and processes of regime collapse and political change in the contemporary world. Although rooted in historical and theoretical understandings of different types of non-democratic political system, the module will also engage you in current processes of political change in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and other regions.

The regional, national and political focus of this module is complemented by the second core module in semester 2, Regional and Global Security. Here you will develop an advanced understanding of the key issues and dynamics of security, conflict and co-operation in relation to regions that include Asia, the Middle East and Latin America and the emerging global presence of countries that include Russia, China and Brazil. You will analyse key issues of conflict, conflict-prevention, security and co-operation within these regions and at the international level - and examine security interactions, foreign and security policies and the significance and recent dynamics of new global powers.

You are able to take one option module in each semester. These provide an opportunity for you to deepen your specialisation in either the security or the politics aspect of your MA programme, or to advance your learning in relation to country case study work, conflict analysis and resolution theories and practice and peacebuilding approaches.


Postgraduate Certificate [Level 7]

Module Code

Module Title Type Credits Level Study period

SP-7008D Introduction to Peace Studies Core 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7011D International Politics and Security Studies

Core 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7013D The Authoritarian Challenge to Democracy

Core 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7015D Regional and Global Security Politics

Core 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7007D Introduction to African Politics Option 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7009D Fragile States and the Security-Development Nexus

Option 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7010D Conflict Resolution Theory Option 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7012D The Arms Trade and Arms Control Option 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7023D Religions, Conflict and Peacemaking in a Post-Secular World

Option 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7001D Africa Study Visit Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7002D Gender, Conflict and Development Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7003D Natural Resource Governance Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7004D Cities in Conflict Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7005D Applied Conflict Resolution Skills Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7006D African Security Studies Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7014D Social Movements, Globalization and Political Change

Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7026D Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding Option 20 7 Sem 2

Postgraduate Diploma [Level 7]

Module Code


SP-7008D Introduction to Peace Studies Core 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7011D International Politics and Security Studies

Core 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7013D The Authoritarian Challenge to Democracy

Core 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7015D Regional and Global Security Politics

Core 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7007D Introduction to African Politics Option 20 7 Sem 1


SP-7009D Fragile States and the Security-Development Nexus

Option 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7010D Conflict Resolution Theory Option 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7012D The Arms Trade and Arms Control Option 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7023D Religions, Conflict and Peacemaking in a Post-Secular World

Option 20 7 Sem 1

SP-7001D Africa Study Visit Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7002D Gender, Conflict and Development Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7003D Natural Resource Governance Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7004D Cities in Conflict Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7005D Applied Conflict Resolution Skills Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7006D African Security Studies Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7014D Social Movements, Globalization and Political Change

Option 20 7 Sem 2

SP-7026D Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding Option 20 7 Sem 2

Master [level 7] The 15,000 word (maximum) dissertation provides an opportunity for in-depth research on a topic of your choice, working closely with your academic supervisor over a period of about four months.

Module Code


SP-7020Z Dissertation (IPSS) Core 60 7 DISS

.

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Our teaching and assessment strategies emphasise active and collaborative learning. They encourage the development of your existing skills in a range of areas, from subject specific knowledge to transferable and applied skills that are essential for future employability.

A variety of teaching strategies are employed on the MA programme including lectures, tutorials, simulations, role play, seminars and group work. Hand-outs supplement the lectures and audio-visual aids are employed where appropriate. We strongly encourage the use of digital learning technologies, for example the use of podcasts of major international conferences / interviews, Skype conferences with colleagues and peers, ‘virtual’ field work and the use of tools such as webquest.

A virtual learning environment called “Blackboard” will also be used to support ‘tandem’ learning (posting of lecture notes and presentations, readings and other relevant materials; email discussion groups, notice boards and announcements) and


as a portal to information and organisations which focus on peace and conflict issues. There is also a schedule of Divisional seminars and guest speakers.

A range of assessment methodologies are employed across the modules including: essays, reflexive journals and formally assessed group and/or individual presentations. These are configured to enable you to meet the learning aims and outcomes of the MA programme and to advance your discipline specific, generic and transferable skills. The assessment strategy on your four core modules develops a range of your skills and tests your learning through essays, case studies, policy reports and a reflective report. All pieces of assessment are numerically marked and graded to transparent criteria. A dissertation of 14-15,000 words must be submitted by a date to be determined by the Division each year and clearly specified in the MA handbook.

Assessment Regulations

This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/

Admission Requirements

The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.

If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.

We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.

Learning ResourcesThe JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.


http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/

Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way.

Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.

Student Support and GuidanceProgramme TeamSupport for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.

Students’ UnionWe value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.

