Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Politics, Level 4, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
Welcome to the Politics and International Relations Group!
Your Course Handbook includes information about teaching, assessments, student support and key contacts. Specific details about events, deadlines and module information can be found on our virtual learning environment, MyBeckett.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful. As your Course Director I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Dr. Robin Redhead
Course Director Politics and International Relations
Whether you are joining us for the first time, or returning to your course, we welcome you at the start of what we are sure will be a stimulating, challenging and rewarding year of study with us.
Our aim is to provide all our students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that informs understandings of the world we live in. Our courses are highly valued by employers, and our approach to student learning and support places you at the heart of everything we do. In addition to offering a diverse range of teaching approaches and a variety of different methods of assessment, we attach the greatest importance to providing you with constructive feedback on your work so you can develop your future learning.
Our learning environment is student-centred, and we value your opinions. We want to know about the things you enjoy and think we do well, and also to hear about ways in which you believe we can improve your experience with us. You can share your views with us through course representatives, evaluation of modules, or constructive comments to staff. Whichever route you choose, we are always interested in what you have to say.
Staff across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will provide you with all the support we can to help you succeed on your chosen course, and we look forward to working with you as you achieve your academic ambitions. I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year.
Professor Andrew Cooper, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Academic Advisors are there to offer you academic support throughout your studies. You will be allocated an Academic Advisor in Induction Week and will have timetabled sessions with them during the year. You are expected to attend the timetabled sessions as they will enhance your academic writing and reading skills, as well as provide helpful tips on assessments and understanding feedback.
Dan Middleton
piradmin@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
0113 8122565
The Course Administration Team can be found in room 315, on the third floor of the Portland Building at City Campus.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences Admin Office Opening Times and Dates Calendar can be found in the appendices section at the end of this handbook.
Course Representatives are student volunteers who represent your views at course level, in formal and informal meetings with academic and support staff and at School Forums. Details about being a Course Representative are available at Course representatives | student information | Leeds Beckett University
The Students' Union oversees Course Representatives and more information is available at Course Reps (leedsbeckettsu.co.uk)
Your Academic Librarian team can be contacted on HSSLibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
To find out the key resources for your subject and to book an appointment with the Library's Academic Support Team, see your Subject Guides: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/schools/humanities_and_social_sciences
PIR mobile 07469031563
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how MS Teams/Skype for Business will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
The aims of the programme are to:
- Provide a coherent and progressive programme of study in politics which centres on questions of political and international order and disorder, decision-making and political contestation.
- Enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding in appropriate areas of theory and analysis, to critically examine and use the concepts, approaches and methods of politics and international relations, and to understand the contested nature and problematic character of inquiry and knowledge in the discipline.
- Relate the academic study of politics to questions of public concern, political action and policies focusing on contemporary issues and challenges confronting governance at the national, regional and global level.
- Enable students to think critically, ethically and independently about political events, ideas and institutions.
- Offer students opportunities to shape the direction of their studies through choice of option modules and dissertation topic.
- Enable students to develop a range of personal, cognitive, social, academic and employability skills relevant to their intellectual, vocational and personal development.
- Provide a curriculum supported by scholarship, staff development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debate.
- Create a learning environment that is receptive to the needs and views of students and encourages them to achieve their full potential.
Reflecting the breadth of the discipline, the course encompasses the following overlapping and interrelated themes:
Governance
Key institutions, processes and actors, in the public, private and third sectors and at a variety of levels from the local to the global.
Power, influence and political behaviour
Nature of political power, the play of power in policy-making, political movements and parties, political participation.
Political theory and ideas
Political ideologies including classical and contemporary approaches, key thinkers and debates within political philosophy, explanatory and normative political theories.
World Politics
International relations; globalisation, regions and interdependence; global issues; actor and system approaches; human rights.
Social and economic context of politics
Historical development, social and economic structure, forms of social division.
Research
Research principles and practice, evaluating and using research, doing research, the status of knowledge claims.
Personal development
Develop a range of skills relevant to intellectual, vocational and personal development.
Big issues
The course will enable students to examine some of the pressing political issues and challenges confronting the world today, including climate change, global justice, human rights, war and peace, migration and cultural diversity, inequality, the crisis of capitalism.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Examine, understand and evaluate politics as a human activity with a global outlook, through the ability to describe, analyse and assess the nature and distribution of power in systems, processes and institutions of governance and comprehend different interpretations of world political events and issues, synthesising relevant information, exercising critical judgement and constructing reasoned arguments.
