school of politics and international relations · 2 introduction the school of politics and...

SCHOOL OF POLITICSAND INTERNATIONAL

RELATIONSCanterbury and Brussels

The UK’s European university

Graduatestudy

2

INTRODUCTION

The School of Politics andInternational Relationsis a dynamic place tostudy, combining high-quality teaching withcutting-edge research ina supportive environment.All postgraduate teachingis informed by the latestresearch and scholarship,and is delivered byacademic staff withinternationallyrecognised expertise.

Our research was highly rated inthe Research Excellence Framework(REF) 2014, where we were ranked15th for research power and in thetop 20 for research impact. TheSchool has over 30 academicstaff at two locations, in Canterburyand Brussels. The School iscosmopolitan, with staff fromseveral different countries andwell over half of all postgraduatestudents coming from outsidethe UK.

World-leading research The size and strength of ouracademic body generates a vibrantresearch culture and has led us toachieve international excellence inmany areas of the discipline. Thisis reflected in the numerous booksand articles published, and in theexistence of three core researchcentres: the Conflict AnalysisResearch Centre, the GlobalEurope Centre and the Centrefor Critical Thought.

Dedicated andinspirational teaching The School has a strongcommitment to excellence inteaching. All lectures and seminarsare informed by the latest researchand scholarship, and are given byfull-time academic staff who haveinternationally recognised expertisein their field. Our innovative teachingpractices have received nationalrecognition and we use a diverserange of teaching methods, fromlarge lectures to small groupdiscussions, simulation exercises,and class debates, and make useof technology to foster an activelearning environment.

Our programmes equip you withthe tools you need to conductresearch, solve problems,communicate effectively andtransfer skills to the workplace,which means our graduates arealways in high demand.

Flexible and innovativeprogrammes Our postgraduate programmesare extremely flexible and offer anexceptionally broad module choice,reflecting the research interests ofour staff. We offer a wide range oftaught Master’s programmes at twolocations, Canterbury and Brussels.Our programmes combine taughtmodules and a dissertation. All ofour one-year MA programmes atCanterbury can be studied asa Postgraduate Diploma (PDip),which comprises six modules taughtover the autumn and spring terms.It is possible to study our MA

programmes part-time over twoyears. We also offer two-year 120ECTS versions, which comprise ninetaught modules and a dissertation.On certain programmes, you canspend a term abroad or split yourtime between Canterbury andBrussels.

Global outlook andpartnershipsFavoured by our strategic location– in the beautiful historic city ofCanterbury and yet within easyreach of London, Brussels andParis – we pride ourselves on ourglobal outlook. This is reflectedin our wide range of internationalpartnerships. We are the onlypolitics and international relationsschool in the country with apostgraduate centre in Brussels,which allows students on some ofour programmes to follow part, orall, of their programme in Brussels.Agreements with partner institutionsin Germany and Russia enable us tooffer a Double Award version of theMA in International Relations, and ajoint MA programme in Peace andConflict Studies.

Funding and teachingopportunities The postgraduate programmesoffered by the School enjoyrecognition from the main fundingbodies, notably for PhD degrees.UK and EU applicants* are eligibleto apply for Economic and SocialResearch Council (ESRC) fundingunder the South East DoctoralTraining Centre (SEDTC)partnership. French and UK

School of Politics and International Relations

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applicants can also apply to the‘Entente Cordiale’ ScholarshipScheme.

The University has a scholarshipfund of over £9 million to supportour taught and research students.Our range of scholarships includesfull awards to support doctoralresearch candidates, tuition feeawards for taught Master’s students,loyalty discounts and scholarshipsfor overseas students, as well asawards that recognise excellencein sport and music.

There is a Graduate TeachingAssistantship scheme, which offersfinancial support to postgraduateresearch students in returnfor teaching. For details, seewww.kent.ac.uk/pgfunding

Strong postgraduatecommunityThere is a strong and supportivepostgraduate academic communitywithin the School. Postgraduatesare encouraged to participate inthe extensive range of activitiesthat take place within the School,including our regular PublicSpeaker Programme, wherebyacademics and practitionersare invited to Kent to give publiclectures on key topics. Postgraduateresearch students are also invitedto attend a programme of School ofPolitics and International RelationsResearch Seminars (SPIRRS),which attract internationallyrecognised speakers. The Schoolruns a weekly Graduate Researchand Training Seminar (GRTS),which is at the centre of our

www.kent.ac.uk/politics

developmental and training work forour research community. In additionto student presentations, the GRTSfeatures regular professional skillsand academic research trainingsessions. Each year postgraduatestudents organise a conference,which lends itself to the wide rangeof research interests across thefields of politics and internationalrelations within our School.

In addition to support from theSchool, you also have the supportof the Graduate School, whichprovides specialist academicand personal advice and guidancethroughout your studies, facilitatescross-disciplinary interaction andsocial networking, and co-ordinatestransferable skills training.

First-class postgraduatefacilities Students have access to anexcellent library, including acollection of political cartoons,extensive computing facilities andonline resources, including 50,000journals. The School’s EuropeanDocumentation Centre houses allofficial publications of the EU andthe School also has a specialisedcollection on international conflictand federal studies. Postgraduatestudents have their own designatedstudy area.

*At the time of going to press, we are not yet aware of the impact the UK’s withdrawalfrom the European Union may have on the eligibility of EU students to access certainUK postgraduate funding schemes, such as Research Councils UK awards andPostgraduate Loans for Master’s programmes. Please see www.kent.ac.uk/pgfundingfor the most up-to-date information.

School of Politics and International Relations4

BRUSSELS SCHOOL OFINTERNATIONAL STUDIES

The School offers sevenprogrammes at theUniversity’s BrusselsSchool of InternationalStudies (BSIS), Kent’sspecialist postgraduatecentre in the politicalcapital of Europe. Degreesoffered cover the spectrumof international affairs,including internationalrelations and internationalconflict and security.

The programmes offered in Brusselsprovide students with the uniqueopportunity of studying withacademics, practitioners andpolicymakers while, at the sametime, benefiting from the excellentopportunities for networking andprofessional advancement offeredby the ‘capital of Europe’.

About BSISKent’s Brussels School ofInternational Studies is amultidisciplinary postgraduatecentre that brings together thedisciplines of politics, internationalrelations, law and economicsto provide in-depth analysis ofinternational problems, such asconflict, security, development,migration, and the politicaleconomy and legal basisof a changing world order.

Around 200 students are pursuingMaster’s and Doctoral degrees inBrussels. Degrees are full degreesof the University of Kent, and arealso accredited by the highereducation accrediting body forthe Flemish Community in Belgium(NVAO) and recognised by theFlemish Government.

Our students are drawn fromaround 50 countries worldwide,which creates an internationalstudent body that adds significantlyboth to the academic and the socialexperience at BSIS. Likewise, ouracademic staff are drawn fromnearly every continent.

There are many advantages tostudying in Brussels: you haveaccess to major internationalorganisations, such as the EuropeanUnion (EU) and NATO, as well asthe many international and non-governmental organisations basedin Brussels. BSIS has strong linkswith the Brussels community, whichmeans many of our students havebeen able to improve theirprofessional skills and gain real-world experience through a rangeof internships and voluntary workopportunities.

“The Brussels centre givesstudents a unique opportunityto live and study in the heartof Europe, surrounded byinternational organisations,NGOs and lobbying groups.The programmes allow anin-depth study of the fieldsof international relations,law and migration in a citywhere decisions are beingmade that shape our world,within a school thatunderstands them.”

