Course Structure

The programme has three different components: core modules, elective modules and a research dissertation.

Core Modules
To acquire foundational knowledge and understanding in International Relations, students will take four core modules covering the evolution of International Relations as a discipline, issues of order, conflict and governance, and the trends toward globalisation, regionalisation and devolution.

Elective Modules
The programme provides students with a number of elective modules that will enable them to specialise in areas of interest, build on foundational knowledge, and develop focused expertise.

Research Dissertation
The research dissertation project is developed over the course of the programme through formal training in methodology and research design and individual supervision sessions with an academic subject-expert. Students will spend the final stage of the course researching and writing, with the continued support of their supervisor.

Core Modules

Core Modules students must take:

HAP7001 - Approaches to Research Design (Semester 1)
This module aims to introduce key approaches to research design, while also introducing some of the contemporary debates in research in the social sciences and humanities.

Students will have a high degree of choice across workshops, enabling them to tailor the module content to their pathway of student and personal research goals.

PAI7026 - Theories and Issues in International Relations (Semester 1)
The module will examine some of the key theoretical approaches and debates that have defined the evolution of international politics as a discipline (e.g. Realism, Liberalism, the English School, Critical Theory, post-structuralism, feminism and constructivism). Students will explore the underlying assumptions of each theory, compare, and contrast each theoretical approach, and examine the relevance of each theory through contemporary issues in international politics.

PAI7030 - International Political Economy (Semester 2)
This module introduces students to theories and concepts in International Political Economy related to the exercise of power and authority. It then goes to analyse a number of key topics and issues relating to the power and politics of economic organisation and management.

Students must also take one of the following modules:

PAI7007 - Global Terrorism (Semester 2)
This module aims to equip students with an understanding of the key discourse and examples as they pertain to contemporary terrorist challenges and responses at a global level.

PAI7051 – Contemporary Security (semester 1)
The module will examine the key theoretical approaches and practical issues and debates that have defined the evolution of Security Studies. They will engage the changing definitions of security and approaches to understanding security. It will address both ‘domestic’ and ‘international’ security and the ways in which these are increasingly connected in both theory and practice.

Elective Modules

Student who do not take PAI7051 Contemporary Security should choose one course from the list below:

PAI7099 The UK and Europe
This module offers students the opportunity to address core issues in Politics via a focus on the UK’s relationship with Europe in a time of flux. It is built around three broad themes: understanding, negotiating and delivering Brexit.

PAI7103 Global Development
This module will cover cutting-edge debates on the contemporary form and function of the policies, theories, and practices that comprise the field of Global Development. Interdisciplinary in nature, this module draws from scholarly fields across: International Political Economy; Human Geography; Business Management; International Relations, and Development Studies.

Student who take PAI7051 Contemporary Security should choose one course from the list below:

PAI7021 - The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland
The module explores contemporary developments in Northern Irish politics and discusses institutional design and politics in a changing Northern Ireland. It addresses topics such as the development of Northern Ireland’s consociational model of government, how institutions like the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive perform their functions, how parties and identity shape politics and voting behaviour, North-South relations after Brexit, and Northern Ireland’s place in Europe.

PAI7027 - Conflict Intervention
The module will evaluate the changing nature of intervention, from unilateral forceful intervention to multi-lateral intervention, to humanitarian intervention, and third party mediation. Focusing on state, intergovernmental and non-governmental actors’ interventions, it will look at various conflict intervention practices in all phases of conflict from conflict prevention to post-conflict peacebuilding.

PAI7032 – Gender and Politics
This module analyses the link between gender, politics and democracy in a comparative context. It begins by discussing approaches to research gender in social science, and specifically in political science. The module incorporates insights from current research on the subject by well-known scholars and offers an opportunity to students to study the subject in detail and to participate in the activities of the Centre for Advancement of Women in Politics.

PAI7050 - Ethnic Conflict and Consensus: the power of institutions
This module examines concepts of ethnicity, national identity, multiculturalism as they relate to contemporary conflict. The module introduces students to debates about the construction and salience of ethnicity as a source of conflict. We conclude by critically examining how these debates inform approaches to ethnic conflict management and which implications they have for practical solutions of ethnic conflicts.

PAI7052 - Institutions and Politics of the EU
The module explores the structure and institutions of the European Union (EU) as well as selected theoretical approaches to the study of European integration. It examines in detail the nature and roles of the EU’s main institutions and provides a critical assessment of selected EU policies and political challenges facing the EU.

PAI7058 – From Cold War to Cold Peace. The Transformation of the International Order (1979-1999)

PAI7059 – Freedom and Modernity
The modern era is distinguished by the emergence of divergent interpretations of the nature of freedom, individual, social, and political. This course is devoted to exploring the nature of these different conceptions and the theories of freedom associated with them.

PAI7100 – Engaging Citizens in Democratic Institutions
This module explores the relationship between citizens and political decision-making in contemporary democracies. It will critically examine the changing nature of citizen engagement with democratic decision-making before considering ways of supplementing conventional processes and institutions with greater opportunities for citizen participation. Students will engage in debates about different practical forms of participatory and deliberative democracy as well as learn about how these consultation processes are designed and implemented.

