UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she passes the programme. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found either by following the links provided or in the programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this specification is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Degree and Programme Title: MA in International Studies (two capitals programme) International Double Award (120 ECTS)
1. Awarding Institution/Body University of Kent and partners (see Annexes) 2. Teaching Institution University of Kent and partners (see Annexes) 3. Teaching Site Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS) and partners 4. Programme accredited by: N/a 5. Final Award MA (Kent) and MA (partner institution) 6. Programme International Studies (Two capitals programme) 7. UCAS code (or other code) N/a 8. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group/s N/A 9. Date of production/revision January 2012 10. Applicable cohort/s 2012 entry and onwards
11. Educational Aims of the Programme The programme aims to: 1. provide a programme that will attract, and meet the needs of, those seeking advanced training in International Studies; 2. provide a programme which allows students to specialise in one of the disciplines of international relations, conflict and security, international political economy or public policy; 3. provide a programme which allows students to experience different approaches to international studies in different continents and the political and economic contexts which shape these approaches; 4. provide students with a research-active learning environment which gives them a good grounding in aspects of international studies, including its political, social, and economic aspects; 5. examine how state, non-state and supra-national actors behave and interact through a dynamic appreciation of different levels of analysis and in different political systems; 6. ensure that students acquire advanced knowledge of theories relating to relevant aspects of international studies, the heritage and development of the contributing disciplines, their major debates, the inherent nature of interdisciplinary study, and a critical appreciation of the essentially contested nature of politics in general and international studies in particular; 7. ensure that students acquire an advanced understanding of the relationship between theoretical, methodological, and empirical content of the issue-areas studied; 8. for the MA and MA (120 ECTS): develop students’ general research skills and personal skills (transferable skills), in particular through a substantial dissertation
12. Programme Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. Knowledge and Understanding Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
A. Advanced knowledge and understanding of: 1. historical and theoretical issues at Teaching/learning: The first stage of the the forefront of the disciplines Brussels part of the programme for all students contributing to international studies, consists of participation in six modules, including together with familiarity with two required modules and four elective modules. appropriate bibliographical sources; Acquisition of all intended learning outcomes 2. the epistemological and listed under 12A is achieved through a methodological principles in their combination of lecture/seminars in compulsory application to international studies; and elective modules providing an opportunity to 3. key ontological, theoretical, and develop a critical engagement with political methodological problems of phenomena and knowledge in the discipline international studies; through lectures and/or small-group seminars. 4. current challenges to international order, cooperation, identity, social Assessment: learning outcomes are assessed formations, and global issues, and through a combination of written coursework and possible strategies to address oral presentations. Progress is monitored through them; small group work and the Personal Academic 5. the changing role of the state in the Support System. context of globalisation and regional integration and the Students write a dissertation of 12,000 words on implications for international peace an approved topic in the second stage of the and security; Brussels part of the programme. The dissertation 6. different approaches to the analysis provides an opportunity for independent work, and understanding of these under supervision from academic staff enabling problems in different political and students to design and carry out a research cultural settings; project. The process of researching, preparing 7. how to carry out an independent and writing a dissertation enhances students’ research project and write in a research and drafting skills. scholarly manner demonstrating familiarity with academic The requirements of the partner institution are conventions deal with complex detailed in the relevant Annex. issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly.
Skills and Other Attributes B. Intellectual skills: Skills and Other Attributes 1. general research skills, especially Teaching/learning: Intellectual skills and bibliographic and computing skills; general research skills are developed through 2. gather, organize and deploy evidence, the teaching and learning programme outlined data and information from a variety of below. Each module, whatever the format of secondary and some primary sources; teaching, involves the critical reflection on key 3. identify, investigate, analyse, formulate themes, verbal discussion and the written and advocate solutions to problems; analysis and interpretation of the relevant 4. develop reasoned arguments, synthesise material. Lectures and/or staff-led seminars relevant information and exercise critical and project work promote 1-6. Students are judgement, introduced to ways in which social-science 5. reflect on, and manage, their own perspectives can be employed to interpret a learning and seek to make use of range of political issues. Lectures encourage a constructive feedback from peers and critical awareness of political phenomena and staff to enhance their performance and an appreciation of the diverse ways of personal skills, interpreting them. The lectures provide 6. manage their own learning self-critically students with an outline of the respective topic and focus on methodological as well as practical problems in the area of conflict and conflict resolution. In coursework and dissertation students are trained to develop their general research skills and to sustain methodological as well as substantive arguments.
Assessment: Intellectual skills are assessed through assessed coursework.
