PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 1 THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION 1. Programme title and designation International Relations For undergraduate programmes only Single honours Joint Major/minor 2. Final award Award Title Credit ECTS Any special criteria value equivalent BA(Hons) International Relations 360 180 n/a 3. Nested award Award Title Credit ECTS Any special criteria value equivalent N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4. Exit award Award Title Credit value Ordinary Degree (BA) International Relations X ECTS Any special criteria equivalent 300 150 n/a Undergradua te Diploma Undergradua te Certificate International Relations International Relations 240 120 n/a 120 60 n/a 5. Level in the qualifications framework H 6. Attendance Mode of attendance Minimum length of programme Maximum length of programme Full-time X 3 Years 6 Years Distance learning 7. Awarding institution/body King s College London 8. Teaching institution King s College London 9. Proposing department War Studies. 10. Programme organiser and contact Dr Nicholas Michelsen Details (nicholas.michelsen@kcl.ac.uk) 11. UCAS code (if appropriate) L250 12. Relevant QAA subject benchmark/ Professional, statutory and regulatory Politics and International Relations
body guidelines 13. Date of production of specification November 2012 14. Date of programme review November 2018 15. Educational aims of the programme i.e what is the purpose of the programme and general statements about the learning that takes place over the duration of the programme To provide students with a grounding in the study of International Relations, broadly conceived as pertaining to the nature and significance of politics as a global activity. This relates to practical issues of public concern such as the global distribution of values and resources, and involves specific questions pertaining to international order and decision-making, as well as broader questions pertaining to the operation of power, justice, conflict, legitimacy, accountability, obligation, sovereignty, and governance in the regional and global arenas. To foster an awareness of the theoretical/conceptual, historical, normative and ethical dimensions of International Relations, such that students are able to think critically and independently about events, ideas and institutions. To develop in students intellectual, research, analytical, practical and transferable skills (such as problem-solving), by embedding their practice and assessment within the process of learning about International Relations. To facilitate students grasp of the range of competing and complementary theoretical and methodological approaches to International Relations through an explicitly interdisciplinary programme of study, thereby fostering awareness of the integrally problematic character of enquiry in the discipline, and supporting the development of evaluative skills vis-à-vis competing interpretations of world political issues and events. To create a learning environment in which students are encouraged to realise their full potential by, for example, fitting individual programmes of study to students curiosity, interests and future ambitions. To provide a curriculum supported by scholarship, staff and research cultures from several departments and institutes at King s College London, thus promoting a unique breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debate. 16. Educational objectives of the programme/programme outcomes (as relevant to the SEEC Credit Level Descriptors) The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding and skills in the following areas: The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the following: i) The nature and significance of politics as a global activity. ii) The conflictual and cooperative engagement between states as well as the engagement between states, intergovernmental organisations and nonstate actors, through the application of disciplinary and inter-disciplinary Knowledge and understanding These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Lectures, seminars and tutorials, supplemented where appropriate by a range of techniques, such as whole and small group exercises, studentlead and tutor-lead sessions, skillsbased, discussion-based and knowledge-based classes, online forums, debates, case-studies, games
concepts, theories and methods. iii) The analysis of political ideas, practices, events and issues in the global arena, and the evaluation of differing interpretations. iv) The historical origins and evolution of the International Political system, including contemporary transformations. and role-playing activities, as well as self-directed study-time using both primary and secondary sources (such as documents, monographs, scholarly articles, newspapers, textbooks and internet resources). Assessment: Assessment of knowledge, understanding and skills is an integrated process. Methods are: unseen exam papers, essays, shorter assignments such as book reviews, group and individual research projects (such as dissertations), and oral feedback in seminars and tutorials Skills and other attributes Intellectual skills: i) Development of analytical tools, exercise of critical judgement and construction of reasoned arguments, through gathering, organising and deploying evidence, data and information from a variety of sources (both primary and secondary). ii) Identification, formulation and advocacy of solutions to problems. iii) Use of constructive feedback to reflect and progress in learning. iv) Self-management of learning processes. v) Recognising the importance of accurate referencing and the broader ethical requirements of study (including the critical and reflective use of information and communications technology in the learning process). These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Development of intellectual skills is embedded in the learning activities (noted above) associated with acquiring knowledge and understanding of International Relations. Year one modules Conflict and Diplomacy, Contemporary Security Issues and International Relations Theory focus explicitly on the development of study skills. All four core-options in Year Two, Governance, Institutions and Non-state Actors in Global Politics, International Political Economy, Foreign Policy Analysis and Contemporary International Relations Theory, take this process further in developing critical and analytical skills. The Year Three Dissertation allows the independent exercise of critical and intellectual skills. Assessment: Assessment of knowledge, understanding and skills is an integrated process. Methods are: unseen exam papers, essays, shorter assignments such as book reviews, group and individual research projects (such as dissertations), and oral