PHL7057 Social Injustice
This module examines the problem of social injustice in contemporary, plural societies. The first half of the module explores some of the main philosophical assessments of social injustice.

The second half of the module discusses the practical implications of both social injustice and its potential solutions.

*This list of elective modules may vary from year to year.

Dissertation
To enable students to develop their particular area of specialism, facilitate independent learning and instil a variety of skills such as project management, detailed analysis and self-motivation, students on the MA pathway must also write a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words.

Teaching Times

Teaching takes place at a variety of times from 9-8pm Monday – Friday.

Learning and Teaching

Students will be taught through a combination of individual supervision, lectures and seminars involving small group discussions and analytical exercises of various sorts. These can involve simulations, looking at original policy documents, theory application and analysis of film, television, and other popular culture items, book reports, alongside academic resources and analysis from think-tanks and other independent sources. Assessments could include individual and group work, participation in class debates and presentations, writing short policy recommendations and longer research essays In addition, students will have access to a range of visiting speakers, academic research seminars and other events of direct relevance to the programme such as international conferences and roundtables.

Cognitive and Transferable Skills

At the end of the programme learners will have the capacity to be self reflective and practice sound judgement, and will possess the necessary skills to enhance their ability, think critically and pursue independent research.

The Postgraduate Masters in International Relations provides postgraduate learners with the opportunity to develop generic analytical, reasoning, literacy and communication skills.

Knowledge and Understanding

Students will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding about the history of the discipline and knowledge of its specific concepts, issues and vocabulary. Students will enhance their knowledge of the general methodological and theoretical approaches to key issue areas of the discipline. Students will be able to solve problems, process and prioritise a wide variety of information, and express arguments and positions in oral and written form.

Specific Skills

The MA in International Relations provides postgraduate learners with the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of contemporary issues in world events, and the ability to analyse, explain, and even predict the behaviour of various actors in the system. For example, our graduates will be able to use their newly acquired analytical, reasoning and communication skills to discuss the Russian invasion to Ukraine, the effects of Climate Change on international cooperation, the role Facebook and Google play in determining states' behaviours, what led to the rise of violent actors such as Isis and could it happen again and more.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous throughout the course of study.

• • Policy Briefing Papers
  • Learning Journals
  • Literature reviews
  • Portfolios
  • Written essays
  • Book reports
  • Film analysis
  • In-class presentations
  • In-class discussion leading
  • In-class debates

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Global Political Economy (20 credits)

  ×

  Global Political Economy

  Overview

  This module provides a themed examination of the changing politics of the world economy, through the lens of the sub/inter-discipline, known as International Political Economy. International Political Economy (IPE) has become the accepted academic term for the analysis of the exercise of economic power and the politics of economic policy and capitalist development placed in a global context. This module introduces students to theories and concepts in International Political Economy related to the exercise of power and authority. It then goes to analyze a number of key topics and issues relating to the power and politics of economic organization and management including: the future of United States supremacy; the politics of money and finance; theories of development; the politics and policy of economic development in developing countries; problems of underdevelopment; the politics of global civil society; the global politics of energy policy and climate change; and the political economy of environmental sustainability.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:, understand the main theoretical, ideological and normative interpretations of and claims relating to globalisation; understand the ways in which globalisation is reconfiguring political, cultural and economic processes; pursue intellectual questions in a rigorous and academic manner, employing analytical skills and critical thinking; communicate ideas to others in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in written form.

  Skills

  Students will develop key intellectual skills such as critical analysis, creative thinking, problem solving; communication, e.g., oral, listening and written, working with others, improvement of learning and performance, managing information They will also cultivate employability skills such as research and communication skills, independent learning (organising and prioritising ideas), critical/independent thinking, co-operative endeavour (e.g. tutorial based teamwork). Subject specific skills include: listening/analytical/literacy/presentation skills; comparative methods, textual analysis, developing cogent arguments, ability to participate in a tolerant and supportive learning environment

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7030

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Dissertation (60 credits)

  ×

  Dissertation

  Overview

  The research and writing of a 15,000-word dissertation on any chosen aspect of Politics or International Studies. Submission date 15th September.

  Learning Outcomes

  To encourage students to engage in independent and original research.

  Skills

  Students are allocated an individual supervisor, with whom they work closely throughout the research, drafting and writing of their dissertation. The skills required for ongoing research, organisation of a thesis and professional writing and presentation of a dissertation are all acquired, and monitored, through liaison with the supervisor.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  PAI9099

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN (20 credits)

  ×

  APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN

  Overview

  This module aims to introduce key approaches to research design, while also introducing some of the contemporary debates in research in the social sciences and humanities. It will also provide students with an introduction to some of the key practical research skills they will find of use when designing and conducting their academic research. These skills are also those which students will find necessary as they continue their academic and research career.
  
  Students will have a high degree of choice across workshops, enabling them to tailor the module content to their pathway of student and personal research goals. The workshops will address five key areas: Fundamentals of Research; Debates; Philosophy of Science/Epistemology; Qualitative Methods; and Quantitative Methods.
  
