Politics and International Relations (Including Year Abroad)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2023/24 - 2024/25
Course overview
(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
08/05/2024

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

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 21 October 2024 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 - 2023/24

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  Co-Operation and Conflict  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 - 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  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 Abroad/Placement - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  AW121-6-FY-CO  Abroad Module 120 Credits  Compulsory  120  120 

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

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.


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.