Politics and International Relations

Staff member? Login here

Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(Integrated Master in Politics:) Integrated Master in Politics
Politics and International Relations
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Government
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
Politics and International Relations
MPOLL234
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: ABB - BBB or 128 - 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM or 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 128 - 120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 32 - 30 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655-555.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved 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, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page. or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

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.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

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).

  • Applied Data Science: In order to be eligible for the qualifier, you must successfully complete the following modules: Year Two: GV207 (15 credits) – ‘Quantitative Political Analysis’ And at least one of the following: GV217 (15 credits) – ‘Conflict Analysis’ SC202 (15 credits) – ‘Researching the Real World: Quantitative Approaches to Studying Crime and Society (15 credits) ’, SC208 (15 credits) Crime and Inequality Across the Life Course, Final year: GV300 (30 credits) – ‘Advanced Quantitative Political Analysis’ GV840 (30 credits) – 'Project: Politics' (must include sufficient quantitative methods as agreed by your Academic Supervisor, and multivariant regression analysis must be undertaken) [Note: GV840 can be substituted with either of the other final year project modules: GV831, GV836, EC831, GV834, or GV830]

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 Max Gallop

Senior Lecturer

University of Strathclyde

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.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

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 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  GV100-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Politics  Core  30  30 
02  GV103-4-AU-CO  Introduction to International Relations  Core  15  15 
03  GV113-4-SP-CO  Contemporary Topics in International Relations  Core  15  15 
04  GV151-4-AU-CO  Truth, Justice, and The Nature of Politics  Compulsory  15  15 
05    Social Science option(s) and/or Outside option(s)  Optional  45  45 
06  GV711-4-FY-CO  Career Portfolio  Compulsory 
07  GV164-4-SU-CO  Doing Political Research  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2025/26

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  GV217-5-AU-CO  Conflict Analysis  Compulsory  15  15 
03    GV207-5-AU or GV252-5-SP  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
04    Option(s) from list  Optional  45  45 
05    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
06  GV711-5-FY-CO  Career Portfolio  Compulsory 
07  GV275-5-SU-CO  Issues in Politics: Final Year Project preparation  Compulsory 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    Capstone Project  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
02    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
03    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05  GV711-6-FY-CO  Career Portfolio  Compulsory 

Year 4 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    GV900-7-AU or GV903-7-AU  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
02    GV950-7-SP or GV953-7-SP  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
03    GV902-7-AU or GV914-7-AU  Core with Options  15  15 
04    Government options from list  Optional  45  45 
05    Government options from list  Optional  30  30 

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

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

A101: Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in international relations and politics and related fields at an appropriate level

A102: Understanding the main political science methods for using quantitative and qualitative evidence to support arguments

A103: Critical awareness of the use of concepts and arguments in political science

A104: Knowledge of the main research findings, and main developments and debates in international relations, politics and related fields

A105: Knowledge of sources of information for studying international relations and politics

Learning methods

A101-105 Lectures, participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, writing essays and dissertation, oral and written feedback on essays.

A101 specifically in GV100, Introduction to Politics, GV103 Introduction to International Relations and GV902 Theories of International Relations and the optional modules.

A102 specifically in GV207 Political Analysis: Introduction to OLS, GV900 Political Explanation, GV903 Advanced Research Methods, GV902 Theories of International Relations, and option.

A103 specifically in GV110 Scientific Reasoning for the Social Sciences, GV902, GV958 and in supervision of individual dissertations.

A104 specifically in GV100, GV 103, GV902 and options.

For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

Assessment methods

Taught modules assessed by continuous assessment through written assignments, in-class assignments and essays.

For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B101: To question received thinking.

B102: To develop independent thinking

B103: To muster evidence

B104: To evaluate and analyse evidence

B105: To reason critically

B106: To argue coherently and concisely

B107: To communicate ideas effectively in writing

B108: To carry out independent research

Learning methods

B101-107 participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance on researching and writing essays, oral and written feedback on essays, individual interviews and group sessions with Study Skills Officer

B104 especially in GV207 Political Analysis: Introduction to OLS, GV900 Political Explanation / GV903 Advanced Research Methods.

B108 especially in GV831 Capstone Project.

For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

Assessment methods

B101-107 written assignments and essays, written examinations

B108 the Capstone dissertation.

For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

C: Practical skills

C101: Organise and structure an extended argument

C102: Use concepts correctly

C103: Compile systematic bibliographies.

C104: Provide references according to accepted conventions.

C105: Use libraries and IT to access information and scholarly resources

C106: Sift and synthesise complex information

Learning methods

C101-106 participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance for essays, individual supervision of Capstone dissertations, oral and written feedback on class presentations and essays.

C105 specifically in induction sessions for library use.

For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

Assessment methods

C101-106 written assignments and essays, closed examinations, supervised dissertation.

C101 especially in Capstone dissertation.

C103-106 specifically in essays and Capstone dissertation.

C102 essays, examinations, and Capstone dissertation.

For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

D: Key skills

D101: Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication

D102: Access and organise information from a variety of electronic sources

D103: Understand the use of quantitative evidence

D104: To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.

D105: To be able to coordinate with others for group projects, articulate and receive peer feedback

D106: Positive response to feedback and criticism.

Learning methods

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

D103 specifically in GV207 Political Analysis, GV900 Political Explanation, GV903 Advanced Research Methods and the options.

D104 specifically in scheduling and balancing requirements for four courses taught in parallel.

D106 specifically in individual guidance on essays, oral and written feedback on essays.

For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

Assessment methods

D101-104 written assignments and essays, examinations, dissertation.

D106 classroom presentations, written assignments and essays.

For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.


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.