  The broad aims of the module are to:
  • Introduce students to the diversity of research approaches and debates;
  • Heighten awareness of methodological issues facing researchers in the social sciences and humanities;
  • Develop an awareness of interdisciplinarity and its potentials and challenges in research;
  • Encourage students to develop their research skills through the selective use of this reading guide and their own search for appropriate literature on research design topics that are of interest to them.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, students will have:
  • obtained a clear understanding of some central issues and methodological debates that are basic to social science and humanities research;
  • been introduced to interdisciplinarity in research, and developed an understanding of how it relates to their own work;
  • communicated this understanding in an analytically rigorous manner through assessed written work;
  • demonstrated the kind of methodological awareness that will allow them to pursue their own research or coursework in an analytically rigorous and self-critical manner.
  • been equipped with the intellectual capacity to defend a particular approach to their own research;
  • started to make preparations for a research dissertation.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon ones own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  HAP7001

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Theories and Issues in International Politics (20 credits)

  ×

  Theories and Issues in International Politics

  Overview

  The module will examine some of the key theoretical approaches and debates that have defined the evolution of international politics as a discipline (e.g. Realism, Liberalism, the English School, Critical Theory, post-structuralism, feminism and constructivism). Students will explore the underlying assumptions of each theory, compare and contrast each theoretical approach, and examine the relevance of each theory through contemporary issues in international politics.

  Learning Outcomes

  To acquire an overview of the field of international politics, structured around the evolution of specific theoretical approaches and relevant global issues. While it will address larger epistemological issues, it will focus mainly on the central tenets of the main theories of IP (e.g. Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism) and demonstrate their strengths and weaknesses with respect to a number of relevant issues and case studies..

  Skills

  The analytic tools acquired in this module will be useful for pursuing more subject specific modules on the pathway. It will provide a foundation in core theories and issues of the discipline, and develop more specific avenues of scholarly exploration.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7026

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Optional Modules

  Institutions and Politics of the European Union (20 credits)

  ×

  Institutions and Politics of the European Union

  Overview

  The module explores the structure and institutions of the European Union (EU) as well as selected theoretical approaches to the study of European integration. It examines in detail the nature and roles of the EU’s main institutions (i.e. Commission, European Parliament, Council, European Council, European Central Bank, and Court of Justice), and provides a critical assessment of selected EU policies and political challenges facing the EU. In doing so the module explores the decision- and policy-making dynamics within the EU as well as some of the most pressing themes in European governance.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, students will:
  
  • have a detailed knowledge of the institutional structure of the European Union
  • have an appreciation of the explanatory value of selected theoretical approaches to the study of European integration and EU decision- and policy-making
  • be able to critically assess the essential characteristics of the EU’s institutional framework
  • have a familiarity with the EU policy base and policy priorities
  • be able to identify specific, timely and pressing contemporary issues of relevance to the politics of the European Union
  • have detailed knowledge of a selection of salient policy areas
  • be able to pursue intellectual questions in a rigorous and academic manner, employing analytical skills and critical/independent thinking

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  
  • Managing and Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical and Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  Professional and career development skills
  
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  Organizational skills
  
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7052

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Global Ireland (20 credits)

  ×

  Global Ireland

  Overview

  The module explores Ireland’s international experience, from the past to present, with a focus on three key relationships: that with Britain, with North America and with Europe. Through multi-method research, it explores common themes of empire, colonialism, emigration, diaspora identities, economic development, and culture. It examines the intersection of these themes at key moments in Ireland’s recent past such as the 1990s, when the Celtic Tiger economy, peace process, and global popularity of U2 and Riverdance all demonstrated the importance of the Irish diaspora. It also involves comparative examination of different diaspora experiences: how the Northern Ireland conflict affected the Irish in Britain; how Irish America contributed to that conflict, but also its resolution; and how the experience of female or Protestant migrants from Ireland had been markedly different from that of male and Catholic migrants respectively. The course looks at how Irish foreign policy continues to be shaped by its colonial past, particularly its role in the UN and peace-keeping operations. However, it questions the integrity of Ireland’s claimed neutrality, and considers how the Ukraine conflict fundamentally challenges its stance. The course looks particularly at the shock of Brexit, the ongoing challenges that it creates for both parts of Ireland, but also the possibilities which it creates for their reunification. Similarly, it reflects on how Brexit is reshaping Irish approaches to a changing EU order. In addition, the course reflects on the implications of globalisation and the role of the “New Irish” and other identities in Ireland that are now reshaping its international image. It concludes by considering the challenges of contemporary geopolitics, including climate change cyber security, the Covid pandemic, , and how Joe Biden’s election might be considered the last hurrah for Irish America, whilst a Chinese century unfolds.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module students will:
  