feedback in seminars and tutorials. Practical skills: i) Gathering, organising and deploying information from a variety of sources. ii) Appropriate application of concepts, theories and methods. iii) Production of written argument organised on academic principles and employing scholarly apparatus. These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Development of intellectual skills is embedded in the learning activities (noted above) associated with acquiring knowledge and understanding of International Relations. Year one modules Conflict and Diplomacy, Contemporary Security Issues and International Relations Theory focus explicitly on the development of study skills. All four core-options in Year Two, Global Politics, International Political Economy, Foreign Policy Analysis and Contemporary International Relations Theory, take this process further in developing critical, analytical and practical skills. The Year Three Dissertation allows the independent exercise of critical, intellectual and practical skills Support for students producing research projects is provided in the Year Two core-options, Global Politics, International Political Economy, Foreign Policy Analysis and Contemporary International Relations Theory, whilst the Year Three dissertation classes and tutorials with supervisors support writing selfmanaged dissertations. Assessment: Assessment of knowledge, understanding and skills is an integrated process. Methods are: unseen exam papers, essays, shorter assignments such as book reviews, group and individual research projects (such as dissertations), and oral feedback in seminars and tutorials. Generic/transferable skills: i) Working independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and timemanagement. These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Development of transferable skills is
ii) Working in a flexible and adaptable manner to solve problems. iii) Using information and communication technology for the retrieval and presentation of information. iv) Interaction and collaboration with others to achieve common goals. v) Effective and fluent communication in speech and writing. embedded in the learning activities (noted above) associated with acquiring knowledge and understanding of International Relations. Group work is a regular feature of all the core modules of the degree programme. Conflict and Diplomacy in Year One places particular emphasis on group research projects, as do the Year Two core-options, whilst the Year Three dissertation classes and tutorials with supervisors support writing selfmanaged dissertations. Assessment: Assessment of knowledge, understanding and skills is an integrated process. Methods are: unseen exam papers, essays, shorter assignments such as book reviews, group and individual research projects (such as dissertations), oral feedback in seminars and tutorials, selfevaluation and peer evaluation. 17. Statement of how the programme has been informed by the relevant subject benchmark statement(s)/professional, statutory and regulatory body guidelines The overall aims of the programme, areas of core knowledge and understanding as well as the specific and generic skills expected of its graduates, modes of teaching, learning and assessment, and levels of required attainment, have all been informed by the Politics and International Relations benchmark statement (2007), as well as the SEEC credit level descriptors (2010). The SEEC credit level descriptors have specifically informed the learning outcomes that are expected at each level (with reference to level of demand, complexity of content, depth of study, breadth and balance of skills development, and degree of learning autonomy) so as to support appropriate learner progression through the programme of study. A broad foundation in core subject knowledge is attained in Year One (economic, historical, theoretical and issue-based), progressing to deeper and more specialised subject knowledge in Years Two and Three. For example, study of the foreign policy of emerging powers in Year Two can be deepened and focussed through study of specific counties/regions in Year Three. The inter-departmental character of the programme builds explicitly upon the breadth, diversity, dynamism and internal contention acknowledged in the benchmark statement as central to the captivating nature of the discipline of International Relations. The nuances and innovative character of this particular degree reflect the unique strengths of the participating departments and regional institutes, for example, in Conflict Studies, International Relations Theory, International Political Economy and Area Studies. The programme draws on this diversity of expertise to provide students with a well-rounded, multi-perspective and critical curriculum which is founded on the discipline as it has developed to date, whilst also reflecting a unique approach to International Relations characterised by King s College London s particular range of specialist strengths. In this
manner, the programme contributes to the inter-disciplinarity noted in the Defining principles of the benchmark statement. 18. In cases of joint honours programmes please provide a rationale for the particular subject combination, either educational or academic N/A Which is the lead department and/or School? War Studies
19. Programme structure See Programme Handbook for modules to be taken If a Masters programme, are level 6 credit levels permitted within the programme? No Maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded) 45 Are students permitted to take any additional credits, as per regulation A3; 5.10? No Are students permitted to take a substitute module, as per regulation A3; 20.7? No Are there are any exceptions to the regulations regarding credits, progression or award requirements? No Other relevant information to explain the programme structure Please note that new students enrolling on the information provided on this section of the PAF will have these regulations stipulated throughout their programme of study. The only exception to this will be if there are changes made by Professional, Regulatory or Statutory Bodies that are noted to this programme. Students may be permitted to take language modules but these will be treated as ancillary and will not count for the purposes of degree classifications. Numbers of compulsory and optional modules to be taken in each year of the programme: Full Time: Year 1: 120 credits earned through 5 compulsory modules. Year 2: 120 credits earned through one specified 30 credit option module, and 3 other optional 30 credit modules. Year 3: 120 credits earned through 1 compulsory 30 credit dissertation module and 3 optional 30 credit modules.
