Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide students with an intellectually stimulating environment within which they can develop knowledge, understanding and skills in both History and English.
• To encourage a sense of enthusiasm for History and English; to foster critical, creative and independent thinking; and to develop a sensitive and disciplined approach.
• To stimulate productive reflection on the similarities and differences between modes of study in both subjects.
• To develop competence and practical skills which are transferable to a wide range of professions and employment as well as life experiences.

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

• QAA History Benchmark Statement
• QAA English Benchmark Statement

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:

• the idea of academic disciplines as dynamic, plural and contested; developed within the broader framework of the social sciences and humanities;
• the potential applications of concepts within a broader critical framework;
• the main methodologies used in the analysis and interpretation of texts and other sources; 

and within the History portion of the programme:

• past societies and historical processes over a chronological and geographical range;
• the use of primary evidence in historical argument;
• History as an academic discipline, its schools of interpretations, and the variety of methodological approaches and theoretical foundations;

and within the English portion of the programme:

• a range of authors and texts from different periods of literary history, including those before 1800;
• the distinctive characteristics of the different literary genres of fiction, poetry and drama;
• an appreciation of the structure and function of the English language;
• an appreciation of the power of imagination in literary creation and an awareness of the range and variety of contemporary approaches to literary study;
• practical experience of a range of research and critical methods in English;
• an awareness of the role of culture in a changing landscape of literary production; the ability to understand the epistemological underpinnings of different research traditions in the subject area.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

1.  demonstrate a reflexive approach to learning;

2.  abstract and synthesise information;

3.  assess the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and arguments;

4.  critically evaluate and interpret a range of evidence, including texts and other sources;

5.  undertake problem-solving and decision-making;

6.  develop a reasoned argument;

additionally, within the History portion of the programme:

7.  appreciate the complexities and diversity of past events and mentalities;

8.  show a critical awareness of the problems inherent in historical sources and in interpreting the past;

9. solve problems with imagination and creativity.

and within the English portion of the programme:

10.  on successful completion of the programme students will have acquired critical skills in the close reading and analysis of texts and will have a thorough understanding of texts, concepts and theories relating to English studies;

11.  they will have an appreciation of the central role of language in the creation of meaning and will have gained rhetorical skills of effective communication and argument.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

1. locate and retrieve information using a variety of research methods;
2. select, combine, and interpret different types of source material;
3. deploy bibliographic skills including accuracy in the citation of sources and the use of proper conventions in the presentation of scholarly work
4. present cogent and persuasive arguments in oral, written and practical form;
5. undertake independent learning and research;
6. recognise and critically debate moral and ethical issues underpinning particular debates or enquiries.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to handle complex information in a structured, systematic and analytical way. They should be able to participate effectively in group work using communication effectively, including dialogue, writing formats and visualisation. They should possess effective organisational and time-management skills. They should posses an independence of mind, creativity and intellectual maturity. 

4. Programme structure

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also achieve a module mark of at least 30% in all modules in each Part.

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of reassessment in any Part of the programme to undergo re-assessment in the University's special assessment period.

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

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40%, Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide students with an intellectually-stimulating environment within which they can develop knowledge, understanding and skills in both History and Geography.
• To encourage a sense of enthusiasm for History and Geography; to foster critical, creative and independent thinking; and to develop a sensitive and disciplined approach.
• To stimulate productive reflection on the similarities and differences between modes of study in both subjects.
• To develop competence and practical skills which are transferable to a wide range of professions and employment as well as life experiences.

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

• QAA History Benchmark Statement
• QAA Geography Benchmark Statement

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:

• the idea of academic disciplines as dynamic, plural and contested; developed within the broader framework of the social sciences and humanities;
• the potential applications of concepts within a broader critical framework;
• the main methodologies used in the analysis and interpretation of texts, other sources and data;

and within the History portion of the programme:

• past societies and historical processes over a chronological and geographical range;
• the use of primary evidence in historical argument;
• History as an academic discipline, its schools of interpretations, and the variety of methodological approaches and theoretical foundations;

and within the Geography portion of the programme:

• a range of environments, in the broadest sense, of environmental processes and the impacts of these processes on human activities and vice versa;
• the ways in which representations and interpretations of the world are socially-constructed, and the forms of geographical difference;
• the determinants of temporal and spatial variation in the physical, social, economic and political worlds; and the significance of spatial and temporal scale on physical processes, human processes and on their interactions;
• past patterns of environmental and social changes, and of the processes and conditions that have determined those changes, and the implications for the future.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

1. demonstrate a reflexive approach to learning;
2. abstract and synthesise information;
3. assess the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and arguments;
4. critically evaluate and interpret a range of evidence, including texts, other sources and data;
5. undertake problem-solving and decision-making;
6. develop a reasoned argument;
7. solve problems with imagination and creativity;

additionally, within the History portion of the programme:

1. appreciate the complexities and diversity of past events and mentalities;
2. show a critical awareness of the problems inherent in historical sources and in interpreting the past;

and within the Geography portion of the programme:

1.  recognise and critically debate the moral and ethical issues underpinning particular geographical debates or enquiries;
2.  appreciate the importance of geographical scale to understanding physical, natural and social environments.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

1. combine and interpret different types of evidence;
2. design and execute a piece of research and produce a report;

additionally, within the History portion of the programme:

3. present cogent and persuasive arguments in oral, written and practical form;
4. critically assess the effectiveness and value of a wide range of oral, written and performed communications;
5. locate and retrieve information using a variety of research methods;

additionally, within the Geography portion of the programme:

6. undertake safe and effective field and laboratory work;
7. employ a range of survey skills for the collection of qualitative and quantitative data and to use appropriate methods for the analysis of these data;
8. prepare effective maps and diagrams using a range of appropriate technologies.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should have:

1. Verbal and written communication skills.
2. Numeracy and computational skills.
3. Field and laboratory skills.
4. Spatial awareness and observational skills.
5. IT and information handling and retrieval.
6. Independent study and group work.
7. Time management
8. Creativity and intellectual maturity. 

4. Programme structure

4.1

(1)       Modules with a total modular weight of 60 must be studied in each academic year (Parts A, B and C) from both History and Geography.

(2)       Candidates must take at least 20 credits in History and 20 credits in Geography in each Semester.

(3)       Candidates must take a total modular weight of 120 in each Part with a minimum module weight of 50 in each semester, taking into account both compulsory and optional modules.

(4)        Due to timetabling constraints, not all option combinations may be available.

4.2       Content

Students must be registered for a minimum of 50 credits and a maximum of 70 credits in each semester.

(1) Part A – Introductory Modules

History Component

(i) Compulsory Modules (total modular weight 60 Credits)

(ii)  Optional Modules

 None

Geography Component

(i) Compulsory Modules (total modular weight 60 Credits)

(ii)  Optional Modules

 None

(2) Part B – Degree Modules

Students must be registered for a minimum of 50 credits and a maximum of 70 credits in each Semester

History Component

(i)  COMPULSORY MODULES

(ii)  OPTIONAL MODULES (total modular weight 60 Credits, 30 in each semester)

 Candidates should note that combinations of modules of the same titles but with different credit-weightings are mutually exclusive.  If module EUB708 is chosen, this forms part of the 30 credits in Semester 2.

Geography Component

(i)  COMPULSORY MODULES

None

(ii)  OPTIONAL MODULES

 Candidates must choose a combined modular weight of 60 from Geography modules over Semesters 1 and 2, of which a minimum of 40 must be from Group 1.  Fieldcourse modules are mutually exclusive. If module GYB327 is chosen, this forms part of the 60 credit combined modular weight.

 Geography - Group 1 

Geography – Group 2

(3)          Part I

Candidates following the four-year programme are required to undertake an academic year abroad (Part I) which occurs between Part B and Part C at a French-, German- or Spanish-speaking university, following an approved course of study leading to the Diploma in International Studies in accordance with Senate Regulation XI.  Candidates may also follow an approved course of study at a foreign university where teaching is in English leading to the Diploma in International Studies in accordance with Senate Regulation XI.

Candidates following the four-year thick sandwich programme are required to spend the third academic year (Part I) EITHER undertaking an approved Assistantship at a school or other approved placement in a French-, German- or Spanish-speaking country, leading to the Diploma in International Studies in accordance with Senate Regulation XI, OR undertaking an approved placement in the UK or abroad leading to the Diploma in Professional Studies in accordance with Senate Regulation XI.  Participation in study abroad or a placement is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance during parts A and B.

(4)          Part C – Degree Modules

Students must be registered for a minimum of 50 credits and a maximum of 70 credits in each Semester. Credits for the Dissertation in History module must be split equally (20:20) across both semesters.  Credits for the Geography Dissertation may be split between Semesters in the ratio of either 20:10 or 10:20 depending on the balance of other modular weights selected.

(i)           COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 30 or 40 Credits)

(ii)          History Modules (total modular weight 20 or 60 Credits)

Candidates who have chosen to take EUC701 Dissertation in History (40 credits) must take a further 20 credits of History optional modules.  Candidates who have chosen GYC400 Geography Dissertation (30 credits) must choose 60 credits of History optional modules.

Geography Modules (total modular weight 30 or 60 Credits)

Candidates who have chosen to take GYC400 Geography Dissertation (30 Credit) must take a further 30 Credits of Geography optional modules.  Candidates who have chosen EUC701 Dissertation in History (40 Credit) must choose 60 credits of Geography optional modules.  Candidates must choose a combined modular weight of 60 from Geography modules over Semesters 1 and 2, of which the Geography Dissertation GYC400 is part.  GYC401 instances 1 & 2 are mutually exclusive.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also achieve a module mark of at least 30% in all modules in each Part.