  • demonstrate an awareness and understanding of Ireland’s place in the changing international order, from its integration into the British Empire to its embrace of an EU future without the UK;
  • appreciate the continued importance of the UK relationship, particularly with respect to Northern Ireland, but also how the EU and the US still provide balancing forces to this relationship;
  • be able to compare and contrast the very different experiences of the Irish diaspora, particularly in Britain and North America, and how female and Protestant migrants from Ireland have also had markedly different experiences from that of male and Catholic migrants respectively;
  • be able to critically examine different conceptions of “diaspora”, plus related notions of identity such as “hybridity” and “authenticity”;
  • understand how Irish foreign policy is shaped by its colonial experience, but is also is idealised in its presentation, and is facing increased challenges;
  • identify patterns in the spread of Irish culture, from the “exile” of its greatest writers to the Continent, to the success of its musicians, filmmakers and actors in Britain and the US;
  • critically interrogate the global phenomenon of St Patrick’s Day as an economic and cultural “soft power” project, with effective branding by the Irish government and private companies helping it to shut down Fifth Avenue and light the Great Wall of China up in green;
  • understand the contemporary challenges of globalisation for Ireland, with the need to integrate “New Irish” ethnic minorities, and continue its economic progress through the dual shocks of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic;appreciate the ongoing political challenges that Brexit creates for both parts of Ireland, but also the possibilities which it creates for both their economic future and possible reunification;
  • understand how international responses to issues like climate change and global tax evasion, and also the rising power of internet and social media-based companies, pose particular challenges for Ireland’s political future;
  reflect on the future of global Ireland given power shifts both within and away from the US, political change and continued challenges for the EU, and the need for new international alliances.

  Skills

  The module will assist in developing students’ skills in a number of important areas. These include:
  
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Comparative Analysis: ability to understand commonalities and divergences across the cases and themes examined
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates across the various disciplinary fields examined
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Interdisciplinarity and multi-method learning: ability to use a variety of intellectual sources, from political speeches to poetry, song lyrics and film criticism, in order to analyse the overlapping themes of the module
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Presentational and Advocacy Skills: ability to present your ideas and arguments before a group of peers and respond to questions in a convincing fashion
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognise different ways of learning
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures and cope with stress
  
  Organizational skills
  • Preparatory Skills: always being well prepared for seminars (e.g. completing required reading)
  • Time Management: effective use of study time, meeting coursework deadlinesIndependent Research: making good use of the library and the materials available

  Coursework

  90%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  10%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7102

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Ethnic conflict and consensus (20 credits)

  ×

  Ethnic conflict and consensus

  Overview

  This module examines concepts of ethnicity, national identity, multiculturalism as they relate to contemporary conflict. Students will be provided with a detailed and critical analysis of the political and constitutional options in societies beset by ethnic conflict, with particular emphasis being given to mechanisms directed at and institutions involved in management of and accommodation after the conflict. By examining theories of ethnic conflict the module introduces students to issues underlying conflicts across the globe including nation building and rights of minorities, territorialisation of ethnicity, partition and secession management, and kin-state involvement as well as socio-political integration as mechanisms to avert and/or resolve ethnic conflicts. The module introduces students to debates about the construction and salience of ethnicity as a source of conflict. We conclude by critically examining how these debates inform approaches to ethnic conflict management and which implications they have for practical solutions of ethnic conflicts.

  Learning Outcomes

  • explore different and contrasting meanings of ethnicity, ethnic conflict and nationalism and their connotations;
  • examine the roots of ethno - nationalism and its impact on society, as well as the relationship between ethnic and other divisions in society;
  • analyse the role of ethnicity as a source of internal and international conflict in the post - Cold War world;
  • furnish students with basic intellectual skills (e.g. critical thinking, analysis, problem solving) in relation to nationalism and ethnicity;
  • understanding the key concepts in the field of the study of nationalism and ethnic politics and appreciation of the relationship between ethnicity and sources of conflict in societies;
  • develop a sufficient understanding of different methods of conflict regulation in ethnically diverse societies, paying particular attention to the role of political institutions in conflict management,
  • be aware of the context and practicalities of management, territorial management of divisions, whether by means of federalism, ‘re-scaling’, or partition or consociationalism as a means of conflict-management;
  
  Furthermore students will acquire a set of civic skills, including:
  • Sensitivity and appreciation of cultural diversity and how to handle diversity and conflict based on group identities;
  • Learning how to live with and tolerate other cultures in multicultural environments;
  • Developing an understanding of different forms and consequences ethnic conflict can take;
  • Relating to diversity in interpretations of the meaning of ethnicity and assess the role of diversity management and multiculturalism in this respect;
  • Understanding ideas and impact of institutionalised power relations on perceptions of good citizenship and democracy in multi-ethnic societies

  Skills

  This module will assist in developing students’ skills in a number of important areas. These include:
  
  • Understanding of dynamic and changing nature of conflict resolution and management;
  • Understanding a range of conceptual components associated with conflict management, including intervention, peace-building and reconstruction;
  • Processing, summarising and presenting facts/information including critical reflection, in oral and written format;
  • Pursuing intellectual questions in a rigorous and academic manner, employing analytical skills and critical thinking.
  