20. Marking criteria Marking for this programme is covered by the College generic marking criteria. 21. Will this Programme report to an existing Board, and if so which one? If a new Programme Board of Examiners is to be set up please note name of Board here Existing War Studies Board of Examiners (head of board: Ruth Deyermond) 22. Please confirm that the process for nominating External Examiners has commenced, and if known, note whom the nominated External Examiner(s) may be The process for nominating external examiners has commenced. 23. Particular features of the programme which help to reduce the barriers experienced by disabled students and ensure that the programme is accessible to all students who meet the entry requirements Non-discriminatory access to all features of the degree programme, including teaching facilities, benefits and services, is guaranteed for disabled students who meet the entry requirements, in accordance with the Disability Equality Duty (DED). All courses are taught in a way that does not subject students to discrimination, but the programme as a whole also seeks to foster critical analytical skills and historical perspective antipathetic to discrimination of all kinds. This involves a curriculum which reflects the needs, views and interests of a modern diverse society, and gives access to a range of genres and theoretical approaches, including new scholarship, so as to ensure the inclusion and integration of diverse voices, perspectives, works and ideas.
PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 3 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Not all of the information in this section will be relevant for all programmes and for some programmes this section will not be relevant at all 1. Programme name BA (Hons) International Relations 2. Is this programme involved in collaborative activity? Yes No X If yes what type of Collaborative Provision is it (tick appropriate box)? Does the programme have an access/feeder Programme for entry into it? Does the programme have an articulation/ progression agreement for entry into it? Dual Award Franchised Provision Joint Award Partnership Programme Recognition of Study or Award of Credit through off-campus study or placement Staff and student exchange Validated provision Have the relevant stages and appropriate paperwork been approved and the paperwork forwarded onto ASQ Office? Yes No Not applicable X 3. If the programme is a joint award with an institution outwith the University of London, validated provision or franchised provision, has the necessary approval been sought from College Education Committee? Yes No Not applicable X
Please attach a copy of Part 1 of the Partner Profile and checklist submitted to the College Education Committee 4. Partnership programme - in cases where parts or all of the programme are delivered away from one of the College campuses by a body or bodies external to the College please provide the following details Name and address of the off-campus location and external body Percentage/amount of the programme delivered off-campus or by external body Nature of the involvement of external body Description of the learning resources available at the off-campus location What mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the ongoing monitoring of the delivery of the programme, to include monitoring of learning resources off-site or by the external body? Please attach the report of the visit to the off-campus location 5. Recognition of study or award of credit through off-campus study or placement - please indicate how the time will be spent, the length of time out, the amount of credit and whether it is a compulsory or optional part of the programme Year abroad Year in employment Placement Other (please specify) Time spent Credit amount..compulsory/optional..
6. Please provide a rationale for any such time outside the College, other than that which is a requirement of a professional, statutory or regulatory body N/A 7. Please give details if the programme requires validation or accreditation by a professional, statutory or regulatory body N/A Name and address of PSB Date validation/accreditation commenced: Frequency of validation/ accreditation Date of last validation/accreditation Date of next validation/ accreditation