University of Bradford

Division of Peace Studies

Awarding and teaching institution: / University of Bradford
Final award: / BA (Hons)
Programme title: / Development and Peace Studies
Duration: / 3 years full-time
UCAS code: / L920 BA/DPS
Programme accredited by: / not applicable
Subject benchmark statement(s): / Politics and International Relations
Date produced: / original: June 2000; updated: July 2007; updated 2008; updated April 2009; last updated November 2010.

The Division of Peace Studies has an excellent international reputation in research across the range of discipline areas in which we offer BA degree awards. The Division was chosen from more than 100 universities worldwide to be one of six Rotary International Peace and Conflict Resolution Centres of teaching excellence. The programme began in 2002 with ten scholarship students at the postgraduate level. The Division’s teaching at postgraduate and undergraduate levels was judged ‘excellent’ (24/24) by the Quality Assurance Agency. The Division has Erasmus partnerships with the Universities of Brussels, Coimbra, Toulouse, Salamanca, Prague and Munich, and exchange programmes with the California State University (USA), ClarksonUniversity (USA), Sogang University (Seoul, Korea), Hosei University (Tokyo, Japan) and Slippery Rock University (USA).

The Department aims:

  • to develop your knowledge and understanding of a coherent, current and intellectually stimulating body of theory and analysis;
  • to encourage you to develop an independent, critical and scholarly approach to your field which will enable you to apply your knowledge and develop your understanding;
  • to encourage you to relate academic study to questions of public concern in the peace and conflict field;
  • to provide you with a curriculum supported by active scholarship, staff development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debate;
  • to help you to develop a valuable range of key skills and personal attributes for a wide variety of careers;

to provide you with a friendly and supportive learning environment.

Development Studies is a well-established interdisciplinary field which emerged in the 1960s out of a concern to promote positive changes in the economies, societies and politics of the poorer countries of the world. These countries are also where many of today’s conflicts and peace settlements occur, so an increasing number of development researchers and non-governmental organisations are turning to peace studies and conflict resolution to seek more effective analyses and policies. Peace Studies was developed as an academic discipline after the Second World War as a reaction to the threat to human survival posed by nuclear weapons and the failures of international relations to create the global conditions for peace, security and justice. Peace Studies is now taught in more than 100 universities worldwide.

The Programme aims to bring the distinctive insights offered by peace studies to contemporary debates on development issues.

Learning outcomes indicate what you should know and understand, and be able to do on successful completion of the programme. They have been developed with reference to the subject benchmarks, published by the QAAHE. When you have completed the BA in Development and Peace Studies you will have acquired:

Knowledge and Understanding

  • an understanding of the theories and concepts of peace and conflict and their application to global, regional and local contexts;
  • an understanding of the nature and significance of development issues in the global south/developing world;
  • an understanding of the competing perspectives on issues of peace, conflict and development in the global south/developing world;
  • an ability to evaluate the international policy debates in the fields of peace, conflict and development;

Discipline Skills

  • an independent and critical ability to gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments which address specific problems;

Personal Transferable Skills

  • an ability to communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use communication and information technology for the retrieval and presentation of information, work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management and collaborate with others to achieve common goals.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

The University of Bradford, and the School of Social and International Studies (SSIS), are committed to the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) set out in UNESCO’s definition

(see

which include: interdisciplinarity; value-driven; critical thinking and problem solving; participatory decision-making; and applied learning which is relevant and culturally appropriate to local and other contexts.

In your programme you will find these principles underlie the teaching learning and assessment strategies. Because of the explicit value-orientation and interdisciplinarity of Peace Studies ESD is a core part of the content of all of our teaching and research and therefore integrated into all our modules.

We are also committed in SSIS to giving you opportunities to engage in debates about the meaning and future of Sustainable Development, as well as in the practice of ESD, for example, through volunteering on and off campus, by taking action in a series of activities as a School.

The curricula for undergraduate awards in the Department of Peace Studies

Staff research informs the curricula. The first year is a foundation for all the Division’s degrees (with the exception of the BA in War, Peace and Media Studies) so students are free to amend their choice of award in the second year. The common first year allows you to progress to a BA (Hons) in any of the undergraduate awardsoffered by the Division in Stage Two: BA International Relations and Security Studies; BA Politics; BA Peace Studies; BA Development and Peace Studies.

The BA programme follows the university structure of 120 credits for each Stage, with 60 taken in each semester. All students may take up to 40 credits, over Stages Two and Three, from units offered by all Schools across the University.

