The School of Sociology Politics and International Studies seeks to provide excellence in teaching and learning within a top quality research environment. This programme aims to provide students with an understanding of international security by means of a variety of methodological and theoretical approaches. The principal subject-specific aim of the programme is to equip students to explore the subject of international security, which is defined to include threats to groups as well as nations, to the biosphere as well as the polity, and in the political, economic, and environmental as well as military sectors. The programme seeks to develop the student's interest in and knowledge and understanding of the nature of conflict and war: different types of security governance regimes; the effects of globalisation on the agents and structures of power; 'human security', which involves analysing conflicts among communities and within nations that threaten life and dignity. The programme's structure and content have been devised to be discrete, structurally coherent and intellectually challenging. The substantive and methodological content is at or informed by the cutting edge of scholarship in the sub-field and wider discipline. Students learn how knowledge in the sub-field and discipline advance, how to critique existing methods and how to use that understanding to generate their own original and creative solutions to existing and new problems. We aim to expose students comprehensively to the core theoretical constructs and methods of this subfield of the discipline of politics and expand their knowledge of a range of international systems, institutions, practices, behaviours and ideas. Our more general goal is to produce top quality postgraduates who have an advanced understanding of theoretical and conceptual tools with which to critically evaluate international security phenomena within and beyond the remit of their degree programme. The School places primary emphasis on students' written analysis of international security issues. However, our assessment procedures encourage students to develop a broad range of transferable skills, including oral argument, time management skills, critical thinking, conceptualisation, independent learning and team-work. As a result, students emerge from the programme with a set of problem-solving skills that enable them to exercise sound judgement as professionals in complex, uncertain and new environments; to communicate clearly with specialists and non-specialist audiences; and (through learning how to learn) to continue to develop their skills independently in those environments.
Knowledge and Understanding
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes |
Learning and Teaching Methods |
- key international security concepts, and the contested nature of those concepts and their application
- diverse theoretical perspectives on international security, the multifaceted nature of international security analysis, and conceptual and methodological linkages to cognate disciplines
- conceptual frameworks used to analyse international security systems, institutions, ideas and practices
- the relationships between the academic field of international security and everyday understandings of international security
- an appreciation of the complex relationship between structure/institutions and agency/choice in understanding international security phenomena
- debates concerning the nature of conflict and war
- different types of security governance regimes.
- the effects of globalisation on the agents and structures of power
- the notion of human security
- the interaction of political, societal economic, environmental and military security issues
- a student-selected group of international security sub-fields and/or related world politics sub-fields
- the relationship of argument and evidence in international security debates
- the policy relevance of international security research
- the process and methodology of conducting an independent international security research project
- critical analytical skills (oral and written) in understanding and evaluating international security phenomena.
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Part 1 focuses on ensuring that students grasp and demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding on core methodological and theoretical approaches to and issues of international security. In Part 2, the emphasis is on sub-areas of international security or related areas of world politics selected by students in optional units. In Part 3, via the dissertation the student develops an in-depth grasp of a particular aspect of international security, which they relate to the field of international security as a whole in their dissertation. Directed reading (through the identification of required reading on syllabi), independent reading (encouraged by extensive lists of supplementary reading on syllabi), seminars (involving individual participation, team work, discussion directed by the tutor, simulation and debate), seminar presentations, essays, 500 word dissertation proposal, 3,000 word dissertation synopsis, dissertation supervision and the writing of the dissertation itself. Use of learning technologies including Blackboard (all units registered), discussion boards, the internet, visual presentations, PowerPoint, and handouts. Use of a wide range of literature and information sources, specifically primary texts, academic texts, journals, articles, course packs, websites and news media sources.