2. Outline, contrast, evaluate and apply key theories, concepts and ideas within the study of Politics synthesising relevant information, exercising critical judgement and constructing reasoned arguments.
3. Engage in and reflect on political participation; develop the academic, personal and employability skills necessary for intellectual, vocational and personal development and demonstrate global awareness and outlook in their application.
4. Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and primary sources, and demonstrate digital literacy in the critical and reflective use of ICTs in the retrieval and presentation of research.
5. Creatively and effectively devise, plan and carry out research using a range of appropriate sources, methods and technologies, and present findings in a range of formats.
6. Identify, critically analyse and advocate solutions to problems, while recognising the importance of communicating effectively in speech and writing, referencing and ethical requirements of study and time management skills, to become a mature, enterprising and independent learner.
Assessment & Feedback
The assessment balance and overall workload associated with this course are calculated from core modules and typical option module choices undertaken by students on the course. They have been reviewed and confirmed as representative by the Course Director.
A standard module equates to 200 notional learning hours, which may be comprised of teaching, learning and assessment, any embedded placement activities and independent study. Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You may be required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available.
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
There will be some variation in learning and teaching activities between modules, depending on the learning outcomes and different approaches taken by module leaders (see Module Specifications for details). However, learning and teaching activities will generally take the following form:
- Emphasis is placed on the importance of face-to-face student-tutor and student- student contact in a classroom situation.
- Learning and teaching is built around a programme of lectures and seminars. Typically, students will be involved in one lecture and one seminar each week for each module through the semester.
- Lectures and seminars provide a foundation and guidance for students' independent study and a forum for feedback.
A strong emphasis is placed on challenging and stimulating students and encouraging them to think critically and independently, e.g. by exploring the contested nature of political ideas through lectures, reading and seminar discussions.
The nature of lectures can vary within and between modules, for example in terms of the nature of student participation. In general lectures provide a framework for independent study and for the learning and teaching in seminars.
Seminars usually involve a smaller group (20 students), are usually more participatory in style, and focus on week-by-week directed study and learning activities and providing feedback. Seminars provide opportunities for students to clarify their understanding, present and defend their ideas, and engage in dialogue and debate.
Lectures and seminars are supported by learning resources usually provided in electronic (VLE) formats. The module handbook is normally posted on the VLE at the start of the semester, and further resources e.g. lecture presentations may be added throughout the semester. Learning resources typically include:
- Module specification and/or other description of aims and learning outcomes.
- Lecture/seminar programme.
- Assessment tasks, including reassessment.
- Assessment criteria.
- Arrangements for submission of assessments and feedback.
- Seminar tasks e.g. discussion questions.
- Programme of 'reading' including utilising a range of print and online resources.
- Lecture presentations e.g. PowerPoint.
- Tutor contact details and arrangements.
Tutors will be available for scheduled office hours and drop-in sessions. Scheduled contact may also be organised utilising the VLE, e.g. online discussions. Tutors will also be available for non-scheduled contact with students via telephone, email or face-to-face meetings.
Level 4 Core Modules (2023/24 for full-time students and 2023/24 and 2024/25 for standard part-time students):
Politics, Ethics and Justice
Introduction to Governance
Introduction to Political Economy
World Politics
Political Movements and Ideologies
Level 4 is assessed by coursework predominantly, with some examinations and practical assessments.
Level 5 is assessed by coursework predominantly, with some practical assessments.
Level 6 is assessed by coursework predominantly, with some practical assessments.
Overall Workload | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 198 hours | 198 hours | 154 hours |
Independent Study | 1002 hours | 930 hours | 1046 hours |
Placement | - | 70 hours | - |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
'In Year' Work Placement Information
In Level 5 students will undertake the Active Citizenship Module, which requires them to complete 70 hours of volunteering.
Students will undertake a period of 70 hours active citizenship, which may include volunteering, community engagement, internship and/or other work related experience.
Students can complete their active citizenship locally, nationally or internationally. It is up to the student to secure the volunteering placement; however, they are supported extensively by the PIR Team.
All costs incurred while completing the volunteering placement are to be covered by the student. Online volunteering opportunities are available, which have no associated costs.
