Programme Specifications
International Politics (with integrated year studying abroad)
1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University
2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University
2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University
3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University
4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Arts
5 : Programme title
International Politics (with integrated year studying abroad)
6 : UCAS code
L242
7 : QAA Subject Benchmark
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
The relevant QAA benchmark statement for Politics and International Relations can be found here: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/SBS-politics-15.pdf
8 : Date of publication
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
February 2019
9 : Educational aims of the programme
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
International Politics is about who gets what, how they get it and why. It is about the international system, relationships between nation states, global resources, international cooperation, inequality and conflict. International Politics is fundamentally interdisciplinary, drawing on several subjects including Politics, History, Philosophy, Law, geography and Sociology. The programme encompasses philosophical, historical, theoretical and empirical questions and concerns. The multiple dimensions of International Politics are considered in a core framework of modules that provide the foundations of an undergraduate specialism in the subject matter, together with a range of optional modules which allow students to engage with issues which capture their interest. All modules are taught by research-active staff who thrive on the opportunity to engage students with their work (published, and in progress). The programme aims to produce students with the necessary skills to analyse and reflect on the subject matter of the degree scheme as well as acquire a broad range of transferable skill. Skills in this subject will be, we believe, valuable for future employers and the wider civil society. International Politics offers a distinct understanding of the world in which we live as well as the problems it confronts.
In addition, students on this degree scheme will have an opportunity to build on their academic knowledge and skillsets through undertaking a year studying abroad at one of Aberystwyth University’s partner institutions in their 3rd year.
10 : Intended learning outcomes
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
The learning outcomes of this programme are designed to meet the expectations of the Benchmarking Statement for Politics and International Relations. The structure and the delivery of the degree scheme recognizes the need to achieve an appropriate balance between the acquisition of subject specific knowledge, and the development of discipline specific and generic skills. Integrating these two components is a central feature of the learning outcomes. The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge, understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
10.1 : Knowledge and understanding
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
A1 The major issues, approaches and debates in the study of International Politics
A2 Issues and themes relating nation states and global dynamics
A3 The evolution of the international system from Westphalia to contemporary times
A4 Key debates in the International Politics such as the ethics of war, the role of international agencies and the politics of the internet
A5 The core theories and concepts in the field
A6 The key actors in International Politics and their changing roles
A7 Differing theoretical approaches and how they help us to explain and understand events and dynamics in the world
Learning and Teaching
Acquisition of 1-7 is through lectures, seminars, assessed coursework, exams and independent research. Students also learn through participation in discipline-specific student societies and public lectures as well as through other public resources such as newsprint media, TV, radio and the internet. Throughout, students are encouraged to undertake independent reading to supplement, consolidate and broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Students also learn through self-reflection through engagement in the Personal Tutorial system and the Department’s Careers Development and Employability programmes.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Knowledge and understanding (1-7) is tested through a combination of unseen and pre-seen written examinations (1-7), essays (1-7), dissertation (1-7, depending upon topic) and may, depending on module option choices, include seminar presentations (involving both individual and group work), reports, literature searches, book or film reviews, e-portfolios, learning logs or blogs, and a range of other forms of assessment specific to particular module options.
10.2 : Skills and other attributes
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
Intellectual Skills
B1 Identify, describe and evaluate different approaches
B2 Identify and investigate research issues
B3 Apply concepts, theories and ideas to concrete cases
B4 Identify, investigate and formulate solutions to intellectual problems
B5 Critically reason, analyse and interpret data and ideas
B6 Demonstrate and exercise independence of mind
B7 Reflect on experience of learning and adjust intellectual strategies accordingly
B8 The ability to apply acquired knowledge to solving hypothetical or actual problems
B9 The ability to distinguish relevance and irrelevance
B10 Recognition that problems often have more than one solution
Learning and Teaching
While lectures introduce students to topics and ideas, the development of intellectual skills takes place when students engage with the topic themselves and interact with others in the intellectual learning community both during discussions (in seminars, where tutors seek to guide and develop intellectual skills, and wider public debate), and in the process of reading and writing notes, essays or examinations. Reflection and self assessment are also integral to the learning of intellectual skills. Tutors form impressions of, and assess, a student's ability and progress through contact with students in seminars and in the assessment of written work.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Intellectual skills (B1-10) are assessed primarily in essay and examination performance, plus the other methods of assessment set out above. The published assessment criteria reflect these intellectual skills that in turn are mirrored in the feedback to students. Students can assess their own performance by gauging their rate of progress in comparison to that of their peers, and in the light of tutor's comments. Students are free to discuss the informal development and assessment of such skills during staff office hours. Personal learning (B7) is not formally assessed but relative success is reflected in a student's ability to improve over time. Personal learning is also enhanced through engagement with the Personal Tutorial system and the Careers Development Programme process.
