1 - university of bradford€¦ · web view · 2018-03-12introduction. the ba in peace studies...

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDFaculty of Social SciencesDivision of Peace StudiesProgramme title: BA (Hons) in Peace Studies

Awarding and teaching institution:

University of Bradford

Final and interim award(s):

BA (Honours)[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 6]BA (Ordinary)[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 6]Diploma of Higher Education[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 5]Certificate of Higher Education[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 4]

Programme title: Peace Studies

Programme approved / accredited by:

N/A

Duration: 3 years full time; 4 years with study abroad or placement

UCAS code: L252 BA/Pax

Subject benchmark statement(s):

FHEQ Level:

Politics and International Relations

4-6

Date produced: June 2000

Last updated : June 2015

© University of Bradford 1

IntroductionThe BA in Peace Studies is located within the Division of Peace Studies, an internationally recognised centre for excellence in teaching and research on peace and conflict issues.Within the division of Peace Studies, staff and students are working on a wide range of themes that bear on prospects for peace in the 21st century. Underlying this work are a set of questions that go to the heart of Peace Studies: What do we mean by peace and related concepts, such as violence, conflict, security, development, sustainability, democracy, equality and justice? What are the implications of the values we hold for the ways in which we approach the study of peace and conflict, and for practical efforts to build more peaceful relationships? What are the key challenges facing humanity now and into the future? What might peaceful responses to these challenges look like?Given the diversity of staff and students in Peace Studies, the range of human experiences of peace and conflict, and the complexity of interactions from the local to the global, there is no single response to these questions. Rather, we see Peace Studies as a space for reflection and conversations on our different perspectives and understandings. The modules we offer as part of the BA in Peace Studies draw on the expertise and research of our academic staff, many of whom are also actively engaged in working with a range of agencies in the field, from the local level to the international arena. These modules approach the theme of peace and the question of how to build more peaceful relationships from a range of different angles and perspectives, from analyses of violence at multiple levels to different strategies for responding to conflict, from social movements for change to the links between peace and ecology, from the history of Peace Studies as an academic field of study to a critical engagement with the challenges facing peace theorists and practitioners into an uncertain future.

Programme AimsThe programme is intended to:A1. Enable you to reflect critically on different conceptions of peace, and

on their implications for efforts to build more peaceful relationships. A2. Develop your understanding of the origins and nature of conflict and

violence at multiple levels, from the local to the global.A3. Build your capacity to analyse and evaluate different responses to

conflict and efforts to build peaceful and equitable forms of social co-existence.


A4. Offer a friendly and supportive learning environment that includes space for critical conversations with fellow students and staff, and opportunities for collaborative learning.

A5. Offer a curriculum supported by active scholarship, staff development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debate.

A6. Encourage you to develop an independent, critical and scholarly approach to the field, and to apply your knowledge to real life problems.

A7. Encourage you to make progress towards becoming an ethical and reflective practitioner in the field of peace, conflict and development.

A8. Help you to develop a valuable range of key skills and personal attributes for a wide variety of careers.

Programme Learning OutcomesCertificate of Higher EducationWhen you have successfully completed Level 4 of the programme, you will be able to:LO1. Compare different approaches to understanding peace, conflict and

violence, and examine the assumptions underlying them.LO2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the origins and

evolution of the international political system, including contemporary changes underway.

LO3. Use academic sources to form the development of your own arguments, communicate clearly in speech and in writing, and contribute effectively to team work.

Diploma of Higher Education When you have successfully completed Level 5 of the programme, you will be able to:LO4. Critically assess the applicability of theoretical approaches to the

study of peace and conflict to a range of contemporary conflicts and dynamics in local, national and global contexts.

LO5. Gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments which address specific problems..

LO6. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use communication and information technology for the retrieval and presentation of information, and critically assess the value of different sources.


LO7. Demonstrate your progress towards competence in a range of skills relevant to professional work in the field of peace and conflict, including initiative, self organisation and time management, the ability to collaborate effectively with others to achieve common goals, and the capacity to reflect critically on your own assumptions and practice.

BA Honours*When you have successfully completed Level 6 of the programme, you will be able to:LO8. Critically engage with key debates in the field of peace and conflict,

and articulate your own informed perspective.LO9. Demonstrate detailed understanding of an issue area within Peace

Studies; formulate a research question in this issue area and identify and use an appropriate research design to investigate this question.

LO10.Synthesise and analyse complex information relating to questions in Peace Studies, and communicate your analysis effectively in writing.