Study Abroad
There is a possibility to undertake study abroad on this course. Typically, students complete one semester abroad in semester two of second year. There is also the possibility of doing a sandwich year, where you would complete a full year abroad between your first and second year. For more information on these programmes see the Study Abroad website: Study abroad | Leeds Beckett University
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
Our Graduates will possess the following skills: team-working, research, critical thinking and evaluation, communication skills, independent learning, problem-solving, time management, project management and organisation.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
All our undergraduate students will develop three graduate attributes; Enterprise, Digital Literacy and Global Outlook.
Being enterprising
Many of the attributes associated with being enterprising may be seen as inherent in effective learning as an undergraduate, but politics as a specific discipline exemplifies some of these attributes and they suffuse the course as a whole:
- Synthesising relevant information, exercising critical judgement and constructing reasoned arguments (LO4).
- Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and primary sources, and demonstrate digital literacy in the critical and reflective use of ICTs in the retrieval and presentation of research (LO5).
- Identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems and communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing (LO7).
- Manage and reflect on own learning and seek and make use of constructive feedback to become a mature and independent learner who can demonstrate initiative, enterprise, self organisation and time management skills (LO8).
- Engage in and reflect in political participation; develop the academic, personal and employability skills necessary for intellectual, vocational and personal development and demonstrate global awareness and outlook in their application (LO9).
- Creatively and effectively devise, plan and carry out research using a range of appropriate sources, methods and technologies, and present findings in a range of formats (LO10).
The course offers a number of specific opportunities that enable and require students to be enterprising:
- The Active Citizenship module at level 5 involves a placement in a volunteering setting relevant to the learning outcomes of the course through which students will be able to observe, participate in and reflect on enterprising behaviour within a particular organisation.
- Global Inequalities (level 5) equips students with skills and knowledge for a key form of enterprising behaviour within social science - undertaking research.
- The Dissertation module at level 6 involves largely self-managed investigation in relation to a topic or research question identified by the student through which a range of attributes of enterprising behaviour will be demonstrated, such as being a self-starter, being open to feedback, investigating, researching, thinking creatively, reflecting, being adaptable, taking ownership.
As well as being enterprising themselves, students of politics investigate institutions and processes within society which carry out, facilitate or regulate enterprising behaviour. Governance can be understood in terms of 'making things happen' - making and implementing collective rules and decisions determining how people live together in society and seeking to realise a (contested) vision of the 'good society'. Governance is not just concerned with the exercise of authority but the provision of goods and services and this raises questions about enterprising behaviour within the public sector. Enterprise is often associated primarily with behaviour in markets but setting rules which are designed to facilitate or regulate markets and determining the balance and relationships between markets, the state and the third sector are fundamental questions of governance. Finally, political action is essentially concerned with 'making a difference' by influencing political outcomes and so embodies enterprising behaviour.
Governance at multiple levels is a key focus of the course and is developed through the levels, especially through: Introduction to Governance (L4), The Modern State (L5) and Governing Globalisation (L6).
Digital literacy
Digital literacy is integrated into teaching, learning and assessment throughout the course, and has a progressive aspect as students are enabled and expected to both:
- Understand aspects of the impact of ICT within society and the way politics operates (e.g. Introduction to Governance, Political Movements & Ideologies, Active Citizenship).
- Utilise ICT within their own learning and assessment with increasing confidence and proficiency.
Students will investigate a range of impacts of ICT, all of which have profound implications for politics and governance such as:
- ICT is at the heart of processes of globalisation including the globalisation of financial markets, the creation of multi- and trans-national production networks, cross-border cultural influences and hybridity, instantaneous global transmission of images and ideas, development of universal human identity and consciousness.
- ICT is fundamentally transforming the relationships between states and citizens through access to information, citizen journalism, the harnessing of ICT in political campaigns and protest movements, e-democracy.
- ICT is implicated in novel social problems such as the emergence of a 'digital divide', cybercrime, violent extremism and sex-offending.
Students will utilise ICT within their own learning and assessment in a number of ways:
- Find and utilise digital sources of information in an effective and discerning manner.
- Organise and store information digitally in an effective and secure way.
- Use word processing to produce coursework to the required standard.
- Use PowerPoint, smartboard and other audio-visual technology to give effective presentations.
- Submit assessments and access feedback electronically via Turnitin.
- Communicate and interact with administrators, tutors and other students via the portal, using email, discussion groups etc.
