Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide specialised, systematic and in-depth knowledge of the study of and the relationship between diplomacy and international security and peace-building deploying appropriate theories, concepts and methods associated with the specific subject area.
• To enable students to acquire a critical awareness of the current issues involved in the study of the relations between diplomacy, international security and peace-building.
• To provide training in the concepts and applications of research appropriate for the study of diplomacy, international security and peace-building.
• To offer opportunities for independent study and research within the related fields of diplomacy, international security and peace-building.
• To equip students with the skills to pursue careers as trained specialists in diplomacy with particular reference to international security and peace-building.

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

This programme has been developed in line with:

• UK Quality Code for Higher Education, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012, especially Part A: Setting and maintaining academic standards:
  • The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ), the QAA, August 2008
  • Master’s Degree Characteristics, the QAA, March 2010
  • The Higher Education Credit Framework for England, the QAA, August 2008
  • The Quality Code, Part B: Assuring and enhancing academic quality
    • Chapter B1: Programme Design, Development and Approval
    • Chapter B3: Learning and Teaching
    • Chapter B4: Enabling student development and achievement
    • Chapter B6: Assessment of students

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 Concepts and Theoretical Approaches to the study of diplomacy, international security and peace-building.
• K2 Current issues affecting the practice of diplomacy, international security and peace-building.
• K3 Research methods appropriate to the study and practice of diplomacy and related fields.

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 critical evaluate concepts and theories appropriate to the study of diplomacy, international security and peace-building.
• C2 Identify and critically apply concepts and theories to case studies of diplomacy with particular reference to international security and peace-building.
• C3 Identify case studies for analysis in diplomacy, international security and peace-building.
• C4 Demonstrate skills of research design and research methodology relevant to the study of diplomacy and related fields.

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 diplomacy and related fields.
• P2 Develop research frameworks for the completion of an independent research project/dissertation pertaining to diplomacy and related fields.
• P3 Demonstrate timely management of a research project that is consistent with both professional practice and the principles of research ethics in the field of diplomacy, international security and peace-building.
• P4 Manage research materials and findings relevant to the study of diplomacy and related fields.

c. Key transferable skills:

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

• T1 Undertaking independent study and research
• T2 Design and complete a research project, manage data, and demonstrate independent learning.
• T3 Demonstrate decision making abilities in complex situations and exercise of initiative and leadership.
• T4 Demonstrate written and oral communication and ICT skills.
• T5 Develop networking and team working skills. 

4. Programme structure

Semester 1, 2020/21 (January 2021)

Semester 2, 2020/21 (February to June 2021)

Compulsory Modules (45 credits)

Optional Modules (students should select 15 credits)

Semester 3, 2020/21 (June to September 2021)

Compulsory Module (60 credits)

Semester 1, 2021/22 (October 2021 to January 2022)

Compulsory Modules (30 credits)

Optional Modules (students should select 30 credits)

Students will be given specific guidance on optional choices to help them make the correct choice for their chosen career development path.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

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

All modules available in the Special Assessment Period (SAP) unless specified in the Module Specification.

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

Not Applicable