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field of conflict management
  
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing through related assignments. Resolve or manage communication conflicts.
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning through class simulation on conflict management
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress during class simulations; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways. Conflict management skills are particularly effective in managing life and work related challenges

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7050

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Feminism(s), Gender and Global Politics (20 credits)

  ×

  Feminism(s), Gender and Global Politics

  Overview

  This module encourages students to examine the centrality of gender and sexuality in shaping political dynamics at the local, national and global level. It approaches the topic drawing upon feminist political thought; strategies for political mobilization and change; and feminist analyses of contemporary global politics. The module outlines the contribution of feminist scholarship in challenging understandings of politics and international relations as gender-neutral and draws attention to the, often neglected, experiences, agency and political claims of women and other minoritised groups. We will consider key contemporary issues such as transnational feminism, queer politics and social justice; feminism and global governance; reproductive justice; nationalism, populism and anti-gender politics; international security; borders and migration; feminism and the politics of crisis, feminist and queer visions for life. Students will have the opportunity to discuss theoretical perspectives and empirical examples as entry points to the gendered complexities of global politics.
  
  AIMS:
  
  This module is designed to provide you with the conceptual tools and study skills for developing your own critical appraisal of gender politics in an intersectional and transnational perspective. At the end of this module, you will have enhanced your skills to critically interrogate different dimensions of the political through the application of feminist intersectional lenses. Crucially, I also hope that you will feel empowered to apply this mode of thinking to analyse intersections between gender and other inequalities and to reflect on your own position in learning, knowledge production and politics.

  Learning Outcomes

  OOn successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
   analyse and explain the causes of gender inequalities in the public/private realm;
   understand how gender interacts with race, class, sexuality and nationality to produce divisions of power and resources, as well as processes of violence and exclusion.
   discuss and assess different feminist perspectives.
   apply feminist theories to analyse key issues in global politics and current political problems.
   think critically about narratives and practices of politics and international relations.
   independently develop a small research project of their choice.

  Skills

  Communicate ideas to others in a clear and concise manner, in oral and written form.\nPursue intellectual questions in a rigorous and academic manner, employing analytical skills and critical thinking.\nDiscuss issues that challenge dominant perspectives in an informed manner.\nEngage in small group activity.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7032

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions (20 credits)

  ×

  The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions

  Overview

  This module will take as it’s starting the concept of ‘Carbon Literacy’, its definition, measurement and development. Students will study policy making, governance and institutional structures at International, national, regional and local levels through the selection of relevant case studies. They will gain an understanding of the spectrum of carbon literacy and the challenges of identifying knowledge and capacity building needs for stakeholders, policy and decision makers at all levels, from global to local and individual.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module each student should have gained knowledge of:
  • The emergence of carbon literacy and its role in the creation of a low carbon society;
  • The conceptual and interdisciplinary dimensions of carbon literacy as a communication and policy language and tool;
  • The scientific and normative components of carbon literacy in theory and practice;
  • The positive and negative dimensions of carbon literacy in relation to communication and policy relevance; and
  • The relationship between carbon literacy and existing frameworks for understanding and devising policies for the green economy.

  Skills

  The module provides students with opportunities to develop the following skills:
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; to manage such information in an independent manner;
  • Analytical Thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments;
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing;
  • Diversity: to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment;
  • Self-Reflexivity: to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development;
  • Time Management: to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; to cope with stress; and to achieve a work / life balance.
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT.
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: to demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines;
  • Clear organisation of information: to show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information;
  • Organisation and communication: to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; to show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way;
  • Enterprising thinking: to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7036

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Diplomacy and Influence in International Affairs (20 credits)

  ×

  Diplomacy and Influence in International Affairs

  Overview

  This module will examine the role of diplomacy and influence in shaping international affairs. Students will be introduced to theories of persuasion and diplomacy and examine a range of case studies highlighting the role of communication in diplomacy. Students will be introduced to the dynamics of persuasion in international affairs, both in terms of coercion and attraction. Sessions will also cover the role of social media in diplomacy, the impact of Artificial Intelligence and the role of the visual in diplomacy. Tutorial Sessions will cover a range of shifting topics reflecting developments in diplomacy, including the following:
  1. Introduction to the course – what is diplomacy?
  2. Theories and Concepts of diplomacy and its evolution
  3. Understanding persuasion and influence in international affairs
  4. Public diplomacy, foreign policy and political communication
  5. Soft power and nation branding – useful concepts?
  6. Case Study 1: The public diplomacy of the JCPOA
  7. Case Study 2: The War in Ukraine
  8. Case Study 3: Israel and Hamas
  9. Artificial Intelligence as a threat to diplomacy
  10. Summing up: the future of diplomacy

  Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will aware of the major theories of diplomacy and ways to study influence in international relations.
  2. Students will understand how the practice of diplomacy has evolved over time and how this has impacted international affairs
  3. Students will develop tools to analyse diplomatic initiatives and policy development
  4. Students will understand how the rapid development of the internet has affected diplomacy
  5. Students will be introduced to narrative analysis and its role in diplomacy