*Students attaining a BA (Ordinary) degree will achieve the same learning outcomes, but on the basis of a smaller number of credits.

CurriculumThe programme consists of 360 credits, made up of core and optional modules. You take 120 credits at each stage. Year 1 [Level 4]

Your first year is designed to provide you with a solid intellectual foundation for your programme in Peace Studies. All of the Year 1 modules are ‘core’; that is, there are no options available in the first year. However, your first two semesters contain no shortage of variety; and we expect you to find it challenging as well as stimulating, since you will need to get to grips with key concepts and theoretical debates, both from the tradition of Peace Studies itself and from several neighbouring disciplines that contribute to the interdisciplinary study of peace.By the end of your first year, you will have gained an overview of many of the dynamics that bear on prospects for peace and conflict, and you will have had the opportunity to critically examine the core values that inform Peace Studies, and to reflect on your own assumptions. You will also have engaged in both individual and collaborative work to sharpen your ability to think critically, and to develop informed arguments in preparation for your second year.


Stage 1[Level 4]Module Code

Module Title Type Credits Level

Study period

SP-4002D Study Skills for Peace Studies, History and Politics

Core 20 4 1

SP-4004D Introduction to International Relations Core 20 4 1

SP-4005D Introduction to Peace Studies Core 20 4 1

SP-4006D Political Systems, Theories and Ideologies Core 20 4 2

SP-4003D Poverty, Development and Globalisation Core 20 4 2

SP-4007D Conflict, War and Political Violence Core 20 4 2

Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 4 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education.

Year 2 [Level 5]In your second year, you will have three core modules that extend your learning into specific areas relevant to the study and pursuit of peace. In addition to these core modules, you will be able to choose three modules (see list below), and thus to follow your own emerging interests.

Module Code


Study period

SP-5005D Peace and Change Core 20 5 1SP-5007D Conflict Research Skills Core 20 5 2SP-5027D Responding to Conflict:

Approaches, Ethics, Experience Core 20 5 2

SP-5004D Development Ideas in Practice Option 20 5 1

SP-5002D Regional Politics Option 20 5 1SP-5006D Global Governance Option 20 5 1SP-5010D War, Democracy and

Consensus Option 20 5 1

SP-5011D International Politics of the Cold War Option 20 5 1

SP-5009D Security: Theories and Concepts Option 20 5 2


SP-5001D Political Philosophy Option 20 5 2SP-5013D Diplomacy and Statecraft Option 20 5 2SP-5012D Understanding Violence Option 20 5 2

Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 5 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education.

Year 3 [Level 6]In your third year, you will study two further core modules as well as two optional modules and your dissertation. Your dissertation is a substantial (12-15,000 word) piece of research on a question you define yourself. This is your opportunity to follow your interests to a significant degree, and to demonstrate your research, analytical and writing skills. Personal supervision from experienced members of staff will support you with your project, giving you constructive feedback along the way.

Module Code


Study period

SP-6003B Dissertation Core 60 6 1+2SP-6019D Peace, Ecology and

ResilienceCore 20 6 1

SP-6020D Security: Threats and Security Analysis Option 20 6 1

SP-6005D Democracy and Authoritarianism Option 20 6 1

SP-6006D Peace, Conflict and Development Option 20 6 2

SP-6004D Human Rights Option 20 6 2

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Teaching and Assessment StrategiesTeaching and learning strategies take account of 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 programme.Core modules of the Peace Studies programme use a range of teaching and learning approaches, from formal lectures and seminars to small group work and team based learning. The web based Blackboard is an important element of teaching and learning strategy for all modules. Throughout the programme, you will acquire skills that will be useful not only in Peace Studies, but in whatever profession you choose to follow. These will be taught, practised and assessed. For example, through the


project work in some of the modules you will learn skills in planning, negotiating, team working and presenting.The programme has a diversity of assessment strategies that enable you to demonstrate your learning according to explicit and transparent criteria. The assessment strategies aim to develop and embed a range of discipline specific and generic skills that are determined by the aims and intended learning outcomes of the BA in Peace Studies programme. The assessments that you will undertake will develop your skills of researching, analysing, evaluating and critiquing ideas, information and approaches. You will develop a range of writing and transferable skills by demonstrating your learning in a range of different formats that include book reviews, report writing, essays, and team based learning, group presentations, personal reflection and formal examinations. In stage three, you will undertake a dissertation, a substantial project of autonomous research with one-to-one supervision from a member of staff.