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of reassessment in any Part of the programme to undergo re-assessment in the University's special assessment period.

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

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40%, Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide students with an intellectually stimulating environment within which they can develop knowledge, understanding and skills in both History and International Relations.
• To encourage a sense of enthusiasm for History and International Relations; to foster critical, creative and independent thinking; and to develop a sensitive and disciplined approach.
• To stimulate productive reflection on the similarities and differences between modes of study in both subjects.
• To develop competence and practical skills which are transferable to a wide range of professions and employment as well as life experiences.

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

• QAA Subject Benchmarking Statement - History
• QAA Subject Benchmarking Statement – Politics and International Relations

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:

• the idea of academic disciplines as dynamic, plural and contested; developed within the broader framework of the social sciences and humanities;
• the potential applications of concepts within a broader critical framework;
• the main methodologies used in the analysis and interpretation of texts, other sources and data;

and within the History portion of the programme:

• past societies and historical processes over a chronological and geographical range;
• the use of primary evidence in historical argument;
• History as an academic discipline, its schools of interpretations, and the variety of methodological approaches and theoretical foundations;

and within the International Relations portion of the programme:

• how states, international organisations and other transnational actors interact (both cooperatively and conflictually) within regional and global arenas;
• related questions of power, conflict, justice, order, legitimacy, decision-making and governance at the global and regional levels
• approaches derived from international political theory and political analysis;
• appropriate research methods and methodologies and how to apply these.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

1. demonstrate a reflexive approach to learning;
2. abstract and synthesise information;
3. assess the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and arguments;
4. critically evaluate and interpret a range of evidence, including texts, other sources and data;
5. undertake problem-solving and decision-making;
6. develop a reasoned argument;

and within the History portion of the programme:

7. appreciate the complexities and diversity of past events and mentalities;
8. show a critical awareness of the problems inherent in historical sources and in interpreting the past;
9. solve problems with imagination and creativity;

and within the International Relations portion of the programme: 

10. describe, evaluate and, where appropriate, critique political events, ideas and institutions operating at regional and global levels of analysis;
11. relate theory and political analysis to questions of ethical, moral and public concern at regional and global levels of analysis. 

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

1. locate and retrieve information using a variety of research methods;
2. select, combine, and interpret different types of source material;
3. recognise and critically debate moral and ethical issues underpinning particular debates or enquiries;
4. deploy bibliographic skills including accuracy in the citation of sources and the use of proper conventions in the presentation of scholarly work;
5. present cogent and persuasive arguments in oral, written and practical form;
6. undertake independent learning and research

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should have developed skills in the areas of communication, presentations, self-organisation, working with others and time-management, and gained experience of using information and communication technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information.

4. Programme structure

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also achieve a module mark of at least 30% in all modules in each Part.

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of reassessment in any Part of the programme to undergo re-assessment in the University's special assessment period.

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

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40%, Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide students with an intellectually stimulating environment within which they can develop knowledge, understanding and skills in both History and Politics.
• To encourage a sense of enthusiasm for History and Politics; to foster critical, creative and independent thinking; and to develop a sensitive and disciplined approach.
• To stimulate productive reflection on the similarities and differences between modes of study in both subjects.
• To develop competence and practical skills which are transferable to a wide range of professions and employment as well as life experiences.

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

• QAA Subject Benchmarking Statement - History
• QAA Subject Benchmarking Statement – Politics and International Relations

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:

• the idea of academic disciplines as dynamic, plural and contested; developed within the broader framework of the social sciences and humanities;
• the potential applications of concepts within a broader critical framework;
• the main methodologies used in the analysis and interpretation of texts, other sources and data;

and within the History portion of the programme:

• past societies and historical processes over a chronological and geographical range;
• the use of primary evidence in historical argument;
• History as an academic discipline, its schools of interpretations, and the variety of methodological approaches and theoretical foundations;

and within the Politics portion of the programme:

• how peoples, ideas and institutions interact and how values and resources are allocated through government and society;
• related questions of power, conflict, justice, order, legitimacy and decision-making;
• approaches derived from political theory and political analysis;
• appropriate research methods and methodologies and how to apply these

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

1. demonstrate a reflexive approach to learning;
2. abstract and synthesise information;
3. assess the merits of contrasting theories, explanations and arguments;
4. critically evaluate and interpret a range of evidence, including texts, other sources and data;
5. undertake problem-solving and decision-making;
6. develop a reasoned argument;

 and within the History portion of the programme: 

7. appreciate the complexities and diversity of past events and mentalities;
8. show a critical awareness of the problems inherent in historical sources and in interpreting the past;
9. solve problems with imagination and creativity; 

and within the Politics portion of the programme: 

10.  describe, evaluate and, where appropriate, critique political events, ideas and institutions;

11. relate theory and political analysis to questions of ethical, moral and public concern.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

1. locate and retrieve information using a variety of research methods;
2. select, combine, and interpret different types of source material;
3. recognise and critically debate moral and ethical issues underpinning particular debates or enquiries;
4. deploy bibliographic skills including accuracy in the citation of sources and the use of proper conventions in the presentation of scholarly work
5. present cogent and persuasive arguments in oral, written and practical form;
6. undertake independent learning and research

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should have developed skills in the areas of communication, presentations, self-organisation, working with others and time-management, and gained experience of using information and communication technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information.

