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International Relations Pre-Masters
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Academic structure
You will study the following modules on the International Relations Pre-Masters:
Term 1
(only studied on 3-term Pre-Masters)Pre-Masters Skills for English 1 (PSE 1)
Develop your ability to read academic texts, write essays, take notes, listen effectively and participate in classroom discussion.
Academic Communication and English Skills (ACES)
Look at a range of sources of information in your chosen area of study, how technological change has affected communication and develop negotiation, meeting and team-working skills. Consider the impact of legal, environmental, cultural and ethical issues on your chosen subject.
Term 2
(2-term Pre-Masters start)Pre-Masters Skills for English 2 (PSE 2)
Continue to develop your English language and university study skills. Practice drawing information from statistics presented in graphical or tabular form and begin to prepare for a researched and referenced essay. Learn how to draw up a bibliography, work on group presentation skills and an introduction to the concept of critical thinking.
Research Methodology
Develop skills relating to research methods and an understanding of the application, collection and limitation of a variety of techniques related to data and materials relevant to analysis within the chosen subject area. Consider quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, look at the various sources of information, both written and electronic and begin preparing for your Research Project.
Data Collection and Interpretation
Learn common mathematical techniques which are used to provide supporting evidence to test/challenge hypotheses in academic research and to inform managerial decision-making in a range of work-based environments. The emphasis is on practical application with extensive use of the Excel spreadsheet and its associated functions.
Concepts and Theories in International Relations
An introduction to the academic study of International Relations. Consider the traditional view of International Relations as focusing loosely on the interactions between sovereign states. Review the way in which the discipline has expanded in scope over more recent years by looking increasingly at the nature of wider international or global issues, political structures and processes.
Term 3
Pre-Masters Skills for English 3 (PSE 3)
Continuing the all-important development of both language and study skills in preparation for your Masters studies. You will complete an extended essay and prepare, using the same material, for an oral presentation to the others in your group. Language skills are applied throughout to more complex academic texts and discourse.
Analytical Techniques and Problem Solving
Acquire and use an analytical approach towards your studies, understanding the importance of critical reasoning in evaluating materials and in constructing your own arguments. Explore a range of problem solving techniques and use these to devise your own solutions to practical problems.
Individual Research Project
Use what you have learned about research methods to produce an extended project; selecting and deploying material appropriately and effectively, paying attention to the style to be adopted in academic writing and the importance of following academic conventions, particularly in avoiding plagiarism and all other forms of academic impropriety.
Themes in International Relations since 1945
Examine key themes and contexts in International Relations since the end of the Second World War. Consider the main events and most important global developments of the period and look at the different approaches and interpretations within the discipline towards these. Topics include the Cold War, International Organisations and Alliances, International Terrorism and Environmental and Economic aspects.
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