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Methods of Assessment |
The breadth and depth of the student's knowledge and understanding of the substance of the field of international security is tested through a variety of formative and summative methods of assessment. Completion of all elements of formative and summative student work contributes to the allocation of credit points. Formative assessment on the substance of the student's grasp of the field of international security is carried out by tutors and communicated to students via verbal feedback on contributions to seminar discussions, verbal and written feedback on seminar presentations, and verbal and/or written feedback on the dissertation proposal and synopsis. Summative assessment on the substance of the student's grasp of the field of international security is provided in the form of written feedback on 3,500-4,000 word analytical and research-based essays or equivalent other work e.g. group project, two shorter essays or one shorter essay and a diary project (first teaching block essays due at the end of January and second teaching block essays due in mid May) and the analytical and research-based dissertation (10-15,000 words, due mid September). The school retains electronic of essay and dissertation feedback sheets. Certificate students complete the credit point requirements for three units and the three related summative essays. Diploma students complete six units and their requirements. MSc students complete six units and their requirements and the dissertation.
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Intellectual Skills and Attributes
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes |
Learning and Teaching Methods |
- critically analyse extant knowledge and competing theories
- apply conceptual and theoretical frameworks to empirical material and integrate theory and evidence appropriately
- think creatively and reach reasoned, critical and incisive judgements with reference to appropriate concepts and evidence.
- construct coherent and persuasive arguments and demonstrate independent judgementinformation from electronic resources
- understand the complexities of systems, institutions, ideas and behaviours and effectively analyse their linkages
- rigorously handle multiple causation
- identify, synthesise and evaluate relevant primary and secondary materials
- conduct research, both independently and through guided reading, from a variety of sources
- appreciate variations in the quality, validity and reliability of sources and arguments and appreciate the distinctive attributes of particular types of information and methods
- present arguments that are clear, structured, sustained and internally consistent
- undertake and present work in accordance with the conventions of scholarship, including the consistent application of referencing systems.
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Part 1 focuses on ensuring that students grasp and demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding on core methodological and theoretical approaches to and issues of international security. In Part 2, the emphasis is on sub-areas of international security or related areas of world politics selected by students in optional units. In Part 3, via the dissertation the student develops an in-depth grasp of a particular aspect of international security, which they relate to the field of international security as a whole in their dissertation. Directed reading (through the identification of required reading on syllabi), independent reading (encouraged by extensive lists of supplementary reading on syllabi), seminars (involving individual participation, team work, discussion directed by the tutor, simulation and debate), seminar presentations, essays, 500 word dissertation proposal, 3,000 word dissertation synopsis, dissertation supervision and the writing of the dissertation itself. Use of learning technologies including Blackboard (all units registered), discussion boards, the internet, visual presentations, PowerPoint, and handouts. Use of a wide range of literature and information sources, specifically primary texts, academic texts, journals, articles, course packs, websites and news media sources.
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Methods of Assessment |
The breadth and depth of the student's knowledge and understanding of the substance of the field of international security is tested through a variety of formative and summative methods of assessment. Completion of all elements of formative and summative student work contributes to the allocation of credit points. Formative assessment on the substance of the student's grasp of the field of international security is carried out by tutors and communicated to students via verbal feedback on contributions to seminar discussions, verbal and written feedback on seminar presentations, and verbal and/or written feedback on the dissertation proposal and synopsis. Summative assessment on the substance of the student's grasp of the field of international security is provided in the form of written feedback on 3,500-4,000 word analytical and research-based essays or equivalent other work e.g. group project, two shorter essays or one shorter essay and a diary project (first teaching block essays due at the end of January and second teaching block essays due in mid May) and the analytical and research-based dissertation (10-15,000 words, due mid September). The school retains electronic of essay and dissertation feedback sheets. Certificate students complete the credit point requirements for three units and the three related summative essays. Diploma students complete six units and their requirements. MSc students complete six units and their requirements and the dissertation.
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Other Skills and Attributes
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes |
Learning and Teaching Methods |
- communicate information, ideas and conclusions in writing in a clear, lucid, and structured way, using correct and fluent prose
- communicate information, ideas, and views clearly, succinctly and persuasively to others orally and to make a presentation to a group from notes rather than prepared text
- identify, analyse and make use of information and ideas and an ability to reach independent judgment.
- present oral and written arguments coherently under pressure, including time constraints and group pressure
- work as part of a team, developing the appropriate interpersonal skills, including an ability to disagree with others in a respectful and appropriate manner
- listen and participate in discussions
- modify views in the light of fresh ideas and information
- work independently in a disciplined, self-motivated and self-reliant fashion without the need for continuous oversight or supervision.
- use information technology to acquire, arrange, present information, and to communicate with others
- appreciate the professional standards of working in an institutional environment, including a respect for institutional rules and time management
- appreciate the importance of integrity in the work place, including following requirements on referencing, word length and deadlines
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Part 1 focuses on ensuring that students grasp and demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding on core methodological and theoretical approaches to and issues of international security. In Part 2, the emphasis is on sub-areas of international security or related areas of world politics selected by students in optional units. In Part 3, via the dissertation the student develops an in-depth grasp of a particular aspect of international security, which they relate to the field of international security as a whole in their dissertation. Directed reading (through the identification of required reading on syllabi), independent reading (encouraged by extensive lists of supplementary reading on syllabi), seminars (involving individual participation, team work, discussion directed by the tutor, simulation and debate), seminar presentations, essays, 500 word dissertation proposal, 3,000 word dissertation synopsis, dissertation supervision and the writing of the dissertation itself. Use of learning technologies including Blackboard (all units registered), discussion boards, the internet, visual presentations, PowerPoint, and handouts. Use of a wide range of literature and information sources, specifically primary texts, academic texts, journals, articles, course packs, websites and news media sources.
|
Methods of Assessment |
The breadth and depth of the student's knowledge and understanding of the substance of the field of international security is tested through a variety of formative and summative methods of assessment. Completion of all elements of formative and summative student work contributes to the allocation of credit points. Formative assessment on the substance of the student's grasp of the field of international security is carried out by tutors and communicated to students via verbal feedback on contributions to seminar discussions, verbal and written feedback on seminar presentations, and verbal and/or written feedback on the dissertation proposal and synopsis. Summative assessment on the substance of the student's grasp of the field of international security is provided in the form of written feedback on 3,500-4,000 word analytical and research-based essays or equivalent other work e.g. group project, two shorter essays or one shorter essay and a diary project (first teaching block essays due at the end of January and second teaching block essays due in mid May) and the analytical and research-based dissertation (10-15,000 words, due mid September). The school retains electronic of essay and dissertation feedback sheets. Certificate students complete the credit point requirements for three units and the three related summative essays. Diploma students complete six units and their requirements. MSc students complete six units and their requirements and the dissertation.
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Intellectual Development
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop
year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
The structure of the degree programme has been designed to engage the student in a cumulative process of developing skills and knowledge through a sequence of complementary stages. In Part 1 all Certificate, Diploma and Masters students develop foundational knowledge and understanding of international security through the major methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of international security; develop general intellectual skills and attributes necessary for that knowledge and understanding; and are required to cover a wide range of practical, professional and transferable skills. Students take three 20 credit point mandatory units.
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
In Part 2, Diploma and Masters students (and those Certificate students who will be gaining their qualification by a mix of Part 1 and Part 2 units) explore subject specific areas through a combination of seminar units taught by individual members of staff or by teams of staff. These units reflect the research strengths and broad research interests of the relevant staff and deal with important methodological, theoretical and empirical issues. They enable the student to extend and apply the subject-specific content, intellectual skills and wider general skills first learned in Part 1. Students choose three 20 credit point options.
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
The dissertation acts as the culmination of the student's progress through the degree programme, as she/he applies the appropriate technical, methodological and intellectual skills that have been developed to a piece of research devised in consultation with and supervised a staff advisor and located clearly within the broader field of international security.
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Intended Learning Outcome Mapping
MSc International Security ILO.docx
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards
each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Additional Information
In order to increase their effectiveness, seminar groups are limited to a maximum of eighteen students, and the groups are often smaller.
In order to increase the effectiveness of dissertation supervision, no member of staff may supervise more than fifteen dissertations.
Please see the school website for details of additional programmes offered:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/spais/study/postgraduate-taught/
Source For Further Information
Email: spais-mscenquiries@bristol.ac.uk
Year 1 (2017/18 entry cohort)
Unit Name |
Unit Code |
Credit Points |
Status |
Dissertation
|
POLIM1001 |
60 |
Mandatory |
AYEAR |
International Security
|
POLIM3012 |
20 |
Mandatory |
TB-1 |
Theoretical Approaches to Security
|
POLIM0029 |
20 |
Mandatory |
TB-1 |
Security Governance
|
POLIM1006 |
20 |
Mandatory |
TB-1 |
Students must also choose THREE optional units. Students must take at least TWO from the following list: |
Conflict, Security and Development
|
POLIM1007 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-1,TB-2 |
Gender and Development
|
POLIM2032 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Environmental Politics
|
POLIM2041 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Gender, Masculinity/ies and International Relations
|
POLIM3016 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Foreign Policy Analysis
|
POLIM3017 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Discourse Analysis: Research Methods for Politics and International Relations
|
POLIM3024 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Europeanisation
|
POLIM3028 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
International Human Rights
|
POLIM3030 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Sino-US Relations in Global Politics
|
POLIM3033 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
East Asia, Europe and Global Integration
|
POLIM0011 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Global Civil Society
|
POLIM0022 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
China's International Relations
|
POLIM0023 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
India: An Emerging Power
|
POLIM0017 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Theories of Violence
|
POLIM0018 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
European Security
|
POLIM0019 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
The Politics of (Un)sustainability
|
POLIM0028 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Climate Change and International Security
|
POLIM0004 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Global Justice
|
POLIM0005 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Northern Ireland: A case study in ethno-national conflict and resolution
|
POLIM0031 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
The Politics of HIV / AIDS in Africa
|
POLIM2042 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
The Middle East in International Relations Theory
|
POLIM0037 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Japan and East Asia: Socio-Economic Development
|
POLIM0027 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Researching Organisations, Institutions and Management
|
EFIMM0045 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Research for a Sustainable Society
|
EFIMM0044 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Students may also be able to choose a maximum of ONE unit from the following list of Sociology units depending on availability: |
Interpreting Gender
|
SOCIM3103 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Care, Labour and Gender
|
SOCIM0004 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Religion, Ethnicity and Value Change
|
SOCIM0010 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Contemporary Sociological Theory
|
SOCIM3101 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-1 |
Theories of Ethnicity and Racism
|
SOCIM3107 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-1 |
Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences
|
SOCIM0012 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-1 |
Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences
|
SOCIM0013 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-1 |
Understanding Culture
|
SOCIM0014 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-1 |
Contemporary Identities and Inequalities
|
SOCIM0015 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-1 |
Advanced Qualitative Research
|
SOCIM3132 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Advanced Quantitative Research
|
SOCIM3133 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Mind, body, spirit? Critical approaches to contemporary belief
|
SOCIM0022 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Gender, Family and Migration
|
SOCIM0023 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Understanding Social Movements
|
SOCIM0028 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
From Structuralism to Post-structuralism
|
SOCIM0029 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Researching Organisations, Institutions and Management
|
EFIMM0045 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Research for a Sustainable Society
|
EFIMM0044 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
Consumption, Environment, and Sustainable Development: A Global Sociology of Everyday Life
|
SOCIM0030 |
20 |
Optional |
TB-2 |
MSc International Security
|
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180 |
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Progression/award requirements
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
Exit awards
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Degree classifications:
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
Diploma/certificate stages:
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.