Postgraduate Prospectus 2013 - Swansea University

Politics, International Relations
and Development Studies
Entry requirements
Normally a minimum of a lower class BA
Honours degree 2.2 (with an overall
average of 55% or above) in a related
subject.
English Language requirement:
IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in
each component) or Swansea University
recognised equivalent.
How the degrees are structured
The full-time course structure is split across the
year with three modules offered in each
academic semester (a total of six modules in
Part One) and then a dissertation over the
Politics is not just about studying
government institutions and international
relationships. It is a discipline that has
explored different visions for a more just
society for thousands of years, and yet
still addresses some of today’s most
pressing challenges.
Politics, International Relations and
Development Studies at Swansea
investigates political issues, governance
and policy, international communication,
international relations, international
security, human rights and development. It
examines the key issues confronting twenty
first century global societies.
These degrees will:
• equip you with skills relevant for a
rewarding career in a range of diverse
fields, including government and
politics, the diplomatic corps, the armed
forces, intelligence and risk analysis,
relief and humanitarian organisations,
journalism, and broadcasting
• help you to gain transferable skills,
including team working, communication,
presentation, and analytical skills
• prepare you for a research degree
summer (Part Two). Students study three
compulsory modules and three optional
modules. The dissertation component is
written on a specialist research topic of your
choosing. Part-time students normally take
one compulsory and two optional modules
in their first and second year and write their
dissertation in the third year.
Regular research seminars and lectures are
run by the Research Institute for Arts and
Humanities (RIAH), which students are
encouraged to attend.
For a full list of modules available, please
visit the website.
MA Development and Human Rights
The MA in Development and Human
Rights is a multidisciplinary scheme
combining insights from the fields of
development studies, politics/political
theory and international law. The
programme examines the comparatively
new interface between human rights and
international development. Issues explored
include:
• human rights and human intervention
• rights-based approaches to development
• international human rights law
MA International Communication
and Development
The MA programme focuses on the
political economy of global
communication, global information and
communication structures, examining the
economic, technological and cultural
pressures that shape the gathering and
processing of global news and
information. Students will obtain a detailed
understanding of the issues and problems
involved in using the mass media to
promote development, including issues
related to nation-building, social inequality,
health and population, and economic
growth. Issues explored include:
Assessment
The taught Master’s degree is available by
assessed coursework and a dissertation.
There are six required seminar modules,
and a dissertation of 15-20,000 words is
written after successful completion of the
modules.
• global media
• development communication
• governance: from state formation to
global governance
MA International Relations
This programme examines the key issues
and actors in international relations and
alternative ways of analysing and
interpreting the subject. Issues explored
include:
• security in the Asia-Pacific region
• civil society and international
development
• drug policy and human rights
MA International Security and
Development
Issues of security, violence and conflict
have become central to international
politics and to development policy and
discourse. In order to comprehend the
modern world, a full appreciation of the
realities of conflict and violence, both
theoretical and practice-based, has
become essential. Issues explored include:
• critical security
• violence, conflict and development
• security in the Asia-Pacific region
Scholarships and Bursaries
A range of postgraduate scholarships
and bursaries is available. For details,
please visit: www.swansea.ac.uk/
scholarships/Postgraduate
Postgraduate Diplomas
and Certificates
Full-time or part-time Postgraduate
Certificate (60 credits) or Postgraduate
Diploma (120 credits) is available.
MA Politics
The MA in Politics provides a broad
introduction to the study of politics,
covering the structures and processes
of contemporary politics. Issues
explored include:
• democracy and citizenship
• government and politics in the UK
• the politics of human rights
MA Public Policy
The MA in Public Policy is designed to
provide high level training in the study
of public policy and policy making at
international, national and sub-state
levels. Issues explored include:
• the policy making process
• managing change and
performance in public services
• Governance: from state formation
to global governance
How can I find out more?
Visit our website:
www.swansea.ac.uk/artsandhumanities
Contact the Arts and Humanities
Postgraduate Admissions Office:
Email: pgahadmissions@swansea.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1792 606980/606981
Visit the University:
see page 174 for details
Applications can be made online at:
www.swansea.ac.uk/applyonline –
see pages 176 – 177 for further
information
For details of the research degrees
available in Politics and International
Relations, please see page 136.
“My job in education consultancy carries a high level of
responsibility and without studying for a Masters in International
Communication and Development, my career would simply not be
possible. One of the requirements of the role was to have a Masters
degree, and thus postgraduate education and helped to enhance
my career opportunities.
”
Lucy Hammond,
MA in International Communication and Development
Master’s Degrees – Politics, International Relations and Development Studies
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