Professional Practical Skills / Discipline Specific Skills
C1 Seek, extract and effectively annotate information from a range of sources
C2 Prioritise and organise information and deploy it as evidence in argument
C3 Plan, undertake and complete written work (to strict deadlines) suitable for different audiences or tasks
C4 Identification and retrieval of relevant and up to date information
C5 Collate information and arguments at short notice to answer specific questions
C6 Express informed opinions through written work and discussion
C7 Listen and respond appropriately to the opinions of others
C8 Formulate questions and explore links between divergent topics
C9 Learn from experience
Learning and Teaching
All modules, and in particular core modules taught at Part One and the final year Dissertation module, contain elements which directly address the development of practical skills (C1-8). The process of writing essays, reports and presentations, etc. (C1-6) and preparing for examinations (C1-6, C9) allows the student to hone skills through practice, guided by feedback from tutors. Discussion in seminars or engagement with debate in public fora leads students to improve their intellectual communication skills (C2, C5, C7). Students also learn and improve such skills through personal reflection on their learning experience (C9) and purposeful adaptation of their learning methods; a process reflected upon in all modules. Personal learning is also enhanced through engagement with the personal tutorial system and the Careers Development Programme process.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
All modules, and in particular the core modules taught at Part One and the final year Dissertation module, contain forms of assessment which directly address the development of practical skills (C1-8). Exams, essays, critical reviews, reports and other forms of written coursework address skills C1-6 and C8-9. Assessed seminar performance and presentations assess skills C2, C5-9. Assignments. Similarly, the third year Dissertation project may, depending on the topic, assess any or all of outcomes C1-C9 inclusive.
10.3 : Transferable/Key skills
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
D1 Work and learn independently
D2 Work effectively within a team or group
D3 Show respect the views and beliefs of others
D4 Decision making; Identify problems and provide solutions
D5 Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
D6 Identify career opportunities
D7 Recognise the need to continually update knowledge and skills
D8 Manage time, resources and work to deadlines efficiently
D9 Effectively use information and communication technology to produce and present ideas and documents
Learning and Teaching
The programme aims to promote, develop and nurture students’ awareness of and competence in the key transferable skills which are integral to teaching and learning activities across the programme (D1-9). Skills D1-9 are developed through specific modules and learning activities, including small group seminars which specifically focus on D2-3, 5. In addition, the experience gained during the year studying abroad has the potential to further enhance skills D1-9.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Assessment of student capacities in relation to the above outcomes (D1-9) is central to criteria employed in the evaluation of a range of assessment forms employed at all three levels of the degree scheme. These include coursework essays and other forms of written assignment, practical exercises, seminar participation (including group work), the Dissertation (incorporating research design and independent research), and seen and unseen examinations.
11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards
BA International Politics (with integrated year studying abroad) [L242]
Academic Year: 2024/2025Single Honours scheme - available from 2018/2019
Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 yearsLast intake year: 2020/2021
Semester 1
IP12420
Exploring the International 1: Central Concepts and Core Skills
IP12620
Behind the Headlines
Semester 2
Semester 2
IP20120
International Relations: Perspectives and Debates
Semester 1
GQ20920
Y Meddwl Cymreig mewn Syniadaeth Ryngwladol
GQ23720
Gwleidyddiaeth mewn Cymdeithasau Amrywiaethol
GQ23920
Pobl a Grym: Deall Gwleidyddiaeth Gymharol Heddiw
IP20720
Climate Change and International Politics in the Anthropocene
IP21420
Climate Change Politics
IP23020
Science, Technology, and International Relations
IP23820
The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems
IP26420
The Second World War in Europe
IP29220
International Politics and Global Development
IQ20220
Intervention and Humanitarianism
IQ20320
The BRICS in World Politics
IQ23420
Total War, Total Peace
IQ23720
Politics in Diverse Societies
IQ23920
People and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today
IQ24920
Russian intelligence from Lenin to Putin
IQ25120
Strategy, Intelligence and Security in International Politics
Semester 2
GW25020
Datganoli a Chymru
IP20820
Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society
IP22220
Political Theory
IP22320
The Governance of Climate Change: Simulation Module
IP24520
Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War
IP25020
Devolution and Wales
IP25320
Warfare after Waterloo: Military History 1815-1918
IP26820
Questions of International Politics
IP28320
A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century
IP28720
Contemporary Latin America
IQ21620
Trade Wars and the Liberal Order
IQ22820
Capitalism and International Politics
IQ25720
War Crimes
Semester 1
GQ30920
Y Meddwl Cymreig Mewn Syniadaeth Ryngwladol
GQ33720
Gwleidyddiaeth mewn Cymdeithasau Amrywiaethol
IP31420
Climate Change Politics
IP33020
Science, Technology, and International Relations
IP33820
The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems
IP36420
The Second World War in Europe
IQ30220
Intervention and Humanitarianism
IQ30320
The BRICS in World Politics
IQ33420
Total War, Total Peace
IQ33720
Politics in Diverse Societies
IQ34920
Russian intelligence from Lenin to Putin
Semester 2
GW35020
Datganoli a Chymru
IP30820
Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society
IP32220
Political Theory
IP34520
Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War
IP35020
Devolution and Wales
IP36820
Questions of International Politics
IP38320
A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century
IP38720
Contemporary Latin America
IQ31620
Trade Wars and the Liberal Order
IQ32820
Capitalism and International Politics
IQ35720
War Crimes
12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an
important role within the overall framework for supporting students and
their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in
helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where
to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student
experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by
Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.
13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk
14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic
review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are
meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and
disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.
15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality
Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.
15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality
Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by
Faculties and Academic Board at university level.
16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the
current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The
periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the
effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to
assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the
responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered
successfully.