Global Studies

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Global Studies
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Area Studies
None
None
BA L903
10/05/2023

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

A-levels: ABB

BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.

What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.

What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.

You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here

If you are a mature student, further information is here

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

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.

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

Staff photo
Dr Francisco Carballo

Lecturer in the Politics and Culture of Latin America

Goldsmiths, University of London

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.

Year 1 - 2023/24

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    HR176-4-AU or HR172-4-AU  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
02  GV103-4-AU-CO  Introduction to International Relations  Compulsory  15  15 
03    CS143-4-SP or International option  Optional  15  15 
04    Language Option(s) or International Option(s)  Optional  30  30 
05  CS101-4-FY-CO  Modern Revolutions in Science, Politics, and Culture  Compulsory  30  30 
06  HR106-4-SP-CO  Democracy in Europe and the United States, 1789-1989  Compulsory  15  15 
07  CS711-4-FY-CO  Skills for University Studies  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  GV214-5-AU-CO  International Relations: Theories and Approaches  Compulsory  15  15 
02  CS201-5-FY-CO  The World in Question: The Social, Cultural, Political & Environmental Legacies of the Enlightenment  Compulsory  30  30 
03  CS200-5-AU-CO  Social Entrepreneurs, Sustainability and Community Action  Compulsory  15  15 
04    (CS241-5-SP and 15 credit International Option) or International Option(s)  Optional  30  30 
05    Language or International Option(s)  Optional  30  30 

Year 3 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  CS315-6-SP-CO  CS315-6-SP - CAPSTONE  Compulsory  15  15 
02    International option(s)  Optional  30  30 
03    International option(s)  Optional  30  30 
04    International option(s)  Optional  30  30 
05    International option  Optional  15  15 

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

  • To provide students with a distinctive skill-set required to understand and analyse contemporary developments and policy challenges from an international perspective.
  • To provide students with opportunities to broaden their cultural horizons by taking up the challenge of studying new disciplines such as Art History, Philosophy, Literature, History, Sociology, Languages, Film Studies.
  • To provide students with opportunities to experience and acquire a number of different critical approaches through a balanced mix of teaching, reading and research in a range of academic disciplines from an interdisciplinary perspective.
  • To develop students’ analytical, critical, research and problem-solving skills.
  • To provide students with the necessary skills to undertake further study and/or pursue vocational training in employment.


  • 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: Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the social, political and economic processes that have shaped the world.

    A2: Students will be able to demonstrate through a variety of means, a knowledge and understanding of the different styles of enquiry in a range of Humanities and Social Science disciplines

    Learning methods

    A1 and A2 are acquired through core module lectures and classes in years 0, 1, 2 and the final year.

    Assessment methods

    These skills as assessed in continuous coursework plus oral and written exams in all years.

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    B1: Students will use their discipline-based training to think critically and analytically in relation to a number of different academic disciplines

    B2: Students will be capable of appropriately applying a wide range of relevant primary and secondary sources.

    B3: Students will be able to identify, analyse and solve problems, using appropriate techniques of writing, methodologies and theories.

    B4: Students will be able to demonstrate and exercise independence of mind and thought.

    Learning methods

    B1-B4 are acquired in classes and seminars, in group discussion and through the submission of coursework in all years. Students are expected to do independent research to consolidate classwork. B1 and B3 are also acquired through lectures and feedback on course work. Students are encouraged to compare the approaches of different disciplines and to think across disciplines.

    Assessment methods

    All intellectual/cognitive skills are assessed in continuous course work in all years and through end of year examinations.

    C: Practical skills

    C1: Students will be able to communicate ideas clearly and coherently in a range of disciplines in both written and oral form

    C2: Students will be able to present written materials using appropriate language and referencing

    C3: Students will be able to work independently, write and think under pressure, meet deadlines, manage their own time and workload and demonstrate initiative.

    Learning methods

    All practical skills are acquired through classes, the submission of course work and preparation for examinations in all years of study.

    Assessment methods

    Assessment of practical skills is through the submission of essays and assignments, and written examinations.

    D: Key skills

    D1: Students will be able to present knowledge or an argument in a clear, coherent and creative manner

    D2: Students will be able to use the relevant information technology to research and present written work

    D3: Not applicable

    D4: Students will be able to identify problems and apply relevant research methodologies and techniques of writing to resolve them.

    D5: Students will develop skills in collaborative learning and research - and gain experience in group presentations of research results.

    D6: Students will be able to reflect on their own learning, to seek and make use of feedback on their own performance, to recognise when further knowledge is required and to undertake the necessary research.

    Learning methods

    Key skills are acquired through participatory classwork in all years of study, through the presentation of continuous coursework and preparation for examinations. Students are encouraged to engage in discussion, to listen effectively and to participate in group work to the benefit of the group as a whole. On many courses oral presentation skills are assessed.

    Assessment methods

    Assessment is through the submission of coursework and through written examinations. Some modules assess D1 and D5 through assessed oral participation or presentations.



    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.