In Stage Two, all students take three 20 credit modules as compulsory course units and three 20 credit modules as options. In Stage Three, all students take the dissertation (60 credits) which must be in the area of specialisation. The remaining 60 credits are taken as follows: two 20 credit Stage 3 core modules specific to the degree and one 20 credit module as an option. All core units for all degrees are available as options to all students. See the curriculum map below for specific explanation of requirements year by year.

Progression(what follows is a summary. StandardUniversity regulations apply and can be found at:

To pass and proceed from each stage to the next, and also to be eligible for a classified Honours award, you must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 35% in the other 20 credits, with an overall average of at least 40%.

The class and division of the undergraduate Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the overall weighted marks that you receive for each stage. Stage Two contributes 30% and Stage Three contributes 70%. The degree is awarded on the basis of the following minimum final overall weighted average marks:

70% or aboveFirst Class Honours

60% or aboveSecond Class Honours – First Division

50% or aboveSecond Class Honours – Second Division

otherwiseThird Class Honours

If you complete Stage 1 successfully, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education; if you complete Stage 2 successfully, you are eligible for a Diploma of Higher Education.

Curriculum Map

Stage 1:

In the first year, all students (except War, Peace and Media Studies students) take 120 credits of core modules.

Stage 23 Core Modules:

During your second year you must take three 20-credit core modules specific to the degree, as per the table below. In your third year you must take two core modules and the 60-credit core Dissertation module. The Dissertation module is split over the year, with 20 credits in the 1st semester, and 40 credits in the 2nd semester.

Stage 2&3 options:

In the second year students can take 3 option modules to be chosen from core modules of other degrees as well as other Division and School options. Note that some options are offered simultaneously to Stage 2 and 3, with assessment at either level 2 or 3 as appropriate.In the third year students can take one option module which can be chosen from core modules of other degrees as well as options. In addition, the School and University offer a wide choice of options and you can take 20 credits outside the Department in each year, and 20 credits at MA level in your 3rd year.

BA (HONS) DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE STUDIES

Stage 1
Semester 1 / Semester 2
PE-0101D Introduction to International
Relations / PE-0103D Sociology of Peace and Conflict
PE-0112D Introduction to Politics / PE-0111D Introduction to Development
PE-0105D Introduction to Peace Studies / PE-0109D Conflict and Cooperation
Stage 2
PE-0506D Development Ideas in Practice / PE-XXXXD Conflict Analysis
OR
PE-0720D Understanding Violence
SSIS-2000D Permaculture Design Course
Choose TWO Options:
From core modules of other Peace Studies degrees:
PE-0603D Concepts and Practices of
Peacemaking
PE-0407D Global Governance LH-2016D War, Democracy and Consensus:
Britain 1914 to the present
From options:
PE-0302D International Politics of the Cold War
PE-0303D International Politics of the
Environment
PE-0206D Arms Control and Disarmament / Choose ONE Option:
From core modules of other Peace Studies degrees:
PE-0720D Understanding Violence
PE-0208D International Relations:
Theories and Applications
SS-2078D Political Philosophy
PE-0201D Peace and Change
From options
PE-0716D US Power and International Security
PE-0701D Politics of Narcotics
PE-0722D Sustainability in Practice
One option from School/University
Stage 3
PE-0801B Dissertation / PE-0801B Dissertation
PE-1605 Culture and Conflict Resolution
Choose ONE Option:
From core modules of other Peace Studies degrees:
PE-1708D Human Rights
PE-1711D International Terrorism
PE-5095D Participation and Politics
From options:
PE-1302D International Politics of the Cold War
PE-1303D International Politics of the
Environment
PE-1206D Arms Control and Disarmament
From MA modules (semester 1)
One option from School / PE-1507D Peace, Conflict and Development

Study abroad opportunities: The Diploma of International Studies

We encourage students to consider an optional year of study abroad, taken
between stage 1 and 2 or stage 2 and 3 of your degree at Bradford. You will be invited to various University events providing more information and will be formally introduced to opportunities in stage 1 in your 1st year Tutorial sessions. You may take advantage of Study Abroad opportunities in three ways: through studying at one of our partner institutions; through studying at a University that does not have formal links with Bradford; or through developing your own combination of work/study. Whichever choice you make, you should plan to be abroad for 1 academic year.

This optional Diploma of International Studies aims to enable you to: i) benefit from studying and living abroad ii) develop intercultural awareness and competence through reflection on the experience; iii) enhance your personal development allowing you the scope to transfer the skills acquired to both academic work and future vocational work; iv) widen your knowledge and understanding, and embrace different academic approaches in one or more of your degree subject areas by studying appropriate modules; v) where appropriate, enhance your language skills and develop strategies for more effective language learning.

Note that study abroad years are voluntary and the diet of modules chosen will be relevant to your University of Bradford degree and agreed with the Programme Director. You will normally take the equivalent of 120 credits of modules. Your study abroad experience is to be taken in addition to the 360 credits you study towards your degree. The range and variety of teaching and learning methods will depend on your diet of study at the partner institution. In addition to your study and assessment at the partner institution, you will keep a reflective log or journal of your learning and cultural experiences. Upon return to the University of Bradford you will submit this for assessment and make a reflective and critical oral presentation (using PowerPoint), in English, about the period of living and studying abroad to current students during the first semester after the period abroad. During your year abroad a tutor from the University of Bradford will remain in contact with you and can provide feedback on your journal. Assessment will be on a pass/fail basis.

The Divisionof Peace Studies has formal links with universities in Europe and North America as listed below, as well as several exchange agreements that are currently being negotiated. Through the European Union Erasmus Scheme you can choose to study at partner institutions which offer classes in English and the local language as well as language classes.

Work abroad opportunities: The diploma of professional experience

The Diploma of Professional Experience is designed to provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills gained on your course in a professional setting; to help you develop autonomy and initiative, and work effectively as a member of a professional team; to help you gain experience of the working environment and assess career opportunities available on graduation; to encourage critical reflection on your personal and skills development.

Note that placement opportunities are to be identified by the student, with support from the University and agreed by the Programme Director. The duration must be between 38 and 52 weeks. Your placement work is directed by the supervisor appointed by the provider, but you will be appointed an academic tutor who will remain in contact to check that integration into the workplace is proceeding and that the work being required of you is appropriate and at a later stage to assist and advise both you and your employer as to the requirements of the assessment process. Your performance during this placement (including a monthly diary, reflective end of placement report, oral presentation and placement supervisor assessment) will form the basis for consideration for the award of a Diploma of Professional Experience. Assessment will be made on a pass/fail basis.

Admission requirements

We admit about 85undergraduate students each year. The traditional route for entry onto the degree course is with A-levels, but applications are also welcomed from candidates with qualifications equivalent to or superior to A-levels. In any case, each candidate is considered on his/her merits and we offer all candidates the opportunity to visit the Department and campus and meet staff and students. Overall, students without A-levels account for one third of our intake each year.

The standard admission offer is 280 points overall to include a minimum of grade B (100 points) in each of two 6-unit subjects (or B, B in a 12-unit award). The remaining 80 points can be gained from any combination (and number) of tariff-based qualifications, including Key Skills and General Studies. A-levels in a social science or modern history might help to prepare you for the degree, but the Department does not stipulate any particular subjects. The Department offers an interview to any students who don’t meet our standard requirements, and can therefore be more flexible about entry qualifications. The Department welcomes applications from students who have completed a BTEC National award (five distinctions), or Scottish Framework Qualifications (280 points), or Irish Highers (A, B, B, B, B), or overseas examinations which show an equivalent level of attainment, (please enquire). Mature students, particularly those with Access courses are encouraged; those with experience and motivation should contact the Admissions Tutor for details of how prior learning and experience may be used during the admissions process.

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies

The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject and the student intake, and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as you progress through the course.

Free standing options in Stages Two and Three share the same teaching sessions, but learning outcomes and forms of assessment are different for the two levels: at Stage Three, examination questions are more challenging than at Stage Two, for example. The options available alter slightly each year, with regular updating as a result of course review. In Stage Three, you will be expected to complete a dissertation in Development and Peace Studies, a substantial project, working on your own but with one-to-one supervision from a member of staff.

Throughout the course, you will acquire skills that will be useful not only in Development and Peace Studies, but in whatever profession you choose to follow. These will be taught, practised and assessed. They are listed on the front cover of this document as personal transferable skills. For example, through the project work in some of the course units you to learn skills in planning, negotiating, team working and presenting.

Student support and guidance

The University and the Department have a well-deserved reputation in this area. You will be allocated a personal tutor. According to the Department’s Subject Review Report, “The ethos of the staff is one of accessibility to students, and partnership in the learning experience. Students are overwhelmingly positive about the strong staff-student relationship existing in the Department.”

Careers

Graduates of Development and Peace Studies therefore gain a sure footing in both camps, and are well-places for careers in national and international non-government organisations concerned with development, including UN agencies, and development policy research.

Further information

If you would like more information about the University of Bradford, please check the undergraduate prospectus. More details about the Department and its courses can be obtained from the Admissions Tutor.