Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved 14/07/2005
College College Social Sciences
School Government
Department Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Partner College and School Soc Policy, Sociology & Crimin
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.A. Political Science and Social Policy Full-time
Programme Code 2073
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 3 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

The development of students' political analysis skills is central to the Birmingham Political Science degree. Core modules at each level have been designed progressively to develop them. They are then applied and developed in a range of optional modules. Core 'research' modules at levels one and two also help to draw out and emphasise the generic applications of these skills. The core 'research' and 'analysis' modules are designed to prepare students for their final year dissertations, to which the department attaches considerably significance, reflected in its weight in the final degree result.

The social policy degree at Birmingham enables students to understand in welfare terms the process of 'who gets what, how and why?' in society. Social policy studies the way societies determine the various basic human needs of their populations and the arrangements that are made to meet those needs. Such needs include having sufficient to eat, somewhere to live, a sustainable and safe environment, good health and health care, provision for those who cannot live a fully independent life, education and training and the opportunity for individuals to fully participate in their society. The social policy and administration benchmark statement makes clear that the subject is concerned to understand the ways in which social provision is organised through various structures and systems of distribution, redistribution, regulation, provision and empowerment. At Birmingham, students undertake compulsory modules where they must relate theoretical analysis and empirical research to the operation and impact of social policies at institutional, national and international levels. Students learn to recognise the importance of different and competing values and the contribution of concepts such as power, income and wealth, values and beliefs, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and culture to the policy process. The multi-disciplinary approach of the social policy degree also offers an introduction to the broader intellectual traditions and various perspectives of the social and economic history. Students learn to become more critically aware, to develop analytical and research skills that enable them to become active and informed citizens, capable of participating effectively in policy and political processes, to be well equipped for participation in their communities and in the world of work. Each level is allocated an overall theme and a focus. The intention is to develop knowledge and skills at each level based on those acquired at the previous stage. Level 1 is designed to provide a broad introduction to the study of social policy and its constituent disciplines. The theme, asking and raising questions in social policy is concerned with raising awareness about social policies and society. The focus is on the broad field of study that is social policy, social problems and the various approaches to dealing with human needs. In addition students study the nature of knowledge, the historical development of social policy, the importance of economics, sociology, politics and an understanding of decision making and the policy-making process. Transferable skills are also developed: bibliographic, writing, presenting, observing, reading, note-taking, examination techniques and uses of IT. Level 2 builds on the introductory material in level 1; the theme is examining the resources that are available to address social policy questions. Students study social theories and various perspectives on society, they investigate conflict and interest groups. The role of politics and policy-making as a way of mediating between different interests is also explored. The importance comparative social policies, global perspectives and trans-national relationships are established at this stage. Social research techniques and an understanding of their limitations builds on the finding out about social
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The scope and contested nature of International Relations
(Various) foundations of and approaches to international theory and analysis
The broad range and historical development of international theory
Relevant research methodologies
The process of conducting research
Specialist areas of international relations
The scope, contested nature and development of social policy
The broad range of theoretical and social perspectives; how society and important features of the social are conceptualised
Research methodologies and the limitations of social research
The policy process
Specialist areas within social policy
1-6: Lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, individual and group project work
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, presentations, student-led discussion groups, individual and group project work, observation visits.
1-6: Essays, unseen examinations, take-home examinations, oral examinations, individual presentations, group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
Essays, unseen examinations, reports, individual presentations, group presentations, literature reviews, research outline, research project, dissertation, learning diaries, self evaluation reports
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
Writing skills
Oral communication skills
Skills of critical analysis and argument
Group work
Time management
Independent research skills
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Independent study skills (self-organisation, initiative and self-direction; time management; autonomous research skills; the ability to collect, organise, synthesise and evaluate information; planning, drafting and editing) The ability to produce an extended piece of academic writing, drawing on independent study skills acquired on the programme
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Transferable skills relevant to employment, including problem-solving, self-reliance, initiative, adaptability, flexibility, resilience, self-motivation, and competences such as note-taking, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, ability to use and manipulate digital resources and to present information and ideas effectively using ICT.
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Ability to summarise, synthesise, analyse and evaluate others’ arguments, and to formulate their own logical and structured arguments, normally both orally and in writing, with appropriate supporting evidence. both in English and in the target language(s)
Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Ability to work as a member of a team in a range of contexts, including the capacity to listen, to respond flexibly to feedback, to understand diverse perspectives, and to negotiate solutions collectively
Team based working
Writing skills, essays, reports, briefing papers
Oral communication skills
Skills of critical analysis, logic and argument
Working with data
Reflecting on their own learning
Integrate and synthesise knowledge from a range of disciplines and apply it to particular policy problems
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, individual and group project work. Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

1. Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library and artistic collections, IT and other information sources. Individual and group project work

2. By definition, language work and content modules involve new, ‘difficult’ material that requires the independent application and ownership of techniques taught in classes and lectures if it is to be understood fully and mastered. An emphasis on close analysis is intended to broaden the range and sophistication of students’ interpretations of material, and to allow students to produce not so much expositions as substantiated arguments and positions. Problem Based Learning (PBL) exercises, presentations, group project work and other forms of independent learning are germane to all parts of the programme. The Year Abroad offers a particular opportunity for the development of independent capability, personally as well as linguistically and intellectually. A range of formative assessment modes are used throughout the degree.
Coverage of Modern Languages professions is built into all core language modules. Opportunities for work experience may be acquired through non-credit bearing summer placements (Year 2) and/ or placements followed during the Year Abroad. Individual and group project work

3. Target language seminars combined with extensive reading and other forms of exposure to and practice in the target language(s).
Residence abroad (– n/a for 3 year programme). Attendance at plenaries and/or engagement with online environment, reading and contribution to seminars and tutorials, regular written exercises. Use of the University Library, IT and other information sources. Individual and group project work

4. Contribution to seminars and tutorials; discussion of formative presentations, group work
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, presentations, student led discussions groups, individual and group project work, observation visits.
Methods of assessment include: Essays, unseen examinations, take-home examinations, individual presentations, group project/presentations, research outline and research project (dissertation) Modern Languages and Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

1. Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
2. Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. Group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
3. Coursework (essays, dissertation, project work, oral presentations, target language projects, e-assessment portfolios), unseen written examinations, oral/aural examinations. Formative e-assessments and student-led research. group project/presentations, research outline, research project (dissertation)
4. Contribution to seminars and tutorials; discussion of formative presentations, group work
Essays, unseen examinations, reports, individual presentations, group presentations, literature reviews, research outline, research project, dissertation, learning diaries, self evaluation reports