Niels MalskaerMA International Relations

www.kent.ac.uk/politics 5

Casey Douglas Carr isstudying for a Master’sin InternationalConflict and Security.Here, he outlines theadvantages of studyingat Kent’s BrusselsSchool of InternationalStudies.

‘Kent’s Brussels School ofInternational Studies offers manydistinct advantages for studentsinterested in a hands-on careerin European politics. I havefound my course, InternationalConflict and Security, to beadaptive to my specialisationand interests. The programmehas given me a range oftools to pursue research oncontested issues such asterrorism and radicalisation,while Brussels itself providesmany opportunities to attendconferences and panels whereyou can discuss these issueswith experts in the field.

‘The module convenors andassistants are experiencedin real-world conflict situations,and knowledgeable on the latesttrends in conflict research(ie Twitter usage) from theMediterranean to SoutheastAsia. I enjoy hearing theirmultiple perspectives on arange of international relationsissues; I think it would be difficultto find such a breadth of opinionand knowledge in any othersingle setting.’

In Brussels, BSIS has its ownpurpose-designed facilities,including academic offices, astudent common room and teachingrooms, as well as access to ITfacilities, reference books andjournals. You also have full useof the facilities of our partneruniversities, Vrije Universiteit Brussel(VUB) and the Université Libre deBruxelles (ULB), giving you accessto a wide choice of libraries, sportsand leisure facilities, social andcultural events, and languageclasses. In addition, you haveaccess to many general andspecialist public and privatelibraries suitable for postgraduatestudy.

Programmes offered inBrussels• EU External Relations• International Conflict and Security• International Development• International Migration • International Political Economy• International Relations• Political Strategy and

Communication

For details of the programmesoffered, see www.kent.ac.uk/politics/studying/postgraduate/brussels

7www.kent.ac.uk/politics

throughout your postgraduatestudies. I was able to tailor mystudies to my specific interests,namely terrorism and security.At undergraduate level, you studywith people who are taking similarmodules to you, whereas atpostgraduate level everybody isdoing something slightly different soyou can truly learn from each other.

What is the level of support likefor postgraduates? I don’t think there is much differencebetween the level of support forundergraduate and postgraduatestudents, which I believe is a goodthing! I have felt well supportedthroughout my studies at Kent.

How do you think your studiesat Kent will affect youremployment prospects? I believe I have made the most outof the many opportunities providedat Kent to boost my employmentprospects. I joined the Global SkillsAward Programme and took partin workshops, career days, andso on. I am confident I will secure ajob once I complete my dissertationand graduate – and have alreadysecured interviews.

What do you plan to do next?I have not yet made final plans.I have been accepted to join a12-week project in East Africa withICS Balloon Ventures. However, Iwould happily relocate to Londonand take advantage of the dynamicenvironment and the manyopportunities that the city offers.

Augusta Itua isstudying for a Master’sin International ConflictAnalysis.

Why this area of study? After completing my undergraduatedegree in law, I was not sure ifI wanted to pursue a career asa solicitor or barrister and thoughta qualification in another disciplinecould prove beneficial.

Why did you choose Kent?I was an undergraduate at Kentand was happy here. Also, Kent wasparticularly good for the disciplineI wanted to study and I thought Iwould benefit from the diversity ofthe student and staff populationsat Kent. The University’s proximityto London (and Europe) means thatI can live in a happy, friendly andstimulating environment, whilebeing a short flight away fromopportunities that may be availableto students across Europe.

There are many opportunitiesoffered at Kent and support isalways available if you want tofollow up an idea or a project.I enjoy being a part of a muchlarger community.

Have you had a favourite module?I enjoyed International Securityin a Changing World becauseof the quality of the teachingand the structure of the module.It challenges the conventionalapproach to security and made merealise what an important role I havein shaping and constructing our

perception and understandingof security.

What about the teaching?The teaching is excellent. As ataught Master’s student, I am givenlots of independence and trust.I think this is a very good approachto education and it has allowed meto build stronger relationships withclassmates and lecturers.

How would you describe yourfellow students? We are a diverse group fromdifferent social, political, religiousand academic backgrounds. It isvery exciting to have such diversityin a classroom, but it does require asignificant amount of maturity andconsideration for others, particularlyin modules where sensitive issuesare discussed.

What about the facilities at Kent?The facilities are great! The libraryis excellent and people are verykeen to explain and guide youthrough things. I like that there areso many different types of studyenvironment available – quiet,group, with technology/technologyfree, with flipcharts, solo studyenvironments, and so on. Duringexam periods, the students’ unionoffers students lots of opportunitiesto de-stress – free water and fruit,volleyball nets outside the library,a stress release tent, and so on.

Does postgraduate study differfrom undergraduate study?The biggest difference for mewas the independence you have

STUDENT PROFILE


A Master’s in the area of politics andinternational relations is a valuableand flexible qualification that canopen up exciting careers inprofessions such as diplomacy,the civil service, European andinternational organisations, NGOs,the media and in the commercialsector. Kent postgraduates have astrong track record in this respect,with many now occupying toppositions with employers in thepublic and private sectors.

Careers and EmployabilityServiceOur award-winning Careers andEmployability Service can help youto plan for your future by providingone-to-one advice. It also providesonline advice on employability skills,career choices and applications,and interview skills.

Further informationFor more information on the careershelp we provide at Kent, visit ourEmployability web page atwww.kent.ac.uk/employability

Graduate School also delivers theGlobal Skills Award Programmefor students following taughtprogrammes, which is designedto consolidate your awareness ofcurrent global issues and improveyour employment prospects.

International opportunitiesYou can study abroad for a termor a year on selected postgraduateprogrammes. Those who studyabroad often find that this providesa valuable opportunity for personaldevelopment and the experiencecan enhance their job prospects.

Exciting career options Kent has an excellent record forpostgraduate employment: over96% of our postgraduate studentswho graduated in 2015 found a jobor further study opportunity withinsix months and in The GuardianUniversity Guide 2017, Politics wasranked 6th in the UK for graduateprospects. We monitor how wellour programmes meet the demandsof today’s globalised job market.

A postgraduatequalification from Kentopens up a wealth ofcareer opportunities byproviding an impressiveportfolio of skills andspecialist knowledge.

As well as providing a first-rateacademic experience, we wantyou to be in a good position toface the demands of a competitiveeconomic environment. Employersrecognise that a postgraduatequalification demonstrates a widerange of skills. At Kent, we providea comprehensive package of skillsdevelopment training programmes,careers advice, and volunteeringand paid work opportunitiesto help enhance your careerprospects. The School of Politicsand International Relations hasan Employability, Internships,Placements and AlumniRelations Manager who organisesemployability events in the School.

Transferable skills trainingAll postgraduate students havethe benefit of skills training offeredby the University. The Schoolprovides a compulsory module onresearch methods. (More detailedinformation is available on the taughtor research degrees pages.)

Kent’s Graduate School co-ordinatesthe Researcher DevelopmentProgramme for research students,providing access to a wide range oflectures and workshops on training,personal development planning andcareer development skills. The

IMPRESSIVE CAREER PROSPECTS

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GRADUATE PROFILE

supported and that my backgroundmeant I could offer a differentperspective. Being made to feelwelcome made all the difference.The tutors created an open andaccessible atmosphere, wherewe felt at ease and equal. We werea strong group and engaged intheoretical discussions without anyjudgement, only encouragement.

How did your course lay thefoundations for your career?Having a year of learning aboutpolitical theory and thinking aboutmy artistic practice in thisframework helped me to thinkabout my position as an artist-academic. Wanting to continueexploring this position and pushingthe boundaries of art and politics,I applied to study a PhD in Politicaland Social Thought at Kent.

