Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The aims of this broad-based, inter-disciplinary programme are to enable students to:

• develop advanced knowledge and understanding of the intersection of climate-change, international politics and policy;
• acquire a suite of quantitative and qualitative analytical skills in the evaluation of both primary data and secondary sources that inform debates and policies;
• critically assess how climate-change issues are addressed by both governmental and non- governmental organisations, and how corresponding climate risk mitigation and sustainable development policies are influenced;
• enhance their employment opportunities for the public and private sectors, and improve their competitiveness for PhD studentships.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

UK Quality Code for Higher Education, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, March 2018.

Education for sustainable development: Guidance for UK higher education providers, QAA/HEA, June 2014.

Subject Benchmark Statement for Politics and International Relations, QAA, December 2019.

Subject Benchmark Statement for Geography, QAA, December 2019.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of: 

K1       climate-change risk, risk-based planning and robust decision-making for adaptation;

K2       a range of methods, tools and techniques for collection and analysis of social and environmental data, their merits and limitations, including positionality;

K3       the main theoretical and analytical perspectives and practices within the field of crisis management.

K4       different strategies by which issues are addressed beyond the state i.e. through international organisation, governance, balance of power, multilateralism, regimes, and international law;

K5       how globalization challenges traditional conceptions of the global economy and international politics;

K6       how climate mitigation and adaptation support sustainable development.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

C1       analytically evaluate relevant data-collection methods and their associated uncertainties;

C2       assess concepts pivotal to understanding climate resilience and risk management interventions;

C3       critically interpret data and secondary sources, such as media reports or policy statements, to make rigorous arguments;

C4       demonstrate how globalization is changing the way social scientists conceive of, study, and understand the world;

C5       successfully complete an original piece of research related to climate-change, dovetailing both theoretical rigor and data analysis (dissertation);

C6       evaluate decision-making and policy processes regarding climate change and sustainable energy.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1       source essential information needed to undertake a climate risk and vulnerability assessment;

P2       implement questionnaires, qualitative interviews (individual and group), observational methods (both participatory and covert) and discourse analysis in social research;

P3       use industry-standard software tools and programming-led approaches to tackle research, mitigation and adaptation questions;

P4       access and evaluate a wide range of secondary data sources (statistical, archival and web-based);

P5       outline the strengths and weaknesses of the different theories which attempt to make sense of “global times.”

P6       compile and present quantitative and qualitative research results and develop mitigation and adaptation scenarios;

P7       apply a Sustainable Development Goals impact assessment framework for policies, programmes and projects.

P8       apply cost-benefit analysis and linear programming for recommending policy actions.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

T1       work effectively individually and where appropriate in groups;

T2       make effective verbal presentations and written reports;

T3       identify, retrieve, analyse and exchange relevant information from analogue and digital sources;

T4       relate to a range of practitioners’ roles and responsibilities in the climate- services sector;

T5       plan and present a persuasive research proposal;

T6       effectively assimilate and present material of a technical nature for diverse audiences.

4. Programme structure

4.1 FULL TIME

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules (60 credits)

Semester 2 

Compulsory modules (60 credits)

Semester 3 

Compulsory module (60 credits)

4.2 PART TIME (2-YEAR PROGRAMME)

YEAR ONE 

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules (30 credits)

Semester 2  

Compulsory module (15 credits)

Students must choose a minimum of 15 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from

YEAR TWO 

Semesters 1,2 and 3

Compulsory module (60 credits)

Semester 1

Compulsory modules (30 credits)

Semester 2

Students must choose a minimum of 15 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from the following excluding modules of the same title taken in Year One.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI. 

With the exclusion of module GYP900/901 (Dissertation in Climate Change Politics and Policy), provision will be made for candidates who have the right of re-assessment to undergo re-assessment in the University’s Special Assessment Period (SAP).

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Not applicable

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The aims of this broad-based, inter-disciplinary programme are to enable students to:

• develop advanced knowledge and understanding of climate-change processes, impacts, projections and uncertainties;

• acquire a suite of analytical skills in the evaluation of climate risk modelling for management and adaptation;

• compile and present authoritative reports and make climate risk mitigation and sustainable development policy recommendations;

• enhance their employment opportunities for the public and private sectors, and improve their competitiveness for PhD studentships.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

UK Quality Code for Higher Education, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, March 2018.