C. Subject-specific skills: 1. applying concepts, theories and Teaching/learning: All students receive initial methods used in international studies, guidance on how to identify, locate and use the analysis of political events, ideas, material available in the library and online institutions and practices; resources. Comprehensive reading lists are 2. evaluating different interpretations of provided for each module at outset, as are political issues and events; guidelines for the production of essays. 3. describing, evaluating and applying Discussion of theoretical and conceptual different approaches to collecting, issues are integrated into all modules. analysing and presenting political Students are encouraged to evaluate a information; comprehensive sample of political perspectives 4. developing a good understanding of and texts. the main epistemological issues All students receive training in philosophical relative to research in the social and epistemological questions sciences, including some major relating to the social sciences. theoretical and epistemological debates in the social sciences, such Assessment: Discussion of issues, formative as explanation of and understanding assessment of presentations in class; essays the differences between positivist, and projects; marks for essays, exams and, in realist and other accounts of social some cases, individual seminar contributions. science and the practical implications of the major alternative philosophical positions in the social sciences for research;
D. Transferable skills: 1. Communication: communicate effectively Teaching/learning: Transferable/key skills are and fluently in speech and writing generally incorporated within modules and (including, where appropriate, the use of related to relevant assessments as appropriate. IT); organise information clearly and Examples of strategies include: student and coherently; use communication and staff-led seminars. In various seminars students information technology for the retrieval have an opportunity to present their work to and presentation of information, colleagues. They also attend and contribute to including, where appropriate, statistical or workshops and conferences where appropriate. numerical information; They engage in self-directed learning and the 2. Information technology: produce written use of research-based teaching materials and documents; undertake online research; methods. All modules require written work and communicate using e-mail; process feedback on this is given to the students to help information using databases; develop their power of presentation, analysis 3. Working with others: define and review and communication. Skill 4 is not formally the work of others; work co-operatively taught, but learnt implicitly through tutor on group tasks; understand how groups feedback on coursework, the management of function; collaborate with others and time to meet deadlines and in planning a contribute effectively to the achievement supervised dissertation project. Supervised of common goals; dissertations give students the opportunity to 4. Improving own learning: explore personal acquire essential skills of writing and strengths and weaknesses; time presentation such as organising the management; review working dissertation; using references and appendices; environment (especially student-staff using graphics; making citations; preparing relationship); develop autonomy in research findings in a variety of ways; and using learning; work independently, Internet-based research tools. IT skills are also demonstrating initiative and self- developed through individual learning. Team organisation. Important research working skills are developed through group management skills include the setting of work, workshops and the self-organised appropriate timescales for different graduate conference sponsored by the School. stages of the research with clear starting and finishing dates (through a Assessment: Effective communication of dissertation); presentation of a clear ideas, problem solving and research skills are statement of the purposes and expected continually taken into account in assessing all results of the research; and developing areas of a student's work, and regular feedback appropriate means of estimating and and the final mark reflects this. Group work monitoring resources and use of time. skills and skills of time planning and 5. Problem solving: identify and define management are not formally assessed. problems; explore alternative solutions and discriminate between them.
13. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards The MA in International Studies (Two Capitals Programme) is offered on a full-time basis in line with the University’s credit framework. The programme requires one year to be spent at the University of Kent’s Brussels campus and one year to be spent at a partner university in another capital city (currently arrangements are in place for this year to be spent in Washington DC or Beijing, but further approved partners may be added). For students starting at the University of Kent, the first year of study is spent following the programme of one of the existing Masters degrees at the Brussels campus (see below). Six modules accounting for 120 credits will be studied in the first two terms of study. From this a number of credits can be transferred into the programme at the partner university enabling the student to obtain an appropriate award from the partner university at the end of the second year of study (the details of the credits required and these awards are given in the Annexes). In order to complete the Kent award credits equivalent to three further modules (60 credits) will be transferred from the partner institution and aggregated, together with the Dissertation (60 credits) and the initial 120 credits. This will enable students to remain as registered students of the University of Kent until they complete both years of study The credits earned in the partner institution will enhance the learning outcomes of the programme by demonstrating the student’s ability to meet Aim 3 and Programme Outcome A.6 detailed above.
Each Kent module carries 20 University of Kent credits. One University of Kent credit corresponds to approximately 10 hours of "learning time". This includes all taught and supervised classes and all private study and research. The dissertation carries 60 credits
The Programme comprises of a total of 240 University of Kent credits (120 ECTS). This comprises 120 credits for the coursework completed at the University of Kent, 60 credits for the Dissertation and 60 credits transferred from the partner institution for coursework completed there. Additional credits earned at the partner institution together with credits earned at the University of Kent and transferred subject to the arrangements detailed in the relevant Annex may entitle the student to an award of the partner institution. The year of study at the University of Kent involves approximately 1800 hours of learning time. To be eligible for the award of a Master’s degree in the Two Capitals Programme students have to obtain at least 240 University of Kent credits (120 ECTS).
