IR4004 - Researching International Relations and Politics

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will learn why political scientists undertake research and how political scientists do it. You will examine the key approaches and methods used to help explain and understand issues in international relations and politics. You will learn about the role of theory in developing research, how research is designed, and how arguments are made and evaluated. You will learn why it is important to collect and consider different types of evidence, and be introduced to quantitative and qualitative methods used to analyse this information. You will learn techniques of critical analysis that will help you apply logic and reasoning to my studies of politics throughout your degree and beyond. The module will provide you with an essential foundation for independent research in year 2 (Applied Research Methods) and final year (the dissertation), but importantly helps you to think critically about international relations and politics and thus to become a graduate.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn by attending lectures and seminars where you will be presented with key, theories, methods and techniques of research and critical analysis. As part of these sessions you will engage with other students in solving problems through the application of these theories, methods and techniques to examples.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your academic development will be facilitated through engagement with the academic literature, the example material provided and by talking with your peers about my understanding and application of the literature and the methods. To enhance your learning experience you will make an effort to take a broader view of your learning on this module, making connections to other modules and the content (literature, data etc.) therein and use this module as a stepping stone for your intellectual development on my degree and on your way to becoming a university graduate. You can expect to see your ‘common sense’ beliefs challenged and you will recognise the transitory and flexible nature of what is called ‘knowledge’ in the political sciences.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Understand the combination of questions, theory and evidence in different research designs in the study of international relations and politics
2. Understand why particular methods are used to interpret and analyse data

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Use skills of critical analysis to question claims and arguments
4. Interpret and question secondary data through the use of basic descriptive and inferential data analysis method

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. The ability to work with others through engagement in seminars.

How will I be assessed?

Formative feedback will be provided by your lecturer in response to your contribution to the class, especially in seminars. (MLO5)

A portfolio at the end of each semester will assess
- your ability to use and apply skills of critical analysis (logic and reasoning) and your knowledge and understanding of major analytical frameworks in the political sciences. (MLOs 1-4)
- your knowledge of the role of questions, theory, data and analysis and research design and their application to issues in politics, and knowledge and understanding of the political science research process. (MLOs 1-4)

Pre-requisite(s)

n/a

Co-requisite(s)

n/a

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

UCAS Code L2L2

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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