Could you describe your careersince your Master’s?During and after my MA, my art wonawards including: Winter Pride UKArt Award 2014; Broomhill NationalSculpture Prize 2014; Signature Art Prize: Peoples’ Choice Award;and the Royal British Society ofSculptors 2014 Bursary Award.I have also been invited to presentat conferences in the UK, Denmark,Ireland, Holland and Italy. I am nowworking with my colleague, ConorHeaney, on a project entitledLearning Exchange and Play. Wehave organised three workshops:the first at King’s College London,and two others at Kent.

I have also co-authored ‘A LabialArt-Politics’ with Dr Iain MacKenziepublished in Contention: The

Following completion ofher Master’s in PoliticalTheory and Practices ofResistance* in 2013, HollieMackenzie is now a PhDcandidate at Kent.

Why Kent? My first degree was in Fine Art andin my final year, while creating anartwork called ‘Downfall’, my interestin the politics behind art and theimpossible utopia deepened.Inspired to extend my politicalknowledge and the conceptualquality of my art in order to exploreutopian ideals and change throughartistic expression, I discovered theMA in Political Theory and Practicesof Resistance (now renamed toreflect a recent agreement with TateModern). I attended an Open Dayand got the encouragementI needed.

Why this course?There were two main attractions:the opportunity to study politicaltheory while continuing to create art,and the welcoming and motivationaltutors. Once the MA was underway,I discovered just how much thetheory and practice interlinked andinformed each other. The theoreticalstudy has pushed my artisticpractice in ways I had not imagined.

What was the course like? We spent the first half of the yearlearning the theory and the secondputting what we had learnt intopractice. I had been concernedabout undertaking a theoreticalMA following my very practical BA,but was reassured that I would be

Multidisciplinary Journal of SocialProtest. Furthermore, since my PhD,I have become a member of TateExchange and the associate teamfor Kent’s MA in Politics, Art andResistance.

Do you have a typical day inyour work?A typical day can either be: readingand writing at home; sculpting onmy workbench; visiting Tate Modernfor meetings about Tate Exchange;presenting my research at aconference; or attending classes.

What are your future plans?To continue learning and creating.

Do you have any othermemories of Kent to share?Organising the Art Trail for the LGBTHistory Month 2015 (with SebastianBromelow); and designing the ArtTrail logo, brochure, leaflets andbanners. Also becoming co-ordinator of The AGORA (with ConorHeaney) and creating its logo. Thisis an online platform and monthlyevent where participants arewelcome to engage in political,critical and creative discussions.

Any advice for graduatesthinking of coming to Kentfor postgraduate study?Come! There are lots of events andgroups/centres to get involved withand reading groups. The Universityalso still prides itself on being theUK’s European university, and this issomething I am happy to be part of.

To see my work, or ongoing projects,visit www.mackenzieartist.co.uk


*now

called Politics, A

rt and

Resistance


TAUGHT PROGRAMMES

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The School has a rangeof taught programmeson offer, so you can choosethe degree that reflectsyour interests. Below isan explanation of whatthe different degreeprogrammes offer.

For all of our MA programmes(excluding Double or Joint Awardversions), you have the option tostudy full-time over 12 months, orpart-time, typically over two years.Certain programmes are alsooffered in a two-year, 120 ECTS-credit format, comprising ninetaught modules followed by adissertation, and as a PostgraduateDiploma, which entails the sametaught curriculum as the MA, butdoes not require a dissertation.For the MAs in International ConflictAnalysis and International Relations(two-year, 120 ECTS-credit format),you have the option to study for oneyear at our prestigious postgraduatecentre in Brussels. We also offera Double Award version of the MAin International Relations and a jointMA in Peace and Conflict Studies.

EU International Relationsand Diplomacy MA As the flagship Master’s programmeof Kent’s Global Europe Centre, thisprogramme provides invaluableknowledge for understandingand analysing contemporary policypractices of the EU. It includes notonly the theoretical accounts ofthe EU’s contested roles in globalpolitics, but also its practicalimplications in the ‘real world’.

destructively requires a carefulanalysis of the roots of conflict,and a knowledge of effective waysto channel conflict into legitimateprocedures and agreed outcomes.

This MA helps you to understandconflicts in their context, whetherthey are environmental, ethnic,political or international disputes,and whether they take violent ornon-violent forms.

This programme preparesactors, be they state governments,international organisations orindividuals, to better manageconflict peacefully and to preventit. It examines the major theoriesand leading practices of conflictand conflict resolution ininternational affairs, supplementingtheory with detailed case studies.Topics include negotiation,mediation, conference diplomacy,third party intervention, restorative

Modules take a hands-on approachby engaging European policypractitioners, which allows you toexplore various elements of policyconstruction and its challenges,especially as they informnew approaches to governance.

Course content• Europe in Crisis? Challenges

to a Global Polity• The European Union in the World• Negotiation and Mediation • Philosophy and Methodology

of Politics and InternationalRelations

• Two optional modules• Dissertation

International ConflictAnalysis MAConflict, in its many forms, hasbeen a permanent feature ofhuman society. Finding ways topursue it constructively rather than

CONTINUED OVERLEAF


justice, peacekeeping,peacemaking and coercivediplomacy.

Course content• Conflict Resolution in World

Politics • Philosophy and Methodology


• Theories of Conflict and Violence• Three optional modules• Dissertation

This programme is also offered asa two-year MA with one year spentin Brussels (worth 120 ECTS).

International Relations MAThis programme considerscontemporary questions ininternational relations theoryand practice. The accent is oncritical consideration of traditionalapproaches to the discipline.Post-Cold War globalisationdemands ever-more sophisticatedways of understanding the dramaticchanges taking place. Thisprogramme addresses that need.

This MA programme providesyou with advanced training in thegeneral methods, scope, theoriesand findings in the field ofinternational relations. It builds onan undergraduate specialisation inthe field of international relationsor a similar discipline, and gives asystematic preparation for originalpostgraduate research or for ademanding international career.

It also constitutes a programmeof training for those who have

Second year• Modules at the Higher School

of Economics, Moscow • Dissertation

International Relationswith International Law MADespite their close relationship,international law and internationalrelations have traditionally beentaught as discrete subjects.This programme is based on arecognition of the need to alloweach discipline to be informed bythe other, and covers the generalmethods, scope and theoriesof international relations andinternational law.

The objective of the programmeis to develop a critical considerationof traditional approaches to thediscipline of international relations.Post-Cold War globalisationdemands ever-more sophisticatedways of understanding the dramaticchanges taking place.

This programme allows you toconsider the role, potential andlimitations of public internationallaw in international affairs. For some,this will enable an undergraduatespecialisation to be developed.For others, it will enable knowledgeof other fields to be applied tointernational relations. Theprogramme’s interdisciplinaryapproach is particularly suited tothose involved with, or hoping towork for, international organisations,non-governmental organisations,foreign affairs departments andinternational law firms.

graduated in other fields and wishto transfer to international relations.

Course content• International Relations Theory• Philosophy and Methodology


• Four optional modules• Dissertation

This programme is also offered asa two-year MA with one year spentin Brussels (worth 120 ECTS).

International Relations MA(International DoubleAward)This version of the InternationalRelations programme providesyou with the opportunity to studyboth at the University of Kent andat the prestigious Higher Schoolof Economics in Moscow, and toobtain two Master’s degrees. Youspend the first year in Kent, thesecond in Moscow. Knowledgeof the Russian language is notrequired as courses in Moscoware taught in English, with the optionto take Russian language courses.There is a mandatory researchinternship that is linked to thedissertation.

Course contentFirst year• International Relations Theory• Philosophy and Methodology


• Four optional modules takenat Kent

TAUGHT PROGRAMMES (CONT)


Course content• International Relations Theory• Philosophy and Methodology


• Public International Law• Three optional modules: two

from Politics and InternationalRelations, one from Law

• Dissertation

Peace and Conflict StudiesMA (International JointAward)You spend your first year inCanterbury and the second year inMarburg where courses are taughtin English. The programme featuresa mandatory internship that is linkedto the dissertation.

Course contentCanterbury (first year)• Conflict Resolution in World

Politics• Philosophy and Methodology


• Theories of Conflict and Violence• Three other modules taught within

the School• Dissertation

Marburg (second year)• Intergroup Conflict• International Internship• Two optional modules• Dissertation

Politics, Art andResistance MA This MA explores the theme ofpolitical resistance. While ideasand practices of resistance arediscussed in general terms, the

perspectives and is team taught byDr Simon Cottee, Senior Lecturerin Criminology, and ProfessorRuth Blakeley, who leads a teamspearheading cutting-edge researchon rendition used by top humanrights lawyers and NGOs worldwide.

The programme exploresphenomena of terrorism andpolitical violence as perpetrated byboth state and non-state actors, theimplications of these for the securityof individuals, societies, states andthe international system, as wellas the measures taken by statesto deter terrorism and politicalviolence. You are introduced totheories from across the socialsciences that help us betterunderstand these phenomena. The teaching on the programmetakes a variety of forms, includinglectures, seminars, groupdiscussion and more innovativeformats, including simulatedtribunals, special commissions andparliamentary-style debates. Youcan select from a wide range ofmodules from the School of Politicsand International Relations and theSchool of Social Policy, Sociologyand Social Research.

Course content• Philosophy and Methodology


• Terrorism and Crimes of the State• Terrorism and Modern Society• Three other modules chosen from

the School of Politicsand International Relationsand the School of Social Policy,Sociology and Social Research

• Dissertation

programme pays particular attentionto artistic practices of resistance.It examines how resistance hasfeatured in the history of politicalideas, from Plato to Badiou, andinvestigates past and presentpractices of resistance in a widerange of activities including art,film, poetry and fiction.

The programme is affiliated with theTate Modern gallery in London (viathe Tate Exchange initiative) andnormally includes a visit to themuseum and an exploration ofits collection. By linking theory topractice and focusing on a corethematic, this MA develops aninnovative approach to politicalthought, encompassing historical,conceptual and practicalknowledge. Students are ableto submit a ‘documented practiceof resistance’ for assessment.

This MA won the prestigiousInnovation in Teaching PoliticsAward (2015) from the UK’s PoliticalStudies Association (PSA).

Course content• Resistance in Practice• Resistance in Theory• Four optional modules • Dissertation

Terrorism and Society MATaught jointly with: the School ofSocial Policy, Sociology and SocialResearch

This unique multidisciplinaryprogramme examines questions ofterrorism from international relations,sociology and criminology


Dissertation Module code: PO998

This is an extended essay that formsa major assessed element of ourMA programmes. Your dissertationgives you considerable leeway tofollow your own particular interests,with guidance from staff. The topicyou propose for your dissertationmust be relevant to your MA andapproved by the academic staff.Supervision of work on thedissertation is concentrated in thesecond half of the academic year.Many Master’s dissertations achievea very high standard and severalhave been published.

The European Unionin the WorldModule code: PO831

This module focuses on the positionof Europe, and the EU in particular,and the way it is perceived in therest of the world after the changesbrought about by decolonisation,European integration and the endof the Cold War. The moduleexplores themes such as: Europe’sinternal identity; Europe in the worldfrom a regional perspective, lookingat EU and NATO enlargement,European Neighbourhood Policy,the new geo-strategic situation inEurope, EU-Russia relations andoverlapping neighbourhoods;Europe in the world from a globalperspective, looking at globalisation,security issues and transatlanticrelations; and Europe’s external

identity, analysing debates aroundthe EU as normative power, civilianpower, and EU structural foreignpolicy.

Europe in Crisis?Challenges to GlobalPolity (subject to approval)Module code: TBC

Here, you address topical eventsin the processes of Europeanintegration and external relations,taking crises as a potential enginefor change. You engage in thisprocess of change throughscholarly investigation using primarytextual and visual sources frommultiple critical perspectives. Themodule is designed to be boththeoretically sophisticated andaccessible, ensuring you gaininvaluable knowledge forunderstanding and analysing thecontemporary policy practices ofthe European Union. This hands-onapproach should prove bothstimulating and pedagogicallyuseful as you explore how policiescreate crises and crises may informnew approaches to governance.

The Governance of theEuropean UnionModule code: PO950

This module offers an advancedunderstanding of the functioningof the EU as a system of supra-national governance. It is dividedinto two main parts. The first focuseson the key institutions involved in thegovernance process and analyses

Below is a list of modulescurrently offered.

Please note: the modules beloware not fixed as new modules arealways in development and choicesare updated yearly. Please seewww.kent.ac.uk/pg for the mostup-to-date information.

Conflict Resolutionin World PoliticsModule code: PO832

The module introduces currentthinking and practice in the fieldon conflict resolution, conflictmanagement and conflicttransformation, including conflictprevention and peace-building.Can protracted violent conflictsbe prevented, and how are theybrought to an end? Is it possibleto deal with the root causes ofconflict? How do the wider conflictsin the international system impacton local and regional conflicts, andunder what circumstances areconflicts transformed? We explorethese questions with referenceto theories of conflict resolution,comparative studies and casestudies. The main focus is oninternational and intra-state conflict.There are also opportunities todiscuss conflicts at other levels,such as the role of diasporasand the media in conflict and itstransformation. You are encouragedto draw on your own personalknowledge of conflict situations.

TAUGHT MODULES

14 School of Politics and International Relations

upon the outcome of internationalnegotiations, which should not justbe thought of in the abstract asbetween ‘governments’ or‘parties’ or ‘businesses’. As well asdiscussing useful tools, you makeuse of these tools in role-plays andshort written assignments. Theemphasis is on learning throughpractical experience. The secondpart of the module concentrateson third party intervention ininternational conflicts and, inparticular, on mediation andproblem-solving techniques. Youwork in small groups on a practicalissue in the area of third partyproblem solving, examining onecase in depth through a simulationexercise.

Philosophy andMethodology of Politicsand International RelationsModule code: PO825

Students of politics ‘have not been,in general, sufficiently reflectiveabout the nature and scope of theirdiscipline. They just do it rather thantalk about it’. (G Stoker)

Given that political scientists studypeople rather than ‘things’, thismodule assumes that politicsstudents ought to be reflectiveabout their research. It providesan opportunity for reflectionby presenting some of the keytheoretical and methodologicaldebates in political science. Thesedebates deal with issues such asthe nature of justification in socialand political enquiry, the distinction

International RelationsTheoryModule code: PO824

This module introduces a rangeof theoretical approaches (orframeworks) to the study ofinternational relations. It starts withthe early work within the disciplineand the rise to predominance of therealist and neo-realist approaches.At the same time, it questionswhether international relationstheorists can be so easily placedinto such schools or traditions.Having established some of thehistorical background, we alsostudy the last such debate and therise of contemporary approachesunder the ‘post-positivist’ umbrella.We look at the competing claims ofconstructivism, post-structuralismand critical theory, and considerthe challenges posed by Marxist,feminist and normative approaches.

Negotiation and MediationModule code: PO848

Here, you focus primarilyon the practical as well as on thetheoretical aspects of negotiationand mediation, or more broadlythird party intervention in conflicts.The module gives you an overviewof the main problems involved innegotiation and mediation (broadlydefined). The negotiation sectionof the module teaches practicalnegotiating skills, and is mainlytaught using the HarvardNegotiation Project method.This is based on the premise thatindividuals can and do impact

the nature and functioning of eachof them as well as the interactionamong them from a theoretical,empirical and normativeperspective. The secondpart covers the system’s ‘outputs’in terms of public policy, withparticular attention paid to thefields of market regulation,monetary union, justice and homeaffairs, and enlargement. Themodule ends with a debate on theeffectiveness and the legitimacy ofthe EU as a system of supranationalgovernance and on how it shouldbe reformed to maximise thoseaspects.

InternationalEnvironmental PoliticsModule code: PO946

In this module, you examine theinternational community’s responsesto international environmentalproblems. You develop anunderstanding of why and howactors (state and non-state) resolveconflicts and set up internationalenvironmental institutions to providegovernance, and assess howeffective these governancestructures are. We consider varioustheoretical accounts, includingaccounts of power, interests,knowledge and domestic politicsthat allow us to understand andexplain international environmentaloutcomes. We also look at aspectsof institutional design that addressproblems, such as enforcementand participation, as well asaspects of the normative dimensionof environmental decision-makingat an international level.

TAUGHT MODULES (CONT)


between causal explanation andinterpretative understanding, therole of ‘language’ in social enquiry,the historical and philosophicalmeaning of ‘science’, and theimportance of ethical and normativequestions in social and politicalscience.

Quantitative Methodologyfor Political ScienceModule code: PO8100

This module is for graduate studentsin political science and serves as anintroduction to quantitative methodsfor social science research. Giventhat the majority of the highest levelresearch in political science isconducted in the language ofquantitative methodology, you learnhow to use quantitative researchmethods as a tool to further yourresearch and participation indebates of the social sciences.You are also introduced to themeans for conducting rigorousempirical and quantitative researchin social science fields and learnhow this methodology adheresto the scientific accumulationof knowledge about thesephenomena. You develop corecompetencies in quantitativeresearch, including: methodologicalliteracy (the ability to read,understand and critically assessquantitative research); statisticalabilities (the ability to determine,apply and use the appropriatestatistical techniques to informand/or support an argument aswell as understand the limitations ofstatistical techniques); and research

Resistance and the Politicsof TruthModule code: PO942

‘The truth will set you free’ isa maxim that is central to boththeories and practices of resistance.It is a claim that has, nonetheless,come under fire from a wide arrayof critical perspectives, not leastof which are those of the post-structuralist and post-foundationalpolitical philosophies that emergedduring the second half of the 20thcentury and that continue to inspireadmiration and condemnationin almost equal measure. In thismodule, post-structuralist refersto a body of work producedprimarily in France since the 1960sthat challenged our understandingof truth by developing the critique ofhumanism in ways that emphasised

skills (the ability to use and presentquantitative methodology to addressa research question).

Resistance andAlternatives to Capitalismand DemocracyModule code: PO817

This module is situated at theinterface of political theory andpolitical economy. It seeks toexplore the complex links betweendemocracy and capitalism in theperiod from 1848 to the present.The focus is on relations betweenthe state and the market, as well asthe evolution of different democraticregimes and market economies.Similar emphasis is placed onconceptual issues and empiricalevidence (though no statistical oreconometric skills are required).



16

Resistance in PracticeModule code: PO936

In this module, you address therelationship between theories andpractices of resistance from theperspective of practice. As such,you focus on specific instances ofresistance to political authority witha view to examining the following:the techniques of resistanceemployed; the presuppositions thatunderpinned these techniques; andthe tensions and difficulties thatarise in any act of resistance. In thefirst instance, well-known momentsof resistance are examined – theSolidarity movement in Poland forexample – but the module alsoconsiders particular local practicesof resistance by way of structuredconversations with filmmakers,visual artists and NGO workers.

In this way, the module looks toconnect different modalities ofresistance from the perspective ofthe varying practices they employ.

Resistance in TheoryModule code: PO937

This module addresses therelationship between theoriesand practices of resistance fromthe perspective of theory. As such,it focuses on specific ideas andmodels that conceptualise andtheorise resistance to politicalauthority with a view to examiningthe following: the philosophicaland political bases of resistance;the presuppositions that underpintheories of resistance; the appeal toalternative ideas and arrangements;and the tensions and possiblecontradictions that characterisesuch theories. First, the theme ofresistance is explored in the historyof political ideas, from Plato viapatristic, medieval and modernthinkers to contemporary writingssuch as those of Alain Badiou.Second, the theme of resistanceis related to different conceptionsof the political and rival accountsof alternative arrangements tothe prevailing order. As such, thismodule provides a strong groundingin theories of resistance.

the contingent nature of meaninggenerating structures. The mainrepresentatives of this perspectivecovered are Michel Foucault andGilles Deleuze. Post-foundationalismis a body of work that criticallyquestions post-structuralistapproaches to contingency whilereinvigorating the concept of truthas a political force. The primaryrepresentative of this approach isAlain Badiou. Both perspectiveshave developed event-orientedphilosophies – that view thecategory of the event asontologically primary – but theyhave conceived of this in competingways. A main theme of the moduleis how to understand therelationship between truth andpolitics as an event. In otherwords, what happens in practicesof resistance?


States, Nations andDemocracyModule code: PO951

This module draws fromcomparative politics, internationalrelations and political thought toanalyse the past, present and futureof the democratic national state, thedominant form of political system intoday’s world. Questions addressedinclude: why are some states federaland others unitary? What explainsthe resilience of nationalism? Doeseconomic integration lead topolitical disintegration? Why hasregional integration gone muchfurther in Europe than elsewhere? Ismultinational democracy possible?

You chart the emergence of themodern state and its transformationinto a national and democratic formof political system. You then exploresome key aspects of the formation,structuring, restructuring andtermination of states, such as theunitary/federal dichotomy, processesof devolution, the challenge ofsecession, the question of theconnections between the economicenvironment and the number andsize of states, the phenomenon ofsupra-state regional integration, andthe connections between nationalityand democracy.

Finally, you assess the challengesfacing the democratic national statein the 21st century and their likelytrajectory in the foreseeable future.

Terrorism and Crimesof the StateModule code: PO917

You develop an understanding ofthe complex relationships betweenterrorism, counter-terrorism, humanrights and civil liberties. The moduleprovides an analysis of the differentapproaches to terrorism, includingconventional terrorism studies,critical terrorism studies and policy-level approaches. You look at thecompeting definitions of, andtheoretical approaches to, terrorism,state terrorism and security. Casestudies include: the Latin AmericanNational Security States; NorthernIreland; Israel-Palestine; responsesto 9/11 in the US and UK, and theconsequences for civil liberties;

Security in a ChangingWorldModule code: PO916

You develop an understanding ofthe changing nature of internationalsecurity studies. You explore thevarious contending approachesto international security fromclassical strategic thought to thelaws of war, and place them withincontemporary issues in internationalsecurity, such as post-conflictreconstruction, peace building,non-proliferation, the changingnature of intelligence agenciesand energy security.



The theoretical reflections focus ondifferent aspects of conflict, frominterstate to intra-state. In eachinstance, various and contestedconcepts are discussed andanalysed through an examination ofsocial and political theory. You lookat specific case studies and newsecurity/strategic challenges facingthe international community.

Understanding PoliticalInstitutionsModule code: PO953

You develop an advancedunderstanding of central questionsin comparative politics. You examinequestions concerning the originsand influence of the state, thecauses and consequences of

authoritarian and democratic formsof government and variations withinthese regime types of governmentalperformance, including theoperation and function of keypolitical institutions. As you engagewith these questions, you alsoanalyse the theoretical, conceptualand methodological questions anddebates within comparative politics.You explore the interaction betweeneconomic, social, historical, politicaland institutional factors in explainingsimilarities and differences in thepolitical development of nations.

intelligence in the ‘War on Terror’;terrorism and foreign policy – thecase of Spain; and extraordinaryrendition. The subjects studied areplaced within the broader context ofinternational relations and securitytheory, and are related to the ethicaland legal challenges that terrorismand counter-terrorism pose.

Theories of Conflict andViolence Module code: PO828

You examine how conflict researchhas evolved within political science.You investigate theories on conflictand violence, reviewing casestudies and new security concerns.

Staff profileProfessor Ruth BlakeleyRuth Blakeley is Professor ofInternational Relations at Kent.She is also lead editor of theReview of International Studies.

Ruth is behind the RenditionProject, which brings together and analyses the huge amount of data that exists about the CIA’s Rendition, Detention andInterrogation programme in the‘War on Terror’. This project hasbeen described by The Guardianas ‘a groundbreaking research

project, which shedsunprecedented light on one ofthe most controversial secretoperations of recent years’. TheRendition Project produced theRendition Flights Database andInteractive Map, which allows usersto navigate their own way throughthe global rendition system.

‘I have been at Kent for ten years.During my time here, I have taughton a range of modules, includingTerrorism and Crimes of the State,and others covering the US andLatin America, international historyand international relations, and

philosophy and methodology inpolitics and international relations.I have also supervised seven PhDstudents to completion.

‘My teaching is informed by myresearch, which focuses on theuse of state violence and stateterrorism, particularly by liberaldemocratic states. I havepublished widely on torture,terrorism and human rights inleading journals. My research has also informed the work of arange of human rights litigators,advocates and investigativejournalists.’


conduct an independent studyand to understand its relationshipto a wider field of study.

Doctor of Philosophy(PhD)The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)remains our flagship researchprogramme and is available aseither a three-year full-time or five-year part-time programme. Youresearch and write a thesis ofbetween 80,000 and 100,000 words,which makes an original contributionto the field under investigation and isof a publishable standard.

Choosing a research topic Each research project is unique,requiring specialised and individualsupervision. Because of theimportance of expert supervision,we accept applications only where it

is clear that appropriate supervisioncan be provided. For details on howto write a good research proposal,see our Postgraduate ResearchHandbook at www.kent.ac.uk/politics/studying/postgraduate/documents/pgrhandbook.pdf

Supervision Supervisors give guidance on thenature of research and the standardof work expected, and on relevantliterature and sources, as well as themechanics of undertaking research,including fieldwork, and thepreparation of the written thesis.You are expected to meet yoursupervisors regularly, to agree upona schedule of work and to producehigh-quality written work forcomment. Our PostgraduateResearch Handbook explains inmore detail how the supervisor-supervisee relationship is structured.

The School has a longtradition of high-qualityresearch among its staffand students. The School’svibrant research cultureattracts staff and studentsfrom all over the world,who conduct researchat the forefront of ourdiscipline. The breadthof expertise within theSchool enables us toprovide researchsupervision on a verywide range of topics.

Research students can specialisein one of the following four areas:• comparative politics• international conflict analysis • international relations • political and social thought.

Our research programmes areoffered in different formats, but theunderlying principle is always thesame: as a research student, youwork on a topic of your choiceunder the guidance of a supervisoror supervisory team and producea thesis which is submitted forassessment.

Master of Arts byResearch (MA-R)This programme, which can betaken on a one-year full-time basisor over two years part-time, is theshortest research degree available.You are expected to research andwrite a thesis of up to 40,000 words,which demonstrates your ability to

RESEARCH DEGREES

CONTINUED OVERLEAF


Research strengths Our three University accreditedresearch centres function as thekey organisational pillars forresearch activities within the School.Beneath these centres sit a numberof research groups, most notablythe Comparative Politics Group,which feed into the researchcentres and have a more specificsubject-related focus. The followingresearch centres constitute areas ofparticular strength within the School.

Conflict Analysis ResearchCentre The Conflict Analysis ResearchCentre (CARC) is a multidisciplinaryand multi-site faculty researchcentre. It is a centre of excellencein the study of conflict, developingoriginal theory and analysis ofconflicts. It draws on the expertiseof schools across the University.

the wider neighbourhood, withacademic expertise ranging frompolitics, history, economics andbusiness, law, modern Europeanlanguages and internationalrelations.

GEC research is policy-relevantand interdisciplinary. The GECteam has a strong track recordof engagement with policymakersand informing decision-making inLondon and Brussels. Research isalso widely disseminated throughpublications, knowledge transferworkshops, conferences and events.

The Centre has a strongcommitment to the creation of thenext generation of ideas innovatorsand policymakers. We run high-levelconsultancy and professionaldevelopment programmes aswell as learning, teaching and

The Centre carries on a long-standing Kent tradition of first-handacademic involvement in currentworld issues, by assisting partiesin conflict through consultancyand analysis to identify creativeand transformative options toreach workable agreements.

The interests of CARC staffencompass peace and conflictresolution as well as securitystudies, critical terrorism studiesand human rights research.

Global Europe Centre The Global Europe Centre (GEC) isa thriving interdisciplinary researchcommunity made up of academicsfrom across the University, and itslearning centres and transnationalcampuses. Our research focuseson the study of Europe and its rolein the world, its member states and

Staff profileProfessor Richard G Whitman Richard Whitman is Director ofthe Global Europe Centre andProfessor of Politics andInternational Relations at Kent.

‘I joined the School five yearsago and was delighted to overseethe launch of the Global EuropeCentre (GEC). GEC focuses onEurope, its member states andits place in a changing world.At GEC, our research is policy-

relevant and interdisciplinary,and our team have a strongtrack record of engagementwith policymakers and informingdecision-making in Londonand in Brussels.

‘My current research interestsinclude the foreign and securityand defence policies of the EUand the UK, and the governanceand future priorities of the EU.Recent books include TheEuropean Union as a Global

Conflict Manager: Seeking securitythrough engagement (Routledge),co-edited with Stefan Wolff.

‘I am a regular international mediacommentator and have recentlycontributed to BBC radio andtelevision, CNN, Bloomberg,CNBC, Newsweek, Reuters andThe Wall Street Journal. I havealso given evidence to the UKParliament on UK and EU foreignand security issues.’

RESEARCH DEGREES (CONT)


CONTINUED OVERLEAF

knowledge exchange activities,and a Global Europe StudentForum.

Centre for Critical Thought The Centre for Critical Thought(CCT) aims to consolidate, sustainand develop cutting-edge researchon critically oriented theory withinthe humanities and social sciences.Research within the CCT focuseson the nature and scope of criticalthought from an intrinsicallyinterdisciplinary perspective.

This commitment to critique thattraverses the humanities and socialsciences is reflected in the Centre’sbackground and activities.Founded on the shared interestin contemporary continental thoughtof colleagues in the School ofPolitics and International Relations,Kent Law School and the Italiandepartment within the Schoolof European Culture andLanguages, the CCT provides aplatform for seminars, workshopsand lectures that explore thefrontiers of modern Europeanphilosophy, critical legal theory,political and social thought,psychoanalytic theory, theatrestudies, film studies, and socialanthropology.

