REVISED JB
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of Social and International StudiesDivision of Peace StudiesMA International Politics and Security Studies
Awarding and teaching institution: / University of BradfordFinal award: / Postgraduate Diploma, MA
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Programme title: / International Politics and Security Studies
Duration: / MA: 1 year full-time; 2-5 years part-time
Date produced: / June 2009
Last updated : / June 2012
Introduction
The study of international politics can be understood in a narrow sense as the study of relations between states and therefore as interchangeable with the label ‘international relations’. At Bradford howeverIn Peace Studies, we understand the study of international politics to encompass not only relations between states but (i) a concern with the study of different political systems and political philosophies and (ii) a concern with the role of local, regional and transnational actors in the international system and their political impact on that system. Similarly, security studies has traditionally been conceived very narrowly as the study of the security threats (generally understood as military threats) posed to the state and the strategies adopted by states to address these threats.
At BradfordIn Peace Studies we adopt broader conceptualisation of security, understanding it to encompass both a wider range of security issues (economic, environmental, societal etc) and a diversity of security actors from the individual, the community, the state and a range of transnational or global actors (MNCs, criminal groups, terrorists networks, transnational civil society groups etc). A further aspect of our approach to security is our interest in exploring the relationship between hegemony, political economy and the construction of security through discourse and images. This broad conceptualisation of both international politics and security studies provides the intellectual foundations on which the programme is built and permits us to explore and to highlight both the synergies and the tensions that exist between the discourses and practices of international politics and the contemporary construction of security issues and the policy debates they have given rise to. As part of the course you will engage with the foundational theoretical frameworks relevant to the study of IPSS at Bradford and key concepts such as the security dilemma and securitisation, structural violence and positive peace. You will also study a range of key topics such as global governance, transnational crime, political systems, authoritarianism and the politics of identity.
This course draws on the work of Peace Studies staff who have made important contributions to academic and policy debates relevant to the field of international politics and security, most notably: the arms trade, arms control and disarmament, environmental politics and security, illicit economies (drugs, diamonds), gender politics, global governance, securitisation, the security dilemma, regional studies and authoritarian regimes. The course is particularly distinctive because it reflects both the critical approach to the analysis of issues adopted by key members of staff involved in delivering this programme whilst also drawing on the extensive experience of staff in providing policy advice to a range of governments and other agencies.
The MA in International Politics and Security Studies is located within the Division of Peace Studies, an internationally recognised centre for excellence in teaching and research on peace and conflict issues. Our staff are accomplished scholars; and many also deploy their research skills in a range of practical issues in many parts of the world. Our international reputation received formal confirmation in 2002, when Peace Studies was chosen from more than 100 universities worldwide to be one of six Rotary International Peace Centres.
The Mission Statement of Peace Studies is to combine empirical, theoretical and applied research with sustained engagement at international, national and local levels to analyse, prevent and resolve conflicts and develop peaceful societies. Peace Studies combines academic research to advance knowledge, learning and understanding and applied research to inform and support the work of donors, decision-makers, policy communities, stakeholders and field practitioners.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1. Provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the theoretical perspectives pertinent to the study of international politics and security;
A2. Provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the key policy debates pertinent to the field international politics and security (understood in its broadest sense);
A3. Provide a curriculum supported by active scholarship, staff development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debates;
A4. Develop a range of key skills and personal attributes including retrieval, organisation, application and presentation of primary and secondary data and other information sources in line with ethical requirements; independent and collaborative capacity to identify and analyse problems; time and workload management.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
Postgraduate Diploma
LO1. Comprehend and evaluate alternative theories, concepts, interpretations and discourses relevant to the study of international politics and security studies;
LO2. Relate the study of conflict and conflict resolution to wider debates in the field of peace studies;
LO3. Critically evaluate alternative theories, concepts, interpretations and discourses in the field of International Politics and Security Studies and engage in an advanced evaluation of their explanatory and/or transformatory potential when applied to relevant issues at the global, or regional level.
LO4. Critically assess the nature, significance of, and relationship between varied political and security issues that have become prominent in the international system and provide advanced analysis of international policy debates, challenges and responses in the field of international politics and security studies.
LO5. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use communication and information technology for the retrieval of and presentation of information, work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management and collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
Masters
LO6. Gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments which address specific problems ;
LO7. Apply conceptual frameworks and research methodologies to case-studies.
Curriculum
For the MA, you must study units amounting to 180 Credits, which includes a dissertation worth 60 Credits and taught courses amounting to 120 Credits. Full time students must take taught courses amounting to 60 Credits in each semester. The Postgraduate Diploma course extends over a period of two semesters (full time) or four semesters (part time). You must study units amounting to 120 Credits. If you are a full time student you must take taught units amounting to 60 Credits in each semester. You may take the MA or Postgraduate Diploma on a part-time basis over two years. If you are a part time student you must take 60 Credits in your first year, and a further 60 taught credits in your second year. The list of course units below illustrates the compulsory and optional course units available in each academic period.
There are four core modules on the MA International Politics and Security Studies. In semester one, you will take Introduction to Peace Studies along with all students on the Division of Peace Studies MA programmes. The module itself, and the requirement for all students to take this module, reflects the distinctive approach adopted to the study of security and development in the Division of Peace Studies, not least in the commitment to positive peace. The module aims to provide you with a thorough grounding in both the evolution of peace studies as an area of study and the history of peace research at Bradford. The module also provides you with advanced knowledge and understanding of key theories of conflict, approaches to conflict analysis, approaches to peace in different societies; non-violence, the history of peace movements and the relationship between culture and peace. A key feature of the module is a one day workshop that explores the relationship between gender, peace and conflict. The theoretical frameworks and the issues explored in this module will provide you with a rigorous grounding in the history, philosophy and practice of peace and therefore underpins your more focussed exploration of political and security issues in the other core modules.
Your second core module is International Politics and Security Studies. This module draws on the research expertise of staff in PS who have focussed on different aspects of IPSS, most notably international relations theory, the structures of global governance, regimes, norm diffusion, identity, securitisation and the security dilemma. The module examines trends and dynamics, particularly globalizing forces, which have begun to affect the prospects for international peace, for governing institutions and for the development of an inclusive global society. The course begins by introducing key themes in contemporary global society. These perspectives are then used to inform analysis of the issue areas that are discussed in subsequent parts of the course such as: the role of domestic politics and civil society in international relations and analysis of whether either democratic politics or the development of international civil society has significantly changed the nature of international politics.
You will consider the nature and limits of contemporary international cooperation, focusing in particular on how successful the key international organisations and arrangements established in the aftermath of World War Two have been in promoting cooperation. The second component of the module facilitates the interrogation of the broad spectrum of concerns that relate to human, military, political, environmental (biological), national, state, regional and international security. This advances your critical appreciation of contemporary security studies theory and practice and allows you to explore and develop skills for understanding complex inter-related global security dynamics.
In semester 2, the core module Authoritarian Challenge to Democracy advances your knowledge and engagement with historical, theoretical and comparative frameworks in which to engage in advanced study of authoritarian regimes in the international system and processes of regime collapse and political change in the contemporary world. Although rooted in historical and theoretical understandings of different types of non-democratic political system, the module will also engage you in current processes of political change in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and other regions.
The regional, national and political focus of this module is complemented by the second core module in semester 2, Regional and Global Security. Here you will develop an advanced understanding of the key issues and dynamics of security, conflict and co-operation in relation to regions that include Asia, the Middle East and Latin America and the emerging global presence of countries that include Russia, China and Brazil. You will analyse key issues of conflict, conflict-prevention, security and co-operation within these regions and at the international level - and examine security interactions, foreign and security policies and the significance and recent dynamics of new global powers.
You are able to take one option module in each semester. These provide an opportunity for you to deepen your specialisation in either the security or the politics aspect of your MA degree, or to advance your learning in relation to country case study work, conflict analysis and resolution theories and practice and peacebuilding approaches.
Postgraduate Diploma
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodSP-7008D / Introduction to Peace Studies / Core / 20 / M / Sem 1
SP-7011D / International Politics and Security Studies / Core / 20 / M / Sem 1
SP-7013D / The Authoritarian Challenge to Democracy / Core / 20 / M / Sem 2
SP-7015D / Regional and Global Security Politics / Core / 20 / M / Sem 2
SP-7009D / Fragile States and the Security-Development Nexus / Option / 20 / M / Sem 1
SP-7023D / Religions, Conflict and Peacemaking in a Post-Secular World / Option / 20 / M / Sem 1
SP-7010D / Conflict Resolution Theory / Option / 20 / M / Sem 1
SP-7012D / Arms Trade and Arms Control / Option / 20 / M / Sem 1
SP-7007D / Introduction to African Politics / Option / 20 / M / Sem 1
SP-7003D / Natural Resource Governance, Conflict and Co-operation / Option / 20 / M / Sem 2
SP-7002D / Gender, Conflict and Development / Option / 20 / M / Sem 2
SP-7005D / Applied Conflict Resolution Skills / Option / 20 / M / Sem 2
SP-7004D / Cities in Conflict / Option / 20 / M / Sem 2
SP-7006D / African Security Studies / Option / 20 / M / Sem 2
SP-7026D / Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding / Option / 20 / M / Sem 2
SP-7014D / Social Movements / Option / 20 / M / Sem 2
SP-7001D / Africa Study Visit / Option / 20 / M / Sem 2
Masters
The 15,000 word dissertation provides an opportunity for in-depth research on a topic of your choice, working closely with your academic supervisor over a period of about four months.
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodSP-7020Z / Dissertation (IPSS) / Core / 60 / M / DISS
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Our teaching and assessment strategies emphasise active and collaborative learning. They encourage the development of your existing skills in a range of areas, from subject specific knowledge to transferable and applied skills that are essential for future employability.
A variety of teaching strategies are employed on the MA programme, including lectures, tutorials, simulations, role play, seminars and group work. Hand-outs supplement the lectures and audio-visual aids are employed where appropriate. We strongly encourage the use of digital learning technologies, for example the use of podcasts of major international conferences / interviews, Skype conferences with colleagues and peers, ‘virtual’ field work and the use of tools such as webquest.
A virtual learning environment called “Blackboard” will also be used to support ‘tandem’ learning (posting of lecture notes and presentations, readings and other relevant materials; email discussion groups, notice boards and announcements) and as a portal to information and organisations which focus on peace and conflict issues. There is also a schedule of Divisional seminars and guest speakers.