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  • Managing, Understanding & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage and use such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments in the context of theoretically informed knowledge
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon ones own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT to source data and produce coherent information
  • Data management: ability to source timely and relevant information from international organisations and databases
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear argument; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7105

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Democratic Challenges and Innovations (20 credits)

  ×

  Democratic Challenges and Innovations

  Overview

  This module explores the relationship between citizens and political decision-making in contemporary democracies. Around the world, conventional democratic processes and institutions have come under strain. Decreasing levels of voter turnout, low levels of trust in politicians and political institutions, and declining membership of traditional organisations such as political parties are just some expressions of a growing gap between citizens and decision-makers. This module will critically examine the changing nature of citizen engagement with democratic decision-making before considering ways of supplementing (or even replacing) conventional processes and institutions with greater opportunities for citizen participation. We will consider two broad, inter-related themes. First, the module will consider contemporary challenges facing democratic political systems, engaging with both democratic theory and relevant empirical literature. Second, using examples from around the world, it will then introduce students to a range of democratic innovations designed to supplement representative forms of decision-making, such as participatory budgeting and deliberative mini-publics. Students will engage in debates about different practical forms of participatory and deliberative processes as well as learn about how these processes are designed and implemented. The objectives are to enable students to engage critically in discussions about citizen participation in modern democracies and to develop their communication skills. Throughout the module there will be an emphasis on connecting academic research with democratic practice: where possible students will hear directly from practitioners and will have the opportunity to attend and observe real-world cases of democratic innovation.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module students:
  - Will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of contemporary challenges facing democratic political systems, particularly regarding the role and attitudes of citizens;
  - Will understand theoretical and empirical debates surrounding both established forms of citizen participation and democratic innovations;
  - Will be able to draw on relevant criteria and evidence to critically evaluate democratic innovations and their design features;
  - Will be able to communicate key findings from academic research in this field for the benefit of a non-academic audience.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge; manage such information in an independent manner;
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments;
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field.
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing;
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning;
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment;
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon ones own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development;
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance .
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT.
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines;
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information;
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear argument; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way;
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways.

  Coursework

  90%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  10%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7100

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland (20 credits)

  ×

  The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland

  Overview

  The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement put an end to armed conflict in Northern Ireland and set up institutions designed to govern a society and polity divided along unionist and nationalist lines. As the experience of Northern Ireland shows, governing in such a context is not easy. Stability and cross-community agreement can be hard to reach, which has occasionally led to the suspension of Northern Ireland’s institutions. Yet these institutions have endured despite repeated crises and are heralded by some as examples of post-conflict governance.
  
  The module explores contemporary developments in Northern Irish politics and discusses institutional design and politics in a changing Northern Ireland. It addresses topics such as the development of Northern Ireland’s consociational model of government, how institutions like the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive perform their functions, how parties and identity shape politics and voting behaviour, North-South relations after Brexit, and Northern Ireland’s place in Europe.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon completion of this module, students
  - Should be able to understand how Northern Ireland institutions work and how they compare to other devolved institutions
  - Should demonstrate a critical understanding of the debates about consociationalism and the role it plays in the stability of Northern Ireland’s institutions and of its community divisions
  - Should understand party competition and voting in Northern Ireland
  - Should demonstrate an ability to write well, concisely

  Skills

  This module will assist in developing students’ skills in a number of important areas. These include:
  
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7021

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Conflict Intervention (20 credits)

  ×

  Conflict Intervention

  Overview

  The module will evaluate the changing nature of intervention, from unilateral forceful intervention to multi-lateral intervention, to humanitarian intervention, and third party mediation. Focusing on state, intergovernmental and non-governmental actors’ interventions, it will look at various conflict intervention practices in all phases of conflict from conflict prevention to post-conflict peacebuilding.

  Learning Outcomes

  To acquire an overview, both historical and substantive, of various approaches to analysis of conflicts and of conflict transformation. The content will deal with different theories of conflict origins, conflict process, and conflict transformation, as well as examining the practices of different state and non-state actors after conflicts.

  Skills

  Emphasis will be placed on the development of analytic skills for identifying different types of conflict and alternative modes of intervention. Special attention will be given to questions of language, moral justification and power.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7027

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  The UK and Europe (20 credits)

  ×

  The UK and Europe

  Overview

  This module offers students the opportunity to address core issues in Politics via a focus on the UK’s relationship with Europe in a time of flux. It is built around three broad themes: understanding, negotiating and delivering Brexit.
  
  The first part of the module focuses on explaining the UK’s past relationship with Europe, it’s nature as an ‘awkward partner’ in European integration and the outcome of the 2016 Referendum (“understanding Brexit”). It introduces students to theories of Euroscepticism, ideas of British ‘exceptionalism’ and the study of elections, referendums and public opinion.
  
  The second part of the module engages with the on-going Brexit negotiations, in terms of trade, citizens’ rights and borders. It introduces students to the politics of trade and negotiation dynamics. It considers and explain changes to both the UK and EU positions in the negotiations.
  