Students will encounter these uses of ICT throughout the course and become increasingly skilled. This will begin at Level 4 induction e.g. using student email, accessing timetable information, accessing module resources via the VLE, accessing library resources. On completion of level 4 modules students will have utilised ICT in all the ways identified above. The Module Specifications describe and evidence how digital literacy is developed and assessed. (e.g. use of online portfolio for assessment of Active Citizenship).
The Academic Librarian can provide support for digital literacy, for example by providing inductions and further information skills sessions on finding and evaluating digital sources of information in an effective and discerning manner.
Global Outlook
A global outlook is intrinsic to the study of politics because, although the nation-state arguably remains a key site for governance, globalisation has a political dimension as well as economic, social and cultural aspects. Indeed understanding how governance arrangements are being transformed and what new forms are emergent is an important focus of study involving contested claims about the retreat of the state, multi-level governance, global citizenship and global governance.
Thus a global outlook is fostered throughout the course as a whole, but one that is necessarily critical and questioning. Students will engage with competing theoretical understandings, and evaluate evidence, of the nature and extent of globalisation. In considering what a 'global outlook' and 'effective and responsible engagement' entail students will engage with 'anti-globalisation' ideas as well as arguments that support globalisation.
Students will also critically engage with issues connected to cultural diversity on a global scale e.g. relativism, inter-cultural dialogue and evaluation, ethnic, racial and religious identity and inequalities.
Work related activities are integrated into the course structure at each level, as follows: The core level 5 Active Citizenship module involves a placement in a work or volunteering setting relevant to the learning outcomes of the course through which students will be able to observe, participate in and reflect on enterprising behaviour within a particular organisation.
Both Global Inequalities (Level 5) and Governing Globalisation (Level 6) have a strong work-related orientation. They will enable students to develop skills and understanding in relation to research principles, methodology and methods that will equip them to evaluate research findings and carry out research of their own.
The Dissertation module at level 6 enables students to employ research skills in designing and carrying out a programme of research to address research questions they have set themselves. Students may formulate research questions that relate to the work related activities in which they have been engaged in the Active Citizenship module. More generally the dissertation may have a work-related orientation through, for example, a focus on a 'real world' policy problem, aspect of the policy-making process, or issue in public management.
Other modules have a work-related aspect through the combination of theory and practice, or abstract and concrete (empirical) analysis, looking at the motivations, decisions and behaviour of key actors responding to specific problems within the constraints of particular institutional settings.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
Library Resources
The Library purchases a range of quality electronic and print resources to support the curriculum. The Library also works with other libraries to enable access for Leeds Beckett students and staff. An Interlibrary Loan service is available to staff, research students, taught masters students and undergraduates working on dissertations to facilitate access to information resources not held by the Library.
The Library opens 24/7 every day of the year providing over 2100 study places of which approximately 800 offer access to computing or multi-media facilities with the latest operating software. Wireless networking is also available throughout the Library and wireless enabled laptops are available for loan. Library Online provides access to information and resources available through the Library, including subject pages and Discover, a single search access point for users to the whole range of information sources available through the University Library services and beyond.
Library website: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/home
Online Resources
The Politics and International Relations courses and all of your modules maintain pages on My Beckett, the Leeds Beckett Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). On the course page, you will find regularly posted information about your course and cohort. Module pages will have copies of the module handbooks, information about assessment (and re-assessment), and access to materials from lectures and seminars. You can also use My Beckett to access your individual, cohort and course timetables.
A wide range of politics and international relations journals are available online. The Library Homepage http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/home provides pathways to relevant information sources in the University's subject areas and offers gateways to the growing number of electronic journals. The Library has licences for searching over 30,000 electronic journals in full text and this service is developing rapidly. Staff and students can also access a collection of e-books and many other web-based electronic information services, alongside online subject guides and tutorials.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Dip HE Politics Level 5
Cert HE Politics Level 4
Leeds Beckett University
Part-time delivery is usually at half the intensity of the full-time equivalent course, although there may be flexibility to increase your pace of study to shorten the overall course duration. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence to that defined within this information set, but the modules offered within each level are consistent.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
The details of the External Examiners for this course are as follows:
Dr Sonia Bussu
Associate Professor
University of Birmingham
Dr Matthew Hurley
Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations
Sheffield Hallam University
Appendices
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