Stage 1: Pre-Master’s

Modules

• Interactive Learning Skills and Communication for Postgraduate Study

  In this module you can accept to learn skills for independent and collaborative learning, academic discussion and presentation skills, active listening skills, effective academic reading and writing skills, research skills, data interpretation and analysis, critical analysis, reflective thinking, revision and examination techniques, what a dissertation is, etc.

  Short-term, you will become a successful student.

  Long-term, you will be equipped with skills that will not only let you survive, but thrive in the professional world after you graduate.

  You will start noticing the benefits of the module from week 1 and you will continue to notice and appreciate them throughout your professional lives.

  Assessments include:

  1. Assessment A (week 4): Small group presentation (IN-SESSION)
  2. Assessment B (week 7): Research proposal for mini-dissertation (1,000 words)
  3. Assessment C (week 11): Mini-dissertation (3,000). Based on research proposal
  4. Assessment D (week 9): Lecture listening (IN-SESSION)
  5. Assessment E (week 10): Presentation and defence of mini-dissertation (IN-SESSION)
  6. Assessment F (week 12): PDP reflective journal

• Applied Concepts

  This module has been designed to guide students through the key activities and concepts, which need to be undertaken and applied in the production of a written report at postgraduate level. The students are encouraged to reflect upon their approach whilst constructing their report, through continual feedback in tutorials, developing skills that will help in the re-evaluation of the decisions they make, drawing upon theory and its relation to practice. This module will enable students to apply concepts which they have studied in the complementary modules on the Generic Pre Masters programme element.

  Assessment: Students will produce a short appraisal of their self-reflection to accompany the completed report. The students will be required to present their work both in written and oral form.

• Research Methods for Postgraduate Study

  This module provides students with an introduction to qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research. It aims to familiarise students with the types of skills necessary for undertaking the various stages of a research project: choosing a topic, writing a research proposal, conducting a literature review, collecting and analysing data, and submitting and presenting the dissertation. The overall aim is to offer an environment that is both challenging and supportive which will allow students to develop their research and writing skills in the context of undertaking a research project of their choice.

  You will complete three assessments for this module. These will all relate to undertaking a small subject-specific research project.

  Assignment 1: Research proposal

  Assignment 2: Mini-dissertation

  Assignment 3: Presentation of mini-dissertation

• Creative and Critical Thinking

  The Critical and Creative Thinking module has been designed to assist learners in developing a range of critical and analytical thinking skills necessary for successful study at postgraduate level. This will be achieved by learners gaining an understanding of concepts used in critical thinking; interpreting the arguments of others and developing effective arguments of their own whether in spoken or written form.

  How will I be assessed? (Group work, presentations, exams):

  There are two module assessments: a report critical evaluating two texts and a group debate with reflective essay.

Law & International Relations Master's Degrees

• MA International Relations