The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.

Employability and Career DevelopmentThe University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.

Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.


http://www.careers.brad.ac.uk/

Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’ website www.careers.brad.ac.uk

The specific provision on this programme is intended to meet the employability expectations of Peace Studies graduates. These are typically focused on careers in conflict management, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, civil service, local government, police, journalism, diplomacy, research and education.

The MA in International Politics and Security Studies provides applied skills and knowledge, and the critical research and analysis capacities that are required by employers in these fields. Teaching on the programme is research informed and delivered by an academic team that is engaged in knowledge transfer activities with employers and practitioners, enabling us to constantly review our employer engagement capability. The MA programme provides a mix of both discipline and personal transferable skills. Graduates develop an independent and critical ability to gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence or data, to use communication and information technology for the retrieval of and presentation of information, to demonstrate initiative, and to collaborate with others to achieve common goals.

The calibre and diversity of our student body adds value to our programme in terms of the networking opportunities provided.

Learner Development Unit For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study.

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/

DisabilityDisabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: [email protected]

University policies and initiatives


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/

http://www.careers.brad.ac.uk/

EcoversityEcoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/

Further Information:For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.

The Admissions OfficeThe University of BradfordRichmond RoadBradford, BD7 1DPUK

The Admissions OfficeSchool of Social and International StudiesThe University of BradfordPemberton BuildingRichmond RoadBradford, BD7 1DPUK

+44 (0)1274 233054http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/

+44 (0)1274 234198/5255http://www.brad.ac.uk/ssis/

The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures.


http://www.brad.ac.uk/ssis/

http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/

Appendices

Appendix 1 Curriculum MapThis table shows in which modules the main learning outcomes are developed and/or assessed:

Programme Learning OutcomesStage Mod LO

1LO2

LO3

LO4

LO5

LO6

LO7

LO8

LO9

LO10

LO11

LO12

Pg Cert

SP-7008D

A A S S S

SP-7011D

A A A A

SP-7013D

S S

SP-7015D

S S

Pg Dip

SP-7008D

A S A A S

SP-7011D

A A A A S

SP-7013D

A A

SP-7015D

S S

MA SP-7011D

A A A S A

A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module

S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed

NB: The learning outcomes for optional modules in the programme are not indicated in the above matrix. However, these will also map on this matrix and are expected to reinforce several learning outcomes.


LO7 is achieved in all modules that are assessed using course work essay. It is also achieved in the Research Project/Dissertation module.

When you have completed the programme you will be able to:

Postgraduate Certificate

LO1. Comprehend and evaluate alternative theories, concepts, interpretations and discourses relevant to the study of international politics and security studies;



LO4. Critically assess the nature, significance of, and relationship between varied political and security issues that have become prominent in the international system and provide advanced analysis of international policy debates, challenges and responses in the field of international politics and security studies;


Postgraduate DiplomaLO6. Comprehend and evaluate alternative theories, concepts,


LO7. Relate the study of conflict and conflict resolution to wider debates in the field of peace studies;


LO9. Critically assess the nature, significance of, and relationship between varied political and security issues that have become prominent in the international system and provide advanced analysis of international


policy debates, challenges and responses in the field of international politics and security studies;


MasterLO11. Gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence

or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments which address specific problems;

LO12. Apply conceptual frameworks and research methodologies to case-studies.


Appendix 2. Assessment mapThis table shows the methods of assessments used across different stages and modules:

Methods of assessmentStage Mod 1 2 3 4 5

Pg Cert

SP-7008D

X X

SP-7011D

X

SP-7013D

X X

SP-7015D

X X

Pg Dip

SP-7008D

X X

SP-7011D

X

SP-7013D

X X

SP-7015D

X X

MA SP-7020Z

X

1 = Coursework (e.g. essay; assignment; portfolio, etc)

2 = Individual Presentation (e.g. seminar paper)

3 = Group Presentation

4 = Group Assignment

5 = Dissertation or Project Report


Appendix 3. Teaching mapThis table shows the main delivery methods which are used across modules and stages:

Teaching MethodsStage Mod 1 2 3

Pg Cert

SP-7008D

X X X

SP-7011D

X X X

Pg Dip

SP-7008D

X X X

SP-7011D

X X X

MA SP-7020Z

X X X

1 = Lectures

2 = Seminars

3 = Directed Study

Teaching methods in the 7 recommended optional modules also include lectures, seminars, directed study and in some cases assessed group work which includes formative and summative elements.


Documents

Web viewIntroduction. The study of international politics can be understood in a narrow sense as the study of relations between states and therefore as interchangeable with the label