Education for sustainable development: Guidance for UK higher education providers, QAA/HEA, June 2014.

Subject Benchmark Statement for Geography, QAA, December 2019.

Subject Benchmark Statement for Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies, QAA October 2019.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of: 

K1       how environmental data informs monitoring and management of human- environmental systems;

K2       a range of methods, tools and techniques for collection and analysis of environmental data for management and scientific problem-solving, including their merits and limitations;

K3       the main theoretical and analytical perspectives and practices within the field of crisis management;

K4       climate-change risk, risk-based planning and robust decision-making for adaptation;

K5       how climate mitigation and adaptation support sustainable development.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

C1       analytically evaluate relevant data-collection and modelling methods and their associated uncertainties;

C2       assess concepts pivotal to understanding climate resilience and risk management interventions;

C3       critically interpret data and secondary sources, such as media reports or policy statements, to make rigorous arguments;

C4       successfully complete an original piece of research related to climate change, dovetailing both theoretical rigor and data analysis (dissertation);

C5       recognize decision-making and policy processes regarding climate change and sustainable energy.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1       source essential information needed to undertake a climate risk and

vulnerability assessment;

P2       employ geospatial data techniques for analysis and presentation of environmental data;

P3       use industry-standard software tools and programming-led approaches to tackle research, mitigation and adaptation questions;

P4       access and evaluate a wide range of secondary data sources (statistical, archival and web-based);

P5       compile and present quantitative and qualitative research results and develop mitigation and adaptation scenarios;

P6       apply a Sustainable Development Goals impact assessment framework for policies, programmes and projects;

P7       apply cost-benefit analysis and linear programming for recommending policy actions.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

T1       work effectively individually and where appropriate in groups;

T2       relate to a range of practitioners’ roles and responsibilities in the climate- services sector;

T3       analyse data from a variety of sources;

T4       identify, retrieve, organise and exchange relevant information from analogue and digital sources;

T5       plan and present a persuasive research proposal;

T6       effectively assimilate and present material of a technical nature for diverse audiences.

4. Programme structure

4.1 FULL TIME 

Semesters 1 and 2 

Compulsory module (15 credits) 

Semester 1  

Compulsory modules (45 credits) 

 Semester 2 

Compulsory modules (60 credits) 

 Semester 3 

Compulsory module (60 credits) 

4.2 PART TIME (2-YEAR PROGRAMME) 

Students must choose a minimum of 15 modular credits in each semester, and no more than 45 in any one semester excluding GYP040 (Research and Professional Practice, compulsory in Year One) and GYPXXX (Dissertation in Climate Change Science and Management, compulsory in Year Two). Over the two-year, part-time programme, students must take a total of 120 modular credits excluding GYPXXX Dissertation in Climate Change Science and Management.

YEAR ONE  

Semesters 1 and 2

Compulsory module (15 credits) 

Semester 1 

Students must choose a minimum of 15 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from 

Semester 2 

Students must choose a minimum of 15 credits and a maximum of 45 credits from 

YEAR TWO   

Semesters 1, 2 & 3  

Compulsory module (60 credits) 

Semester 1  

Students must choose a minimum of 15 credits and a maximum of 30 credits, excluding modules of the same title completed during Year One, from 

Semester 2  

Students must choose a minimum of 15 credits and a maximum of 45 credits, excluding modules of the same title completed during Year One, from 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI. 

With the exclusion of module GYP800/801 (Dissertation in Climate Change Science and Management), provision will be made for candidates who have the right of re- assessment to undergo re-assessment in the University’s Special Assessment Period (SAP).

