IR517A      Half Unit
Special Topics in International Relations

This information is for the 2024/25 session.

Teacher responsible

PhD Programme Director

Availability

This course is available on the MPhil/PhD in International Relations. This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

Students enrolled on IR511A follow an independent course of study on an approved topic with their supervisor(s) who will support them in producing the final research paper. There are no set lectures or seminars for this course, though students are expected to attend and participate in the Departmental research workshop most closely aligned with their research interests.

The objectives of the course are to facilitate student engagement with specialised literature at an advanced level relevant to their area of research.

Teaching

Students will meet with their supervisor(s) on a fortnightly basis to discuss the readings, develop their research question, and receive feedback on their work.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the AT.

Students will produce a plan for the research paper (1500 words) by the end of Week 4 of the AT on which the student will receive feedback and topic approval from their supervisor(s) which will be shared with the PhD Programme Director.”

Indicative reading

There is no indicative reading list for this course. Readings will be developed by the student’s supervisor(s) and the student to reflect the research student’s interests. These will be shared with the PhD Programme Director.

Assessment

Essay (100%, 4000 words) in the WT Week 2.

A 4,000 word research paper on a topic agreed between the student and their supervisor(s) to be submitted by the beginning of Week 2 of the WT, with written feedback to be shared with the PhD Programme Director. This will count towards 100% of the final mark

Key facts

Department: International Relations

Total students 2023/24: Unavailable

Average class size 2023/24: Unavailable

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Specialist skills