  The third part of the module focuses on Brexit delivery - the administrative challenges of taking back control and the constitutional challenges of repatriating competences for central and devolved governments. It introduces students to studies of multi-level governance and devolution and theories of implementation, enforcement and good governance.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module, the students:
  - Should be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the UK’s relationship with the EU
  - Should understand debates about explanations of the EU referendum outcome and challenges for delivering Brexit
  - Should be able to understand how different theories and approaches in political science can help make sense of the UK’s changing relationship with Europe
  - Should have developed basic blog writing skills and basic policy brief writing skills

  Skills

  Skills
  This module will assist in developing students’ skills in a number of important areas. These include:
  
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7099

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Contemporary Security (20 credits)

  ×

  Contemporary Security

  Overview

  The module will examine the key theoretical approaches and practical issues and debates that have defined the evolution of Security Studies. They will engage the changing definitions of security and approaches to understanding security. It will address both ‘domestic’ and ‘international’ security and the ways in which these are increasingly connected in both theory and practice. Moreover, it will introduce students to the inter-disciplinary nature of engagements with security (from politics to geography to technology). It will engage theorising in application by introducing students both to the major concepts and theoretical assumptions of understandings of security and showing how these play out in debates and practices of security. Students will be introduced to the core concepts and differences between ‘traditional’ rationalist theories of security and the emergence and development of varieties of critical security studies. They will then examine key issues in security that may include: The state, sovereignty and internal securities; uncertainty, the security dilemma and risk; regimes, regions and security communities; non-proliferation and disarmament; theorising war; migration and borders; surveillance and security; cyber-security; environmental security: beyond energy and resource conflict; Poverty, food, and human security; gender and security; and others. Students will therefore engage critically with the intersections of theory and practice; domestic and international; and state and human securities; and be able to understand contemporary transformations of security in relation to power, sovereignty, mobilities, and technology.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the module students will:
  
  - Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of different theoretical engagements with security and the diversity of critical approaches.
  - Understand how theories of security translate into different political practices of security.
  - Be able to apply critical security concepts to contemporary security practices.
  - Critically engage in debates on key developments in the politics of security.
  - Be able to reflect upon the ethical and political implications developments in security theory and practice.
  - Be able to engage in depth with a wide range of security issues in a theoretically informed way.
  - Pursue independent, creative and critical thinking through both written work and group discussions.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon ones own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance
  
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7051

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Freedom and modernity (20 credits)

  ×

  Freedom and modernity

  Overview

  The modern era is distinguished by the emergence of divergent interpretations of the nature of freedom, individual, social, and political. This course is devoted to exploring the nature of these different conceptions and the theories of freedom associated with them. Benjamin Constant famously contrasted the liberties of the ancients, i.e. collective political freedoms, with the liberties of the moderns, i.e. individual freedoms. Berlin’s canonical contrast between negative and positive liberty, while partly inspired by Constant, approaches the analysis of freedom in a different way, foregrounding the contrast between ‘freedom from’ and ‘freedom to’. Recent work on freedom, however, challenges these accounts by reviving an older, republican, conception of freedom as freedom from domination. Where libertarian theories typically consider the state to be the primary threat to freedom, the non-domination account understands the state to be a potential bulwark against domination by other social actors. In this way, its concerns overlap with those of the critical theorists who are similarly concerned with obstacles to freedom in social relations more generally, reflected in theories of alienation and disciplinary power. This course will combine analytical and genealogical approaches to the problem understating the complexity of freedom in the modern world. Topics will vary from year to year but may include: liberal and libertarian conceptions of individual freedom, the relation between individual and political freedom, populist and constitutionalist conceptions of collective freedom; freedom as non-domination and the problem of structural domination; dimensions and theories of autonomy: moral, social, and political; alienation and disciplinary power.

  Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be familiar with the standard theoretical analyses of the nature of freedom, i.e. negative liberty, autonomy and non-domination. 2. Students will be familiar with the historical development of different currents of thought about freedom in the modern era. 3. Students will be familiar with debates about interpersonal and structural accounts of domination, alienation and oppression. 4. Students will be familiar with debates about the different dimensions of freedom: personal, social, and political and their relations to one another.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills * Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner. * Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments. * Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field. Professional and career development skills * Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing. * Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning. * Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development. * Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance. Organizational skills * Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines. * Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information. * Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way. * Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7059

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Social Injustice (20 credits)

  ×

  Social Injustice

  Overview

  This module examines the problem of social injustice in contemporary, plural societies. The first half of the module explores some of the main philosophical assessments of social injustice. Students will first be introduced to key critiques of liberal theory as a response to the structural disadvantages associated with difference (including race, gender, sexual-orientation, religion, and class, among others). Here, liberal policy approaches to difference (including toleration, uniform treatment, and non-discrimination), will be critiqued alongside liberal modes of justification for their failure to deal appropriately with the disadvantages suffered by affected groups.
  
  The second half of the module discusses the practical implications of both social injustice and its potential solutions. Precise topics vary year-on-year, but may include discussion of some of the following questions: Is unfettered freedom of speech a necessary feature of or a hindrance in the fight for social equality? What role does historical injustice play in the ongoing oppression of marginalised groups? Is the recognition of difference the appropriate response to cultural domination? How has social media changed the shape of social justice movements? Is civil disobedience a legitimate response to injustice, and must it always be ‘civil’ in nature?

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of this module students:
  • Should demonstrate a critical understanding of key debates about social injustice.
  • Should be able to explain some of the central critiques of liberal theory as a way of dealing with structural oppression.
  • Should be familiar with debates surrounding the role of historical injustice as it pertains to ongoing marginalisation.
  • Should have a critical understanding of the changing nature of social justice movements.

  Skills

  Intellectual skills
  
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner.
  • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments.
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field.
  
  
  Professional and career development skills
  
  • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing.
  • Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, negotiate conflicts and recognize different ways of learning.
  • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment.
  • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development.
  • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance.
  
  
  Organizational skills
  
  • Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines.
  • Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information.
  • Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way.
  • Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PHL7057

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Global Terrorism (20 credits)

  ×

  Global Terrorism

  Overview

  This module introduces students to the range of important issues relating to the phenomenon of
  global terrorism and responses in terms of the global war on terrorism.
  
  The key debates that students will engage with will include: the emergence of transnational terrorism structures, transnational terrorism case studies, state and transnational state responses to terrorism including international actors such as the UN, NATO and other regional organisations.
  
  The study of these debates will lead to the investigation of particular groups, state actors, themes and responses which will culminate in a student-led simulation exercise.
  
  Overall the module aims to equip students with an understanding of the key discourse and examples as they pertain to contemporary terrorist challenges and responses at a global level.

  Learning Outcomes

  At the end of the module students should
  - Have acquired a good understanding of the basic concepts underlying the module;
  - Have an in depth knowledge of a variety of manifestations of violence and terrorism and;
  - Be able to critically discuss different responses to terrorism, situated on a spectrum from domestic to international measures.

  Skills

  The module provides students with opportunities to develop the following skills:
  Intellectual skills
  • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: to identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; to manage such information in an independent manner;
  • Analytical Thinking: to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; to construct independent arguments;
  • Critical & Independent Thinking: to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field
  Professional and career development skills
  • Communication Skills: to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing;
  • Diversity: to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment;
  • Self-Reflexivity: to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development;
  • Time Management: to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; to cope with stress; and to achieve a work / life balance.
  Technical and practical skills
  • Information Technology: to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT.
  Organizational skills
  • Efficient and effective work practice: to demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines;
  • Clear organisation of information: to show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information;
  • Organisation and communication: to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; to show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way;
  • Enterprising thinking: to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, display originality of thought and argument.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7007

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Global Development (20 credits)

  ×

  Global Development

  Overview

  This module provides a critical examination of the policies, theories, politics, and practices that comprise the field of international or ‘Global’ Development. This module is not only concerned with mainstream policies and practices, but also with the processes of resistance that result from the pursuit of ‘Development’ projects across diverse polities and geographical contexts. Interdisciplinary in nature, this module provides a comprehensive overview of the field. It engages with literatures and debates across International Political Economy, Human Geography, Business Management, International Relations, and Development Studies.
  
  Students will examine the colonial origins of the development regime, the pursuit of "development" alongside US power and hegemony in the mid-20th century, the role of "modernisation" discourses and "state-led" forms of development, development as a vehicle towards neoliberal capital accumulation, radical and post-modernist understandings on the means and ends of development, the rise of "new" actors and discourses such as Chinese and Indian "South-South Cooperation", the growing privatization of global development, and the ecological limits to the pursuit of development alongside "post-growth" alternatives.
  
  This module will be particularly of interest for those seeking work in international development, international organisations, or non-governmental sectors.

  Learning Outcomes

  * Students will possess an advanced understanding of the current state of international development both as a field of practice and area of academic debate and inquiry. * Students will be able to apply and interrogate a range of concepts from across International Political Economy, International Relations and Human Geography.
  
  * Students will understand not only heterodox critiques of mainstream international development practices and discourses, but they will also receive balanced insights into the practical challenges and bottlenecks faced by practitioners in the field.

  Skills

  This module will assist in developing students’ skills in a number of important areas. These include: Intellectual skills * Managing & Prioritising Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner * Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments * Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field Professional and career development skills * Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing * Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance Technical and practical skills * Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT Organisational skills * Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines * Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information * Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear argument; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way * Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PAI7103

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

Career Prospects

Introduction

All of the MA programmes offered in the School provide our graduates with the skills to pursue a wide range of careers in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Employment after the Course

International Relations graduates go on to an extraordinarily broad range of careers. Typical examples include:
• International Non-Governmental Organisation roles (humanitarian, conflict resolution, environmental, development etc)
• media and journalism
• government, diplomacy and international civil service roles
• military and intelligence careers
• political risk analysis
• political research, lobbying and consultancy roles with an international focus
• think-tank research
• academic careers in IR and cognate disciplines
• business roles involving significant transnational trade or operations
• International Non-Governmental Organisations including: humanitarian, conflict resolution, environmental, development etc.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,250
EU Other 3	£21,500
International	£21,500

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus