MRes International Relations

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University of Essex, Colchester Campus

Comments about MRes International Relations - At the institution - Colchester - Essex

• Objectives
  To ensure that students have a thorough grounding in the history of International Relations and its main schools of thought; To introduce students to the most advanced debates in the discipline of International Relations; To teach students the importance of testing hypotheses derived from International Relations theory empirically; To introduce students to a range of issues currently important in international politics, to familiarise them with the academic arguments about these issues and to make them aware of policy choices and their implications. To develop a capacity for independent study and research in the area of international relations. To equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of research designs used in the social sciences; To promote advanced skills in research methods relevant to the study of political science; To equip students with advanced skills in academic essay writing and an excellent working knowledge of how to get published in respected journals; To provide an understanding of the interplay between methods, theories and evidence.
• Entry requirements
  Entry Qualifications BA degree of Upper Second class standard or above. For students whose native language is not English, the usual minimum language entry requirement is either an IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88; Cambridge Proficiency of English C or above.
• Academic title
  MRes International Relations
• Course description
  
  Course Description
  MRes International Relations is a wide-ranging and comprehensive degree that opens the way for rigorous research into international conflict and cooperation, as well as international political economy.
  
  Teaching and Assessment Methods
   
  A: Knowledge and Understanding
      Learning Outcomes
      A1 : Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in international relations or related fields at an appropriate level.
      A2 : Understanding the main political science methods for using quantitative and qualitative evidence to support arguments.
      A3 : Critical awareness of the use of concepts and arguments in political science.
      A4 : Knowledge of the main research findings, and main developments and debates in one or more sub-fields of international relations or related fields.
      A5 : Systematic knowledge of the relevant sources of information.
  
      Teaching Methods
      A1-5 Lectures, participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, writing A1-5 Lectures, participation in and presentation to seminars, writing essays and dissertation, oral and written feedback on essays.
  
      A1 specifically in GV902 Theories of International Relations, GV901: AdvancedTheories and Methods of Political Research and the optional modules.
  
      A2 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation, GV902 Theories of International Relations and GV914: Research Design.
  
      A3 specifically in GV900: Political Explanation, GV902: Theories of IR; GV914: Research Design, GV958: Contemporary Political Theory and in thesupervision of individual dissertations.
  
      A4 specifically in GV902: Theories of IR and options chosen in consultation with Scheme Director.
  
      A5 specifically in independent learning and GV914: Research Design
  
      Assessment Methods
      Taught modules assessed 50/50 by continuous assessment through written assignments and essays, and three-hour closed examinations at end of the modules.
  
  B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
      Learning Outcomes
      B1 : To question received thinking.
      B2 : To develop independent thinking.
      B3 : To muster evidence.
      B4 : To evaluate and analyse evidence.
      B5 : To reason critically.
      B6 : To argue coherently and concisely.
      B7 : To communicate ideas effectively in writing.
      B8 : To carry out independent research.
  
      Teaching Methods
      B1-7. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance on researching and writing essays, oral and written feedback on essays, individual interviews and group sessions with Study Skills Officer
  
      B4 especially in GV900 Political Explanation.
  
      B8 especially in supervised dissertation.
  
      Assessment Methods
      B1-7. Written assignments and essays, written examinations
  
      B8. The dissertation.
  
  C: Practical Skills
      Learning Outcomes
      C1 : Organize and structure an extended argument.
      C2 : Use concepts correctly.
      C3 : Compile systematic bibliographies.
      C4 : Provide references according to accepted conventions.
      C5 : Use libraries and IT to access information and scholarly resources.
      C6 : Sift and synthesize complex information.
  
      Teaching Methods
      C1-6. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance for essays, individual supervision of dissertations, oral and written feedback on class presentations and essays.
  
      C5 specifically in induction sessions for library use.
  
      Assessment Methods
      C1-6. Written assignments and essays, closed examinations, supervised dissertation.
  
      C1 especially in dissertation.
  
      C3-6 specifically in essays and dissertation.
  
      C2 essays, examinations, and dissertation.
  
  D: Key Skills
      Learning Outcomes
      D1 : Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication.
      D2 : Access and organise information from a variety of electronic sources.
      D3 : Apply statistical methods.
      D4 : To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.
      D6 : Positive response to feedback and criticism.
  
      Teaching Methods
      D1-5. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, written assignments and essays, dissertation.
  
      D3 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation and GV914: Research Design.
  
      D4 specifically in scheduling and balancing requirements for four courses taught in parallel.
  
      D6 specifically in individual guidance on essays, oral and written feedback on essays.
  
      Assessment Methods
      D1-4. Written assignments and essays, examinations, dissertation
  
      D6 classroom presentations, written assignments and essays.
  

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