4. Programme structure

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also achieve a module mark of at least 30% in all modules in each Part.

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of reassessment in any Part of the programme to undergo re-assessment in the University's special assessment period.

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

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40%, Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

1. To introduce students to problems, concepts and debates in International Relations, informed by research at the forefront of contemporary debates.
2. To provide a comprehensive grounding in International Relations and in the cognate disciplines of political science and area studies, supporting the analysis of the contemporary world arena.
3. To develop competence in the research strategies and methods of International Relations, including international political theory, international political analysis, the study of international regimes, conflict and crisis management.
4. To enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of topical issues in International Relations by applying theory to practice and by using practice to reflect on theory.
5. To foster the acquisition of key transferable skills including critical analysis; appraisal of evidence and formulation of hypothesis based on available information; evaluation of debates in international affairs; appropriately use communication and information technology; and clear communication of ideas.
6. To broaden perspectives on International Relations through multidisciplinary research, by providing a range of electives from the disciplines of the humanities and social sciences, by enabling students to extend, apply and/or reflect on their learning through training in the UK or abroad and/or through the study of a modern language.

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

• QAA Benchmarking statements for Politics and International Relations
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
• University Learning and Teaching Strategy
• Departmental Learning and Teaching policies
• The research interests and specialisms of the teaching staff and their professional involvement in the discipline

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

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

K1. discuss the nature and characteristics of a variety of international actors and phenomena, including the international state system, non-governmental actors and the challenges of international governance;

K2. analyse the major trends and causal factors relevant to the contemporary International System;

K3. explain competing interpretations of international events and approaches to international governance;

K4. apply core concepts and methods used in IR scholarship and in the cognate disciplines of political science and area studies to analyse the international arena;

K5. evaluate principles, methods, ideas and problems drawn from the study of International Relations and cognate disciplines in the humanities and/or the social sciences.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

C1. choose appropriate research strategies and methods of International Relations to analyse key issues and events;

C2. evaluate leading concepts, ideas, principles and models of International Relations theory;

C3. apply principles and theoretical approaches of International Relations theory to analyse unfolding international events, and formulate coherent solutions to problems of international governance and diplomacy;

C4. use sophisticated argument and analysis to propose solutions to complex problems.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

P1. use information technology to retrieve and communicate information to a range of different audiences;

P2. evaluate sources of information and the ethical issues relating to research in International Relations;

P3. undertake independent research under supervision;

P4. organise personal learning and development self-critically.

c. Key transferable skills:

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

T1. appraise evidence and formulate hypothesis based on available information;

T2. manage time effectively and work to deadlines;

T3. apply research skills and practices to offer interpretations of complex and unfamiliar ideas, abstract concepts, political phenomena and events;

T4. summarise complex scholarly debates;

T5. evaluate alternative solutions to complex problems;

T6. co-operate with others for common benefit.

4. Programme structure

4.1

Modules with a total modular weight of 100 must be studied in each Academic Year (Parts A, B and C) from International Relations.  Candidates may take 20 credits of elective modules in each Part.  Candidates choose modules derived from a list provided by the Department of Politics, History and International Relations, depending on the candidates' previous qualifications.  Due to timetabling constraints, not all option combinations may be available. 

4.2          Content

(1)          Part A – Introductory Modules 

Students must be registered for a minimum of 50 credits and a maximum of 70 credits in each Semester

(i)           COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight of 100 Credits)

(ii)          OPTIONAL MODULES (total modular weight 20 Credits)

 Candidates must choose 20 credits from one optional subject group which must be followed through Part A from:

(2)          Part B – Degree Modules

EITHER

(a)  Standard Route

(i)  COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 20 Credits)

(ii)  OPTIONAL MODULES (total modular weight 100 Credits)

In addition to the compulsory modules EUB605 and EUB608, candidates must choose a minimum modular weight of 80 Group 1 modules over Semesters 1 and 2. The remaining 20 credits may be chosen from Groups 1 and 2. Candidates should note that combinations of modules of the same titles but with different credit weightings are mutually exclusive.

Group 1 – International Relations

Group 2 – Electives

Choice of elective subject modules will be subject to satisfying any prerequisites set out in individual module specifications