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Not applicable

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The aims of this programme are:

• to provide an encouraging and stimulating environment in which students can develop their creative writing;
• to enable students to develop advanced skills in major genres of writing, and move towards appropriate avenues for publication through understanding of the writing and publishing industries;
• to offer high-quality opportunities for professional development in the cultural heritage and publishing sectors, events management and community engagement, thereby equipping graduates for employment in the writing industries;
• to enable students to develop advanced research skills, particularly with reference to the kinds of research demanded by creative writing as well as preparing students for doctoral study or other research opportunities.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

UK Quality Code for Higher Education, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, March 2018

Subject Benchmark Statement: Creative Writing, QAA, December 2019

Subject Benchmark Statement: English QAA, December 2019

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:

K1        the research methods relevant to writing creative work;

K2        the role of writers in a range of professional and volunteer sectors;

K3        how to plan, write and edit creative work to a publishable standard;

K4        how to assess and mitigate against the issues of social and cultural exclusion in both written work and event planning.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1       critique and apply conventions in contemporary writing genres;

C2       make effective use of academic research in original creative writing;

C3       produce original writing in a structured and consistent way;

C4       analyse and elucidate the relationship between their own writing and other comparable work.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1        demonstrate an advanced ability to produce writing of publishable standard (or equivalent) in their chosen genre or genres;

P2        take the initiative in undertaking a range of professional activities relating to work as a writer and employment in the writing industries;

P3        critically assess and evaluate the options for, and processes involved in, getting their work published;

P4        critically analyse the role of different forms of media and social media in cultural representation.

P5     demonstrate an awareness of ethical practices and responsibilities within the creative writing industries.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1        independently initiate research that demonstrates advanced research skills and critically assess its relevance to a given project;

T2        plan and execute the communication of written work communicate effectively to a variety of audiences at a professional level

T3        demonstrate an understanding of professional work in a range of literary, publishing and community arts and heritage organisations, and of roles that include events management and funding applications;

T4        deliver sophisticated work, including advanced research, time management, critical evaluation and creative thinking, to fulfil a given brief, format, length and deadline.

T5        critically assess and initiate further professional and training activities for their own professional development, both as writers and for roles in the writing industries.

4. Programme structure

4.1 FULL TIME   

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 60 credits) 

Semester 2 

Compulsory modules  ( 60 credits) 

Semester 2 + 3 

Optional modules  ( 60 credits)  

Students must choose one of the following modules

4.2 PART TIME 

YEAR ONE (75 credits) 

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 30 credits) 

Semester 2 

Compulsory modules  ( 45 credits) 

YEAR TWO (105 credits)

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 30 credits) 

Semester 2 

Compulsory modules  (15 credits) 

Semester 2 + 3 

Optional modules  ( 60 credits)  

Students must choose one of the following modules

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

With the exclusion of module HTP018 (Dissertation in Creative Writing) and HTP109 (Writing Industries Project), provision will be made for candidates who have the right of re-assessment to undergo re-assessment in the University’s Special Assessment Period (SAP).

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Not applicable

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The programme aims to:

• assist students in developing an advanced understanding of the operation of international financial and political systems;
• develop an integrated interdisciplinary knowledge of advanced theories and key issues in international economic, financial and political development;
• introduce advanced applications of these theories, drawn from across relevant academic disciplines, in the context of a range of topics relevant to the award;
• equip students with advanced methods and tools of data collection and analysis that will allow them to undertake applied research for their employers in the areas of financial and political development, both in the private and public sector, or as part of further academic research.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the functions and operations of institutions, financial markets and systems, with reference to central, commercial and investment banks and other financial intermediaries, and the significance of financial institutions and markets in international financial and political development;
• advanced principles and theories in economic geography and other related economic disciplines as they specifically relate to financial globalization, with a specific focus on the regional agglomeration of financial services in International Financial Centres (IFCs);
• advanced principles and theories in politics and international relations, with reference to international institutions and the governance of the world economy, and the significance of trends in international relations for international financial and political development;
• undertaking independent and applied research in the core disciplines of the degree, using advanced research tools and quantitative and qualitative research methods, as appropriate to the topics of this independent research.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• critically evaluate and synthesise advanced concepts, theories and frameworks relating to international finance and international politics;
• offer critical perspectives on the development of financial markets in a globalised economy, and on international relations and the governance of the global economy, through the application of appropriate theories and research methods;
• critically analyse, and synthesise key issues and themes from, academic literature in the disciplines of the degree;
• critically analyse quantitative and qualitative official and professional secondary data and information sources in the disciplines of the degree;

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• engage with major thinkers, debates and intellectual paradigms within the fields of international finance and international politics, and productively employ the insights gained in their own work;
• formulate research questions and design and undertake a substantial independent investigation relating to finance or international politics using appropriate methods for the collection and analysis of data;
• successfully apply a range of quantitative and qualitative approaches to undertaking independent research on international finance and international politics;
• observe appropriate risk assessments and ethical guidelines involved in undertaking an independent research project.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral form to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• plan, organise and manage, with appropriate supervision, a significant self-directed project;
• develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills;
• critically evaluate information and data from a wide range of sources;
• manage personal learning efficiently and effectively. 

