Multilevel Governance in Europe

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24
Course overview
(MSc) Master of Science
Multilevel Governance in Europe
Withdrawn
University of Essex
University of Essex
Government
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time or part-time
None
MSC R9L212
10/05/2023

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

A 2.2 degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Studies, American Studies, United States Politics, Economics, Finance, Statistics or Political Studies.

OR

A 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules. Relevant modules include, but are not limited to:

  • Comparative Political Systems
  • Constitutional Democracy
  • Contemporary World Affairs
  • Current Affairs
  • Democratic Theory
  • Econometrics
  • European Integration/Dynamics of Integration
  • Foreign Policy/Comparative Foreign Policy
  • Game Theory
  • Governmental Processes/Systems
  • Human Rights
  • Ideology and Political Analysis
  • International Economics Law
  • International Economics Relations
  • International Trade/Business Law
  • International Law
  • International Public Relations
  • International Security
  • Law of Armed Conflict
  • Micro/Macro Economics
  • Peace Studies
  • Philosophy(MA Political Theory only)
  • Political Conflict
  • Political Decision Making
  • Political Economy
  • Political Sociology
  • Political Studies
  • Public Administration
  • Public International Law
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Security Studies
  • Strategic Studies
  • Terrorism
  • Theories of Development

We will also consider applicants with a degree in an unrelated subject and have at least 5 years' work experience such as working with a NGO.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

1. To develop a systematic knowledge and understanding of the conceptual foundations of the discipline of political science.
2. To promote the critical use of evidence, and the effective application of quantitative methods of political analysis.
3. To provide an advanced training in the analysis of the process and prospects for European integration.
4. To give students a thorough understanding of the political aspects of the process of economic integration
5. To develop an appreciation of the economic, social and legal forces underlying the process of integration.
6. To enable students to achieve a sound understanding of the institutional structures of the European Union and the political, economic and legal relationships between the Union and member states
7. To develop knowledge of political developments in Western and East-Central Europe and the capacity to assess the substantive debates surrounding them.
8. To develop a capacity to make coherent and reflective argument, and to present and communicate ideas effectively.
9. To enhance the analytical and evaluative skills required for personal and professional development, and for successful employment or further study
10.To develop a capacity for independent study and research in the field of European society and politics or cognate fields, including a critical awareness of research design)

The difference between the MA and the MSc variants is determined by the methods module you take – Political Explanation (GV900) for the MA and Advanced Research Methods (GV903) for the MSc.

Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in political science and political theory at an appropriate level.

A2: Understanding of the main quantitative methods used in political analysis.

A3: Critical awareness of the use of evidence in political science.

A4: Knowledge of the main research findings, and main developments and debates in European politics and governance.

A5: Systematic knowledge of the relevant sources of information.

A6: Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the development of political integration in Europe.

A7: Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of interaction between member states and the EU.

Learning methods

A1-5 Lectures, participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, writing essays and dissertation, oral and written feedback on essays.

A1 specifically in GV958 Theory and Explanation in Political Science.
A2 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation or GV903 Advanced Research Methods.
A3 specifically in GV900 or GV903, GV958, GV952 and in supervision of individual dissertations.
A4 specifically in GV952 and option chosen in consultation with Scheme Director.
A5 specifically in independent learning.
A6 specifically in GV952 and some options.
A7 specifically in GV952 and some options.

Assessment methods

Taught modules assessed 50/50 by continuous assessment through written assignments and essays, and three-hour closed examinations at end of course.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: To question received thinking.

B2: To develop independent thinking

B3: To muster evidence

B4: To evaluate and analyse evidence

B5: To reason critically.

B6: To communicate ideas effectively in writing

B7: To carry out independent research

Learning methods

B1-7 participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, analysis of relevant texts, individual guidance on researching and writing essays, oral and written feedback on essays, individual interviews and/or group sessions with Study Skills Officer.

B4 especially in GV900 Political Explanation or GV903 Advanced Research Methods.

B7 especially in supervised dissertation.

Assessment methods

B1-7 written assignments and essays, written examinations.

B7 dissertation.

C: Practical skills

C1: Organize and structure an extended argument.

C2: Use concepts correctly

C3: Compile systematic bibliographies.

C4: Provide references according to accepted conventions.

C5: Use libraries and IT to access information and scholarly resources

C6: Sift and synthesise complex information

Learning methods

C1-6 participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance for essays, individual supervision of dissertations, oral and written feedback on class presentations and essays.

C4 specifically through written guidance, tailored university websites.

C5 specifically in induction sessions for library use and website guides in GV952 module programme.

Assessment methods

C1-6 written assignments and essays, closed examinations, supervised dissertation.

C1 especially in dissertation.

C2 in essays, examinations, and dissertation.

C3-6 specifically in essays and dissertation.

D: Key skills

D1: Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication.

D2: Access and organise information from a variety of electronic sources

D3: Understand the use of quantitative evidence

D4: Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the development of economic integration in Europe.

D5: To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.

D6: Positive response to feedback and criticism.

Learning methods

D1-5. participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, written assignments and essays, dissertation.

D3 specifically in GV900: Political Explanation or GV903 Advanced Research Methods.

D4 specifically in scheduling and balancing requirements for four courses taught in parallel.

D6 specifically in individual guidance on essays, oral and written feedback on essays.

Assessment methods

D1-4. written assignments and essays, examinations, dissertation.

D6. classroom presentations, written assignments and essays.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.