Assessment RegulationsThis Programme conforms to the standard University Regulations which are available at the following link: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/

Admission RequirementsThe University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.


http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/

A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 240-280 UCAS tariff points to include 2 full GCE A levels or equivalent qualification plus GCSE English grade C or above or equivalent qualification. Applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form you will be invited to the Faculty for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss “the Bradford experience” with current students.

Learning ResourcesThe JB Priestley Library on the city campus and the specialist library in the Faculty of Management and Law provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each Faculty provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.

Student Support and GuidanceProgramme TeamSupport for you personally and in your programme of study will be provided both by the University and the programme team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The Faculty will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.Students’ UnionWe value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of Student representatives and formal Staff student Liaison Committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.


The Students’ Union provides professional academic representation and advice. The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union. Employability and Career DevelopmentThe University is committed to helping you to develop and enhance your employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within the curriculum. Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting you to develop your commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, graduate internship programmes and graduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students as part of their programme of study may have the opportunity to complete a Career & Personal Development accredited module delivered by the Career Development Service.All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.

Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all graduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’ website www.careers.brad.ac.ukThe specific provision on this programme is intended to meet the employability expectations of Peace Studies graduates. These are typically focused on careers in conflict management, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, civil service, local government, police, journalism, diplomacy, research and education. The BA in Peace Studies provides the skills and knowledge, and the critical research and analysis capacities that are required by employers in these fields. The BA programme provides a mix of both discipline and personal transferable skills, strengthened through the second year research skills


and third year dissertation project and internship module. Teaching on the programme is research informed and delivered by an academic team that is engaged in knowledge transfer activities with employers and practitioners, enabling us to constantly review our employer engagement capability. Graduates develop an independent and critical ability to gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence or data, to use communication and information technology for the retrieval of and presentation of information, to demonstrate initiative, and to collaborate with others to achieve common goals.The calibre and diversity of our student body adds value to our programme in terms of the networking opportunities provided.

Placements or periods of study abroad In addition to the possibility of studying abroad at one of our approved ERASMUS partners during your three years of study (for which your earn academic credits and have your grades added in to your final degree and transcript) we offer you the unique option of expanding your three year degree into a four year programme. We encourage you to consider an optional year of study work, or volunteering abroad, taken between stage 1 and 2 or stage 2 and 3 of your programme at Bradford. 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 and study. Most students choose to go abroad, to spend time in one or more countries, but work and volunteering can also be undertaken with local or UK based organisations.Through Erasmus partnerships with the Universities of Brussels, Coimbra, Toulouse, Salamanca, Prague and Munich, and exchange programmes with the California State University (USA), Clarkson University (USA), Sogang University (Seoul, Korea), Hosei University (Tokyo, Japan) and Slippery Rock University (USA) BA Peace Studies students have the opportunity to undertake a portion of their undergraduate programme overseas. This option enables 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. Undertaking a suitable internship, working with local or international voluntary or inter-governmental organisations is designed to provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills


gained on your programme 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 you are to identify your own placement opportunities, 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 will be considered (including a monthly diary, reflective end of placement report, oral presentation and placement supervisor assessment). Placements or periods of study abroad will be recognised on the student transcript.

Academic Skills Advice ServiceFor undergraduate students who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of programme discipline or level of study. You can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study.http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills

DisabilityDisabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: [email protected]

University Policies and InitiativesLearning and TeachingOur University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop in your area of study. Our


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills

research informed programmes have a particular focus on developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative, real world and enquiry based learning, supported by appropriate learning technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement, but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing level of challenge as you progress through your programme. Together, these lead to you developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life beyond university.

EcoversityEcoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity

Further InformationFor further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.

The Admissions OfficeThe University of BradfordRichmond RoadBradford, BD7 1DPUK

+44 (0)1274 233054http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/

The Admissions OfficeFaculty of Social SciencesRichmond RoadBradford, BD7 1DPUK

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/ssis/ social- sciences

The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures.


http://www.bradford.ac.uk/ssis/

http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity

Appendices: BA Peace Studies

1. Programme Learning OutcomesLevel Code Title Type LO1 LO

2LO3 LO

4LO5 LO

6LO7

LO8

LO9

LO10

4 SP-4002D Study Skills for Peace Studies, History and Politics

Core S S A

4 SP-4004D Introduction to International Relations

Core A A A

4 SP-4005D Introduction to Peace Studies Core A A A4 SP-4006D Political Systems, Theories and

IdeologiesCore A A A

4 SP-4003D Poverty, Development and Globalisation

Core A A A

4 SP-4007D Conflict, War and Political Violence

Core A A A

5 SP-5005D Peace and Change Core A A A A A S

5 SP-5007D Conflict Research Skills Core A A A A A A A5 SP-5027D Responding to Conflict:

Approaches, Ethics and Experience

Core A A A A A A

5 SP-5004D Development Ideas in Practice Option A A A A S5 SP-5006D Global Governance Option A A A A A S5 SP-5010D War, Democracy and

