Programme Specification
MA Security
Academic Year: 2020/21
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 full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.
This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.
This specification should be read in conjunction with:
- Reg. XXI (Postgraduate Awards) (see University Regulations)
- Module Specifications
- Summary
- Aims
- Learning outcomes
- Structure
- Progression & weighting
Programme summary
| Awarding body/institution | º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ |
| Teaching institution (if different) | |
| Owning school/department | School of Social Sciences and Humanities |
| Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body | |
| Final award | MA |
| Programme title | Security |
| Programme code | EUPT44(FT)/EUPT45(PT) |
| Length of programme | 1 year full-time; Typically 2 years part-time |
| UCAS code | N/A |
| Admissions criteria | |
| Date at which the programme specification was published | Mon, 12 Oct 2020 17:52:45 BST |
1. Programme Aims
This programme will enable students to develop an understanding of national and international contemporary security challenges, and of the theoretical and practical frameworks which inform decision-making over conflict resolution and contemporary crises.
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
UK Quality Code for Higher Education, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
Part A: Setting and Maintaining Academic Standards
Part B: Assuring and Enhancing Academic Quality
QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Politics and International Relations, February 2015
3. Programme Learning Outcomes
3.1 Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
K1 demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic understanding of knowledge at the forefront of scholarship in the field of Security;
K2 articulate a critical understanding of contrasting security challenges in the Global North and Global South;
K3 recognise and evaluate rising threats in the international arena;
K4 identify potential solutions and resolutions to conflict;
K5 understand the ethical frameworks which should govern the behaviour of states as laid out in international laws and norms.
3.2 Skills and other attributes
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
C1 critically evaluate and synthesise key concepts, theories and frameworks relating to Security;
C2 flexibly and creatively apply knowledge in unfamiliar contexts and generate transformative solutions in the field of Security;
C3 critically evaluate alternative sources of evidence relating to contemporary conflict;
C4 differentiate between methodologies relating to War Studies and Peace Studies;
C5 respect and be sensitive to different perspectives on political violence, including political stance, gender and ethnic diversity, and human rights.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
P1 engage with major thinkers, debates and intellectual paradigms within the field of Security, productively employing the insights gained in their own work;
P2 design and undertake a substantial independent investigation relating to Security using appropriate methods for the collection and analysis of data;
P3 apply the knowledge gained to produce documents relevant to public policy;
P4 observe appropriate risk assessments and ethical guidelines involved in undertaking an independent research project.
c. Key transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
T1 communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral form to specialist and non-specialist audiences
T2 plan, organise and manage, with appropriate supervision, a significant self-directed project
T3 critically evaluate information and data from a wide range of sources
T4 negotiate different viewpoints and facilitate debate and cooperation within a group discussion
T5 apply skills and abilities learned in relation to their own continuing professional development.
4. Programme structure
FULL TIME (1 year programme)
Semester 1
COMPULSORY MODULES
|
Code |
Title |
Modular weight |
|
PIP700 |
Security in Global Politics |
30 |
|
PIP703 |
Research Design and Practice for Security Studies (15-credit) |
15 |
|
PIP606 |
International Politics: Issues and Policies |
15 |
Semester 2
COMPULSORY MODULES
|
Code |
Title |
Modular weight |
|
PIP701 |
Ethical Dilemmas and Security in the 21st Century |
15 |
|
PIP321 |
Governing Crises |
15 |
|
PIP705 |
Security in the Developing World |
15 |
|
PIP702 |
Urban Warfare |
15 |
Semester 2/Summer
COMPULSORY MODULES
|
Code |
Title |
Modular weight |
|
PIP704 |
Dissertation in Security |
60 |
PART TIME (2 year programme – 90 credits per year)
Year One
Semester 1
COMPULSORY MODULES
|
Code |
Title |
Modular weight |
|
PIP700 |
Security in Global Politics |
30 |
|
PIP606 |
International Politics: issues and policies |
15 |
Semester 2
COMPULSORY MODULES
|
Code |
Title |
Modular weight |
|
PIP701 |
Ethical Dilemmas and Security in the 21st Century |
15 |
|
PIP321 |
Governing Crises |
15 |
|
PIP705 |
Security in the Developing World |
15 |
Year Two
Semester 1
COMPULSORY MODULES
|
Code |
Title |
Modular weight |
|
PIP703 |
Research Design and Practice for Security Studies (15-credit) |
15 |
Semester 2
COMPULSORY MODULES
|
Code |
Title |
Modular weight |
|
PIP702 |
Urban Warfare |
15 |
Semester 1, 2 and 3/Summer
COMPULSORY MODULES
|
Code |
Title |
Modular weight |
|
PIP706 |
Dissertation in Security (part-time) |
60 |
5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award
In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.
With the exclusion of modules EUP704/EUPXXX (Dissertation in Security), provision will be made for candidates who have the right of re-assessment to undergo re-assessment in the University’s Special Assessment Period (SAP).
6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification
N/A