Students will initially be registered on the one of the following programmes: MA in International relations, MA in Conflict and Security, MA in International Political Economy, MA in European Public Policy and will follow the programme as detailed in the programme specification for that programme..
Students will normally start the programme in September, but a start in January may be possible although progression to the second year in the partner institution will normally only be possible in September. September students take their modules in Terms 1 and 2 consecutively, and write their dissertation over Term 3 and the summer before proceeding to the partner institution. January students take their modules in Terms 2 and 1 consecutively, and write their dissertation over Term 2 before proceeding to the partner institution in the September.
Transfer to the Two Capitals Programme will be effected after Stage 1 of the Kent programme which involves the six taught modules in the first year of study, and will be dependent on the achievement of an overall Merit grade and any additional requirements of the partner institution as detailed in the relevant Annex. In cases of documented illness or other mitigating circumstances, failure in one or more elements may be condoned.
The structure of the Kent part of the programme and the modules that make it up, their levels, credits and the terms in which they are taught, are shown in the relevant programme specification for the MA programme of initial registration as listed below. Details of each module can be found at the UKB website at http://www.kent.ac.uk/brussels
Please note that the following programmes as laid out in term of available modules are subject to change. http://www.kent.ac.uk/socsci/ MA in European Public Policy MA in International Conflict and Security MA in International Development MA in International Political Economy MA in International Relations The mapping of Kent modules onto programme learning outcomes is as given in the individual programme specifications. The additional modules taken at the partner institution contribute to the wider international dimension of this programme as specified in Aim 3 and Programme Outcome A.6.
14. Support for Students and Their Learning induction Induction programme Handbook Library Library tours at the beginning of the academic year Generic library skills training sessions taught by library staff Training sessions on the use of online-resources and data bases Special support for students writing projects and dissertations All new students obtain the Essential Information Services Guide All new students obtain Library Special Guide on learning resources in Politics, International Relations and European Studies The subject librarian can be consulted on an individual basis by telephone or email. Learning resources long and short term lending, access to online resources, interlibrary loans, video library online book renewals and reservations students have access to ca. 600 online full-text journals the Department subscribes to more than 200 journals online library resources available from off-campus student representation on the Staff-Student Liaison Committee and UKB Board of Studies Academic support system – advice on module choice and programme structure, academic difficulties, progression routes and individual progress. Personal-tutor system (Programme convenor) . Central support services, Disability support services are provided through the Canterbury campus. Career advice services are offered at UKB. Medical and counselling services are offered through the VUB.
15. Entry Profile – Minimum Requirements (which differ from our standard offer levels) Entry Route Normal Faculty postgraduate admissions criteria apply. Minimum requirements: Students should have a good British Honours degree (First or Upper Second Class) or equivalent (US GPA of 3.0) normally in Politics, Government, Law, International Relations, International Studies or European Studies or in a cognate discipline in the social sciences or humanities. However, students from other disciplines will also be considered. What does this programme have to offer? The possibility to gain a truly international experience while studying international relations Inter-cultural understanding, cooperation, and cosmopolitanism reflected in the staff and student body; An insight into the dynamics of international relations, across a number of issue areas, and the different ways of approaching them, so as to enable students to engage in a number of career paths; An insight into the nature of change as an endemic feature of politics on an national, regional and global scale; an understanding of the causes of change; and ways in which to manage change; An insight into the role of various international actors – state, and non-state – as actor on the international scene; A solid introduction to the philosophical and epistemological foundations of the study of international relations; Insights into the complex relationship between the concerns of domestic and international politics, global and geopolitical issues; Research-informed teaching; The opportunity to study international relations in a specialised graduate school with expertise on cognate fields such as international law, conflict analysis, and migration studies; The opportunity to study international relations in Brussels, with all the opportunities that closeness to so many relevant institutions involved in the formulation, application and implementation of development policy entails; Research-informed teaching Wide choice of specialised modules;
Personal Profile . A track record of high academic achievement An interest in politics and current affairs A willingness to engage in informed debate about current, and often controversial, issues An interest to acquire advanced training in the study of conflict and peace . A commitment to develop the skills required to analyse political problems in the field of international relations . An ability to thrive in a demanding and competitive environment . An interest in acquiring advanced training in the study of political phenomena . A willingness to apply rigorous thinking to the debate about current, and often controversial, issues . A desire to acquire and develop professional skills linked to academic study . An interest to pursue a career in politics and policy-related jobs, in Europe or elsewhere
16. Methods for evaluating and enhancing the quality and standards of teaching and learning Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards Student module evaluation questionnaires Annual monitoring reports (includes review of progression and achievement statistics) External examiners' reports Periodic programme reviews Active staff development programme Regular monitoring review of student progress with partner institution. All work submitted for transfer of credit will be made available for review by External Examiners. Peer observation Annual staff appraisal Mentoring of new lecturers QAA Institutional Audit Continuous monitoring of student progress Regular Away Days Vetting process of examination questions by vetting committee and external examiners Double marking and/or moderation of at least 80% of assessed work Evaluation of graduate destination statistics Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards Programme Approval Sub-Committee of the University Learning and Teaching Board and Graduate School Board Faculty Graduate Studies Committee Departmental Graduate Studies Committee Board of Graduate Studies UKB Board of Studies UKB Staff/Student Liaison Committee Board of Examiners (attended by External Examiners) Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience UKB Staff/Student Liaison Committee Student module evaluations Exit questionnaires at programme level Discussions with MA convenor Discussions with module convenors Discussions in regular feedback sessions at the end of each term Discussions with the Director of Graduate Studies Informal meetings and social contact with students (including student role in recruitment activities) Student representation on Staff-Student Liaison Committee and UKB Board of Studies. Discussions with teaching staff: staff have office hours when students can discuss their modules/programmes Staff development priorities include: Research-informed teaching Links with other European institutions Staff appraisal scheme Staff supervision Research seminars Subject based conferences Interdisciplinary conferences Minimum expected qualifications for appointments to lecturing posts Minimum expected research record for appointments to lecturing posts Mentoring of new and part-time lecturers Study leave Conference attendance (with or without departmental funding) Annual policy day meeting
17. Indicators of quality and standards Independent review of the quality of educational provision in the University and Department by the Quality Assurance Agency (Institutional Audit) . External Examiners’ reports . Graduate destinations
The following reference points were used in creating these specifications: . Subject Benchmark Statement for Politics and International Relations . University Plan and Learning and Teaching Strategy . Periodic Review . School Plan . UKB Plan ANNEX 1 Virginia Tech
The Two Capitals programme at Virginia Tech (VT) is based on an agreement with the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at the National Capital Region Campus in Alexandria, VA for students to enter the Government and International Affairs (GIA) programme for the Masters in Public and International Affairs (MPIA). Successful students who complete the two-year programme will qualify for an MA in International Studies from the University of Kent and a Master in Public and International Affairs from VT.
Financial Arrangements Kent students on the Two Capitals Programme will pay the University of Kent for the second year of study at VT. The fee will be set in May each year based on the cost in US dollars of the number of credits needed to complete the MPIA (typically 21 US credits). The indicative cost is of the order of USD21000.
Credit Transfer and Equivalence VT allows for the import of up to maximum of 15 credits (out of a total of 36 credits required for the MPIA). These have to be at grades equivalent to at least a B-grade in the VT system. These 15 credits are equivalent to 100 Kent credits (5 taught modules) with a minimum grade of Merit (60%+) in the Kent system and an overall Merit at Stage 1 of the programme. Comparing notional hours of study and expected learning outcomes in the two systems gives us confidence that a 20 credit Kent module and a 3 credit hours VT module are roughly equivalent.
In order to complete the 240 credit Kent degree it will be necessary to transfer the equivalent of 60 Kent credits from VT into the Kent degree; this involves 9 VT credits or three modules. These three modules will be normally taken as the best three from the Core and marks converted on the attached conversion scale for inclusion in the overall classification.
There are no specified pre-requisites and no prescription as to which modules are to be counted for transfer purposes.
VT students transferring to Kent may either transfer 9 VT credits towards the Kent 240 credit programme or enter a 180 credit Kent programme with no transfer. In either case students are expected to have achieved an average B-grade, with a minimum of a B-grade in any credits transferred. Marks will be converted on the attached conversion scale.
MPIA Programme Structure. The MPIA Programme requires completion of 36 credit hours (of which 15 credit hours can be transferred from Kent). The transferred credit hours will be treated normally as fulfilling the elective requirements of the programme, unless a direct equivalence between a Kent module and a VT module can be established.
The MPIA programme requires 12 credit hours from each of three blocks of courses: Core, Modes of Inquiry and Area of Specialization. There are two main Areas of Specialisation: Governance & Global Security and Governance and Capacity Building. Each block of courses allows for a degree of choice.
Kent students will normally take 4 courses from the Core (12 credit hours) and 3 courses from Modes of Inquiry (9 credit hours) to include at least one Foundation course and the Major Paper.
Conversion Scales