ConsensusOption S A A A A S

5 SP-5002D Regional Politics Option A A A A A S


5 SP-5011D International Politics of the Cold War

Option A A A A A S

5 SP-5009D Security: Theories and Concepts

Option A A A A S

5 SP-5001D Political Philosophy Option A S A A S5 SP-5013D Diplomacy and Statecraft Option A A A A S5 SP-5012D Understanding Violence Option A A A A A S6 SP-6003B Dissertation Core A A A A A A A A6 SP-6019D Peace, Ecology and Resilience Core A A A A A A A6 SP-6020D Security: Threats and Security

AnalysisOption A A A S A A

6 SP-6005D Democracy and Authoritarianism

Option A A S A A

6 SP-6004D Human Rights Option A A S A A6 SP-6006D Peace, Conflict and

DevelopmentOption A A S A A

NotesA = this outcome is formally assessed in the module;S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed


2. Teaching Map

Level

Code Title Type 1 2 3 4 5 6


Core x x x x

4 SP-4004D Introduction to International Relations Core x x x x4 SP-4005D Introduction to Peace Studies Core x x x x4 SP-4006D Political Systems, Theories and Ideologies Core x x x x4 SP-4003D Poverty, Development and Globalisation Core x x x x4 SP-4007D Conflict, War and Political Violence Core x x x x x5 SP-5005D Peace and Change Core x x x x x5 SP-5007D Conflict Research Skills Core x x x x x x5 SP-5027D Responding to Conflict: Approaches,

Ethics and ExperienceCore X X X

5 SP-5004D Development Ideas in Practice Option x x5 SP-5006D Global Governance Option x x5 SP-5010D War, Democracy and Consensus Option x x5 SP-5002D Regional Politics Option x x5 SP-5011D International Politics of the Cold War Option x x5 SP-5009D Security: Theories and Concepts Option x5 SP-5001D Political Philosophy Option x5 SP-5013D Diplomacy and Statecraft Option x x5 SP-5012D Understanding Violence Option x x x x x6 SP-6003B Dissertation Core x x x6 SP-6019D Peace, Ecology and Resilience Core x x x


6 SP-6020D Security: Threats and Security Analysis Option x6 SP-6005D Democracy and Authoritarianism Option x x6 SP-6004D Human Rights Option x x6 SP-6006D Peace, Conflict and Development Option x x

Teaching and Learning Methods1. Lectures2. Seminars3. Team-based learning4. Blackboard5. Use of digital learning and social media technologies6. Broadcast and social media


3. Assessment MapLevel

Code Title Type 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9


Core x x

4 SP-4004D Introduction to International Relations

Core x x

4 SP-4005D Introduction to Peace Studies Core x x4 SP-4006D Political Systems, Theories and

IdeologiesCore x

4 SP-4003D Poverty, Development and Globalisation

Core x

4 SP-4007D Conflict, War and Political Violence

Core x

5 SP-5005D Peace and Change Core x5 SP-5007D Conflict Research Skills Core x5 SP-5027D Responding to Conflict:

Approaches, Ethics and Experience

Core x

5 SP-5004D Development Ideas in Practice Option x5 SP-5006D Global Governance Option x5 SP-5010D War, Democracy and Consensus Option x5 SP-5002D Regional Politics Option x5 SP-5011D International Politics of the Cold

WarOption x x

5 SP-5009D Security: Theories and Concepts Option x x5 SP-5013D Diplomacy and Statecraft Option x5 SP-5012D Understanding Violence Option x


6 SP-6003B Dissertation Core x6 SP-6019D Peace, Ecology and Resilience Core x x x6 SP-6020D Security: Threats and Security

AnalysisOption x x

6 SP-6005D Democracy and Authoritarianism Option x6 SP-6010D The Rise and Fall of the Soviet

EmpireOption x x

6 SP-6004D Human Rights Option x6 SP-6006D Peace, Conflict and Development Option x

Methods of Assessment1. Group work2. Essay3. Book review/critical bibliography4. Multiple choice5. Team-based learning6. Examination7. Portfolio8. Written report9. Dissertation


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