Research environment Our research programmes providea combination of formal researchtraining and individual supervisionwithin a supportive environment,with regular interaction betweenstaff and students.

Research seminars andconferencesThe School runs a weekly GraduateResearch and Training Seminar,where students are encouragedto present their work and receivefeedback from peers and staff.Training is also offered through theSeminar to help prepare researchstudents for careers in academia.

Such training includes sessions onpublishing academic work, researchethics, effective presentations,undertaking fieldwork and survivingthe PhD viva.

As a research student, youenjoy regular meetings with yoursupervisor and supervisory team,and are also given opportunitiesto collaborate with other membersof staff through the staff researchseminar and the activities of thethree research groups. You areencouraged to participate in theannual postgraduate researchconference, during which variousstaff members discuss the workof research students, and outsidespeakers offer plenary lectures.


RESEARCH DEGREES (CONT)

LOOKING FORFUNDING?For information onpostgraduate funding andscholarships available at Kent,see www.kent.ac.uk/pgfunding

You are also strongly encouragedto attend the staff research seminar,which is an exciting forum for theexchange of ideas betweenacademics within and beyondthe School on their most recentresearch and publications.The Public Speaker Programmeprovides a further opportunityto engage with cutting-edgeresearch across the discipline.You also benefit from access to thenational and international researchnetworks relevant to your research.

Transferable skills trainingDuring the first year, all researchstudents receive training in researchmethods and practice, while alsoworking on their projects under thesupervision of a specialist in therelevant research area. All membersof staff can supervise thesesleading to research degrees.

Research students also benefit fromthe skills training offered by theUniversity’s Graduate School, suchas the Researcher DevelopmentProgramme – see www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool for details.

Postgraduate researchfacilities and resourcesPostgraduate research studentshave their own study area andcommon room. There is adesignated room with 12 computerterminals, which is reserved forPolitics research students. As aresearch student, you are alsoeligible for a conference allowance.

Further informationWe encourage potential researchstudents to refer to our PostgraduateResearch Handbook for detailedinformation at www.kent.ac.uk/politics/studying/postgraduate/documents/pgrhandbook.pdf


CONTINUED OVERLEAF

Dr Ingvild BodeLecturer in International Relations

Core expertiseIndividual agency; United Nationspeacekeeping; thematic mandatesat the Security Council; US use-of-force policy, conflict narratives.

Dr Tom CasierReader in International Relationsand Jean Monnet Chair (Brussels)

Core expertiseEU as an international actor;EU-Russian relations; Russianforeign policy.

Dr Govinda ClaytonSenior Lecturer in InternationalConflict Analysis

Core expertiseInternational conflict andco-operation; mediation; negotiation,intra-state conflict and resolution;violence against civilians; pro-government militias; non-statearmed groups; mathematical andstatistical models, research designand methodology.

Professor Feargal CochraneProfessor of International ConflictAnalysis

Core expertiseConflict studies; Northern Irelandconflict; Irish American diaspora.

Dr Philip CunliffeSenior Lecturer in InternationalConflict

Core expertiseIR theory; sovereignty;peacekeeping; liberalinterventionism; Marxism and criticaltheory; political theory; social theory.

Dr Paolo DardanelliSenior Lecturer in ComparativePolitics

Core expertiseComparative European politics;constitutional politics and decision-making in the EU; comparativefederalism and confederalism.

Dr Andrea den BoerSenior Lecturer in InternationalRelations

Core expertiseHuman rights and ethics;international political theory;continental political philosophy;feminism.

Dr Charles DevellennesLecturer in Political and SocialThought

Core expertiseHistory of political thought; politicaltheory; international relations theory.

The School of Politics andInternational Relationscomprises over 30academic staff acrossCanterbury and Brussels.Among them are severalscholars who have helpedshape the discipline, andyounger colleagues whoseacademic reputation israpidly rising.

For further details of all academicstaff, see www.kent.ac.uk/politics/staff

Dr Albena Azmanova Reader in Social and PoliticalThought (Brussels)

Core expertisePolitical traditions anddemocratisation; globalisationand political identities; Europeanintegration.

Professor Ruth BlakeleyProfessor of International Relations(see p18)

Core expertiseUS foreign and security policy;US-Latin American relations; stateviolence and state terrorism; humanrights; the neo-liberalisation of theGlobal South.

ACADEMIC STAFF


Dr Sarah HydeSenior Lecturer in Politics andInternational Relations of Japan

Core expertiseParty politics; electoral systems;participation, democracy; e-voting;Japanese politics.

Dr Amanda Klekowski vonKoppenfelsSenior Lecturer in Migration andPolitics (Brussels)

Core expertisePolitical participation of migrantsin home and host countries;transnationalism and diasporas;ethnically privileged migration(Aussiedler migration); citizenship.

Professor Elena KorostelevaProfessor of International Politics,Director of the Global EuropeCentre (Professional Studies)

Core expertiseEuropean politics; European Unionstudies; eastern partnership and thenew Eastern Europe.

Dr Pak Kuen LeeSenior Lecturer in Chinese Politicsand International Relations

Core expertiseChinese politics; non-traditionalsecurity threats in China, withspecial emphasis on energy andcontagious diseases; China’sparticipation in global governance.

Professor Neophytos LoizidesProfessor of International ConflictAnalysis

Core expertiseDivided societies, SoutheastEurope; federalism andconsociationalism; refugee/settlerconflict resolution models;transitional justice.

Dr Iain MacKenzieSenior Lecturer in Politics

Core expertiseCritical political theory andphilosophy.

Dr Maria MalksooSenior Lecturer in InternationalSecurity (Brussels)

Core expertiseCritical theory; NATO strategy andmnemopolitics in Eastern Europe.

Dr Luca MavelliSenior Lecturer in Politics andInternational Relations

Core expertiseReligion, secularity andpostsecularity in internationalpolitics; international relationstheory; security and politicalviolence; subjectivity and thebody; torture.

Dr Seán MolloyReader in International Relations

Core expertiseInternational relations theory;international political theory;international ethics.

Professor Trine FlockhartProfessor of International Relations

Core expertiseInternational order, Europeansecurity and transatlantic relations,constructivist theory, norms transferthrough socialisation and processesof change and transformation.

Professor Matthew GoodwinProfessor of Politics andInternational Relations

Core expertisePolitical parties; electoral behaviour;euroscepticism and immigration.

Dr Frank GrundigLecturer in International Relations

Core expertisePower, interests and institutions;regime and rational actor theory;international environmental politics;hegemony.

Dr Yvan GuichaouaLecturer in International ConflictAnalysis (Brussels)

Core expertiseThe dynamics of insurgencyformation, rebel governance andstate responses in Nigeria, Côted’Ivoire, Mali and Niger since 2004.

Dr Toni HaastrupLecturer in International Security

Core expertiseHuman security discourses; genderand feminist international relations;new institutionalist approaches tochange in security institutions;regional security (EU externalrelations and African peace andsecurity architecture).

ACADEMIC STAFF (CONT)


Professor Richard SakwaProfessor of Russian and EuropeanPolitics

Core expertiseRussian government and politics;communism and post-communism;democratisation.

Dr Bojan SavicLecturer in International Relations(Brussels)

Core expertiseCritical junctures of formalmodelling (game theory); qualitativeand quantitative research strategies,particularly their applicability tofieldwork concerned with subjectsof conflict and development.

Dr Ben SeydSenior Lecturer in British andComparative Politics

Core expertisePolitical institutions; electoralsystems; public attitudes to thestate; British politics.

Dr Laura SudulichSenior Lecturer in Politics

Core expertiseEffects of new media use onelectoral behaviour and publicopinion; electoral campaigns;election forecasting and processesof politicisation.

Dr Edward Morgan-JonesSenior Lecturer in ComparativePolitics

Core expertiseParliamentary and semi-presidentialregimes; Cabinet composition andtermination; democraticaccountability, representation andpolicymaking; West and EastEuropean politics.

Dr Jane O’MahonySenior Lecturer in European Politics

Core expertiseEuropean integration; EUpolicymaking; Europeanisation;Irish politics.

Dr Adrian PabstReader in Politics

Core expertiseThe complex links betweendemocracy, capitalism andreligion, with a focus on sovereignty;geo-economics and geo-politics;European traditions of federalismand the import of Christian socialteaching.

Dr Stefan RossbachSenior Lecturer in Politics

Core expertisePolitical theory and methodology;history of political philosophy;religion and politics.

Dr Harmonie TorosSenior Lecturer in InternationalConflict Analysis

Core expertiseConflict resolution; conflicttransformation; terrorism studies.

Dr Florian WeilerLecturer in Quantitative Politics

Core expertiseInternational environmental issues,focusing on international climatechange policy; interest groups, howthey lobby and how they influencepolicy.

Professor Richard G WhitmanProfessor of Politics andInternational Relations; Director ofthe Global Europe Centre; Head ofSchool (see p20)

Core expertiseEuropean Union foreign and securitypolicy; EU member states’ foreignpolicies; European integrationprocesses.

Dr Andrew WroeLecturer in American Politics

Core expertiseDirect democracy; trust inpolitics; immigration; race/ethnicity;American politics and government.


COME AND VISIT USWe hold Open Daysthroughout the year.For more information,see www.kent.ac.uk/visit

(PTE Academic) with a score of 62,including 60 in all four subtests. Wemay also accept CambridgeEnglish: Advanced and Proficiency,and internet-based TOEFL tests, seewww.kent.ac.uk/ems/eng-lang-reqsfor details.

If you do not reach the requiredstandard, you can apply for oneof our pre-sessional courses. Forfurther information, please seewww.kent.ac.uk/ip

Only English language tests takenup to a maximum of two years priorto the date of registration will beaccepted for admission to theUniversity. Please note that ifyour university studies have beencompleted entirely in English, youmay be exempt from providing anEnglish test certificate, but we willneed to see evidence of this.Please contact InternationalRecruitment for clarification (seewww.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent/contact-us)

Making an application Applications are made electronicallyvia our website at www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply

Application deadlinesYou can apply for most of ourpostgraduate programmes at anytime. However, if you are applyingfor a programme that begins inSeptember, we recommend that yousubmit your application by the endof July. For the MA in Peace andConflict Studies (International JointAward), please check the deadlineon our website.

General entryrequirements If you wish to apply to one of ourpostgraduate degree programmes,you must normally have a first orsecond class honours degree ina relevant or appropriate subject,or the equivalent from aninternationally recognisedinstitution (for more informationon requirements for internationalqualifications, visit www.kent.ac.uk/internationalstudent).

All applicants are considered onan individual basis and additionalqualifications, and professionalqualifications and experience willalso be taken into account whenconsidering applications.

English languageThe University requires all non-native speakers of English to reacha minimum standard of proficiencyin written and spoken English beforebeginning a postgraduate degree.

You should provide us with one ofthe following: an IELTS certificatewith a minimum score of 6.5,including 6.0 in reading and writing,and 5.5 in listening and speaking; ora Pearson Test of English Academic

APPLYING TO KENT

Tuition feesFor the most up-to-date informationon tuition fees, please visitwww.kent.ac.uk/finance-student/fees

School enquiriesFor further information about ourprogrammes, please contact:School of Politics and International Relations,University of Kent, Canterbury,Kent CT2 7NX, UK

T: +44 (0)1227 827307 E: [email protected]

Admissions enquiriesT: +44 (0)1227 827272www.kent.ac.uk/pg

This brochure was produced in October2016. The University of Kent makes everyeffort to ensure that the informationcontained in its publicity materials is fairand accurate and to provide educationalservices as described. However, thecourses, services and other matters may besubject to change. For the most up-to-dateinformation, see www.kent.ac.uk/pg andfor full details of our terms and conditions,see www.kent.ac.uk/termsandconditions

For the University to operate efficiently, itneeds to process information about you foradministrative, academic and health andsafety reasons. Any offer we make to youis subject to your consent to process suchinformation and is a requirement in orderfor you to be registered as a student.All students must agree to abide bythe University rules and regulations at:www.kent.ac.uk/regulations

27

GENERAL INFORMATION

European connectionsKent is known as the UK’s Europeanuniversity. Our two main UKcampuses, Canterbury and Medway,are located in the south-east ofEngland, close to London, andwe also have study locations inBrussels, Paris, Rome and Athens.

We have a diverse, cosmopolitanpopulation with 148 nationalitiesrepresented. We have strong linkswith universities in Europe and, fromKent, you are around two hours awayfrom Paris and Brussels by train.

World-leading researchAs a student at Kent, you are taughtby leading academics, whoproduce research of internationalstanding. Based on our excellentresults in the Research ExcellenceFramework (REF) 2014, Kent wasranked 17th* in the UK for researchintensity by the Times HigherEducation, confirming our positionas one of the UK’s leading researchuniversities.

Strong academiccommunityKent’s postgraduate studentsare part of a thriving intellectualcommunity. In addition to lectures,seminars and supervision, youbenefit from a rich and stimulatingresearch culture. We have alsoinvested in Woolf College, a modernfacility on the Canterbury campusdedicated to postgraduates, whichcombines accommodation withacademic and social space.

A global outlookAccording to the Times HigherEducation (THE), Kent is rankedin the top 10% of the world’suniversities for international outlook.Our international reputation attractsacademic staff and students fromaround the world. Thirty-seven percent of our academic staff are fromoverseas and our schools areengaged in collaborative researchwith universities worldwide. We alsooffer a range of opportunities tostudy abroad and an approachthat is truly global.

The Graduate SchoolAs a postgraduate student, you alsohave the support of the GraduateSchool, which promotes youracademic interests, co-ordinatesthe Researcher DevelopmentProgramme and the GlobalSkills Award, and facilitatescross-disciplinary interactionand social networking.

FundingKent provides a variety offinancial support opportunitiesfor postgraduate students. Theserange from research studentships,location-specific funding, sport andmusic scholarships, and fundingspecifically for overseas fee-payingstudents. For further information,see www.kent.ac.uk/pgfunding

Enhanced careerprospectsAt Kent, we want you to be in agood position to face the demandsof a competitive economicenvironment. During your studies,

you acquire a high level ofacademic knowledge and specialistpractical skills. We also help you todevelop key transferable skills thatare essential within the competitiveworld of work.

Further informationFor information about applyingto Kent, or to order a copy of theGraduate Prospectus, contact:Recruitment and Admissions Office, The Registry, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ, UKT: +44 (0)1227 827272F: +44 (0)1227 827077www.kent.ac.uk/pg

www.kent.ac.uk/politics

LocationCanterbury and Brussels

FacultyFaculty of Social Sciences

School School of Politics andInternational Relations

ContactSchool of Politics and International Relations,University of Kent, Canterbury,Kent CT2 7NX, UK

T: +44 (0)1227 827307 E: [email protected]

ApplicationsOnline at www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply

*of 122 universities not includingspecialist institutions.

COME ANDVISIT US

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 764000 www.kent.ac.uk/pg

To find out more about visitingthe University, see our website:

www.kent.ac.uk/visit

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