4. Programme structure

4.1       Semester 1

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES              (total modular weight 60)

4.2 Semester 2

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES              (total modular weight 75)

(ii)       FURTHER COMPULSORY MODULE

Semester 2

for the award of MSc only                   (total modular weight 45)

The subject of the dissertation will be come from one of the three disciplines of the degree.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must not only satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI but are also required to obtain the following:

(i) PGCert – 60 credits from modules other than the dissertation.

(ii) PGDip – 105 credits from modules other than the dissertation and not less than 40% in the remaining modules.

(iii) MSc – 150 credits and not less than 40% in the remaining module(s).

With the exclusion of module GYP600 (Dissertation), provision will be made for candidates who have the right of re-assessment to undergo re-assessment in the University's Special Assessment Period (SAP).

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The programme aims to:

• assist students in developing an advanced understanding of the operation of international financial and political systems;
• develop an integrated interdisciplinary knowledge of advanced theories and key issues in international economic, financial and political development;
• introduce advanced applications of these theories, drawn from across relevant academic disciplines, in the context of a range of topics relevant to the award;
• equip students with advanced methods and tools of data collection and analysis that will allow them to undertake applied research for their employers in the areas of financial and political development, both in the private and public sector, or as part of further academic research.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the functions and operations of institutions, financial markets and systems, with reference to central, commercial and investment banks and other financial intermediaries, and the significance of financial institutions and markets in international financial and political development;
• advanced principles and theories in economic geography and other related economic disciplines as they specifically relate to financial globalization, with a specific focus on the regional agglomeration of financial services in International Financial Centres (IFCs);
• advanced principles and theories in politics and international relations, with reference to international institutions and the governance of the world economy, and the significance of trends in international relations for international financial and political development;
• undertaking independent and applied research in the core disciplines of the degree, using advanced research tools and quantitative and qualitative research methods, as appropriate to the topics of this independent research.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• critically evaluate and synthesise advanced concepts, theories and frameworks relating to international finance and international politics;
• offer critical perspectives on the development of financial markets in a globalised economy, and on international relations and the governance of the global economy, through the application of appropriate theories and research methods;
• critically analyse, and synthesise key issues and themes from, academic literature in the disciplines of the degree;
• critically analyse quantitative and qualitative official and professional secondary data and information sources in the disciplines of the degree;

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• engage with major thinkers, debates and intellectual paradigms within the fields of international finance and international politics, and productively employ the insights gained in their own work;
• formulate research questions and design and undertake a substantial independent investigation relating to finance or international politics using appropriate methods for the collection and analysis of data;
• successfully apply a range of quantitative and qualitative approaches to undertaking independent research on international finance and international politics;
• observe appropriate risk assessments and ethical guidelines involved in undertaking an independent research project.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral form to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• plan, organise and manage, with appropriate supervision, a significant self-directed project;
• develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills;
• critically evaluate information and data from a wide range of sources;
• manage personal learning efficiently and effectively. 

4. Programme structure

4.1      YEAR ONE

Semester 1

COMPULSORY MODULES              (total modular weight 45)

Semester 2

COMPULSORY MODULES              (total modular weight 45)

 4.2      YEAR TWO

Semesters 1, 2 and 3

COMPULSORY MODULES              (total modular weight 45)

Semester 1

Semester 2

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must not only satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

With the exclusion of module GYPXXX (Dissertation in International Financial and Political Relations) (part-time), provision will be made for candidates who have the right of re-assessment to undergo re-assessment in the University's Special Assessment Period (SAP).

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification