(Integrated Master in Politics:) Integrated Master in Politics
Politics and International Relations (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Government
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
Politics and International Relations
MPOLL236
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: AAB
BTEC: D*DD, dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
IB: 33 points or three Higher Level certificates with 665.
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.
T-levels: Distinction* - Entry requirements for students studying T-level qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
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).
- Applied Quantitative Methods: In order to be eligible for the AQM qualifier, you must successfully complete the following modules:
Year Two:
GV207-5-AU (15 credits) – ‘Political Analysis: Introduction to OLS’ (must also achieve a mark of 70 to be awarded the qualifier)
And at least one of the following:
GV205-5-SP (15 credits) – ‘Measuring Public Opinion’
GV217-5-SP (15 credits) – ‘Conflict Analysis’
SC208-5-SP (15 credits) – ‘Crime and Inequality Across the Life Course’
Final year:
GV300-6-FY (30 credits) – ‘Quantitative Political Analysis’
GV840-6-FY (30 credits) – 'Project:Politics' (must include sufficient quantitative methods as agreed by your Academic Supervisor, and multivariat regression analysis must be undertaken)
[Note: GV840-6-FY can be substituted with either of the other final year project modules: GV831-6-FY, GV831-6-FY, GV836-6-FY, EC831-6-FY, GV834-6-FY, or GV830-6-FY]
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
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.
Programme aims
1. To ensure that students have a thorough grounding in the major theoretical, conceptual and methodological issues associated with the study of political science and international relations.
2. To introduce students to the most advanced debates in politics and international relations.
3. To provide the opportunity for students to learn about a range of issues currently important in domestic and international politics, to familiarise them with the academic arguments about these issues and to make them aware of policy choices and their implications.
4. To promote student’s analytical skills and to develop their capacity for independent study and research in politics and international relations.
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
D1-4 written assignments and essays, examinations, dissertation.
D6 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.