Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide specialised, systematic and in-depth knowledge of international crisis management deploying appropriate theories, concepts and methods associated with the specific subject area. 

• To enable students to acquire a critical awareness of the breadth of current issues involved in the study of international crisis management.
• To provide training in the concepts and applications of research methods and research design appropriate for the study of international crisis management. 

• To offer opportunities for independent study and research within the field of international crisis management. 

• To equip students with the skills to pursue careers as trained international relations researchers, and with particular reference to international crisis management. 

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications/Descriptors for a Higher Education qualification at Level 7. 

• The Framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (pp. 20-23). 

• QAA Master’s degree characteristics 2010. 

• Criteria for the Degree of Master of Research (MRes). 

• Loughborough University Learning and Teaching Strategy. 

• Annual and Periodic Programme Reviews. 

• Specialisms and research interests of the teaching staff.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

• K1: The theoretical and analytical perspectives within the field of international crisis management, deployed in literatures at the forefront of current research. 

• K2: The complex linkages between these perspectives and their application to the realities and practical case studies of international crisis management. 

• K3: The history of international crisis management and contemporary case studies. 

• K4: Research design and methodology appropriate to the study of international crisis management at an advanced level, including the successful completion of independently researched project.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• C1: Identify and critically evaluate theories and conceptual approaches appropriate to the study of international crisis management at an advanced level. 

• C2: Identify and critically apply theories and concepts to case studies of international crisis management, developing existing knowledge and understanding. 

• C3: Identify case studies for analysis in international crisis management. 

• C4: Demonstrate sophisticated skills of research design and research methodology relevant to the study of international crisis management.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• P1: Formulate research questions and research strategies for studying international crisis management. 

• P2: Develop research frameworks for the completion of an independent research project/dissertation pertaining to the study of international crisis management. 

• P3: Demonstrate timely management of a research project on international crisis management that is consistent with both professional practice and the principles of research ethics in the field of International Relations. 

• P4: Manage research, source materials, data and referencing, and research findings relating to the study of international crisis management, including translation into policy orientated products and services (where appropriate).

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• T1: Design and complete a research project, manage data and demonstrate independent learning ability and self-learning skills (using the Library and other printed, audio-visual and electronic resources; time management). 

• T2: Demonstrate decision making abilities in complex situations and exercise of initiative and leadership. 

• T3: Demonstrate sophisticated written and oral communication and ICT skills. 

• T4: Discuss networking, team working and human resource management issues. 

4. Programme structure

Full time students take modules with a combined weight of 60 cr in semester 1 and 60 cr in semester 2. In addition, students complete a 60 cr. dissertation between May and September.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination to be reassessed in the University’s Special Assessment Period where modules allow.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

n/a