Professional Development Module
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| POLI4137 | Politics and International Relations | 4 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- POLI4137
- School
- Politics and International Relations
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
This module aims to contribute to the development of young professional scholars in political science. Generally, the module addresses skills for authoring, planning and writing a PhD thesis in political science, for careers as professional political scientists and adjacent professions outside academe. Specifically, it covers the development of research problems, questions and research proposals, literature search and reviews, the presentation of academic papers, the participation at conferences, the publication of book reviews and journal articles. In addition, attention is given to diverse forms of dissemination and external engagement including the use of social media, general writing for non-academic audiences and the application of political science skills in policy research outside academia.
Target Students
Available to PGR and MA Social Science Research (Political Science and International Relations) students in the School of Politics and International Relations.
Classes
This module is taught through seminars.
Assessment
- 50% Presentation 1: Presentation
- 50% Coursework 1: Coursework
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The module aims:• To develop generic skills for authoring, planning and writing a PhD thesis in political science;• To develop skills essential for successful participation in the international community of political scientists;• To develop skills that are relevant for the communication of research to non-academic audiences and generally the application of political science skills outside academe.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
By the end of the module, students should have:
• developed an understanding of the process and stages of writing a PhD thesis in political science.
• developed an understanding of the professional organisation of political scientists in the UK and abroad, professional norms and expectations yet diverse approaches in the discipline of political science.
• developed an understanding of opportunities for the application of professional political science skills outside academe.
Intellectual and transferrable skills
By the end of the module, students should have:
• develop the ability and confidence to present their developing research agenda to an audience of their own peers, and to engage with commentary and criticism in that forum.
Digital competencies
By the end of the module, students should have:
• be able to summarise their research expertise for a general audience.