Public Affairs MPA - 2022/3

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 7

Final award and programme/pathway title

MPA Public Affairs

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
BSc (Hons) Public Affairs
Ord Public Affairs
DipHE Public Affairs
CertHE Public Affairs

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time ULB17001 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits
Full-time with PTY ULB17001 600 credits and 300 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Politics and International Relations

Other internal and / or external reference points

NA

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences - Politics

Programme Leader

KITCHEN Nicholas (Politics)

Date of production/revision of spec

12/09/2023

Educational aims of the programme

  • To enable students to understand and use a range of concepts, approaches and methods appropriate to politics, and to develop an understanding of their contested nature and of the problematic character of political enquiry.
  • To provide students with a foundation of knowledge and understanding of theory and analysis, and to encourage them to apply these issues in contemporary national and international affairs with a focus on public policymaking and decision-making.
  • To develop students' capacity to think critically about events, ideas, people and institutions at local, national, regional and international levels, opening up their cultural and global horizons.
  • To assist students to develop a range of cognitive and social skills relevant to their intellectual, vocational and personal development.
  • To give students opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge and understanding to the resolution of real-life problems and so develop their skills in respect of professional as well as academic life.
  • To provide a curriculum which encourages breadth and depth of intellectual enquiry and debate, supported by scholarship, a research culture, and staff reflection and development.
  • To create a learning environment that is receptive to the needs and views of students and encourages them to achieve their full potential, even while fostering an atmosphere where students as independent learners can take responsibility for their own learning processes.
  • To understand and respect issues related to diversity and to employ a range of methods and approaches in relation to diverse needs.
  • The programme is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
Demonstrate a critical advanced knowledge of key concepts, principles and theoretical approaches associated with the study of politics, international relations and public policy. K MPA
Understand international structures of governance in depth, and their impact on regional, national and local structures, global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking K MPA
Apply concepts, theories + methods at an advanced level used in the study of politics, international relations and public policy to the analysis of the political arena, and in doing so demonstrating advanced knowledge of the working of political systems at the national and international level. KPT MPA
Develop detailed knowledge and understanding of contemporary debates within the field of public policy, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. KPT MPA
Understand the relationship between research and enquiry and their application to the study of public affairs. K MPA
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relationship between argument and evidence in the discipline of politics and international relations. K MPA
Gather, organise, and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety secondary and primary sources in an advanced way, analysing and synthesising from a wide range of material. CT MPA
Demonstrate self-direction and originality in identifying, investigating, analysing, formulating and commending solutions to specified problems, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. CPT MPA
Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement in the articulation and application of evidence/data in an advanced fashion. CPT MPA
Formulate research questions, and eventually design and conduct a research project, selecting appropriate methods of data collection and analysis, addressing issues of feasibility, sustainability, unintended consequences on global and social diversity and thinking about interconnectedness within society P MPA
Deal with complex issues systematically and creatively also with sustainable thinking in mind, making sound judgments on the basis of incomplete information C MPA
Reflect on self and peer learning. Seek and apply constructive feedback. CPT MPA
Recognise the importance of demonstrating and good research skills, especially related to academic integrity and ethics. CT MPA
Demonstrate an in dependent attitude to study which requires critical and reflective use of statistics and computer technology for learning purposes. CP MPA
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills, both oral and written. PT MPA
Demonstrate effective and appropriate use of computer and information technology, including audio-visual technology, for the retrieval and presentation of information and data. T MPA
Demonstrate effective and appropriate use of computer and information technology, including audio-visual technology, for the retrieval and presentation of information and data. T MPA
Work independently, demonstrate capacity for initiative, manage time and competing demands, emerge as a well-organised, self-critical and mature learner, ready to tackle problems in a globalised, networked, digital and sustainable thinking environment. PT MPA
Show a capacity to collaborate with others in large or small groups in order to achieve clearly defined tasks. T MPA
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of key concepts, principles and theoretical approaches associated with the study of politics, international relations, and public policy. K BSc (Hons)
Apply concepts, theories + methods at an advanced level used in the study of politics, international relations and public policy to the analysis of the political arena, and in doing so demonstrating advanced knowledge of the working of political systems at the national and international level. KPT BSc (Hons)
Evaluate in an advanced fashion different interpretations of political issues, events and policies for national and international contexts, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. KPT BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relationship between argument and evidence in the discipline of politics, international relations and public policy. K BSc (Hons)
Gather, organise, and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety secondary and primary sources in an advanced way. CT BSc (Hons)
Identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and commend solutions to specified problems, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. CPT BSc (Hons)
Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement in the articulation and application of evidence/data in an advanced fashion. CPT BSc (Hons)
Reflect on self and peer learning. Seek and apply constructive feedback. CPT BSc (Hons)
Recognise the importance of demonstrating and good research skills, especially related to academic integrity and ethics. CT BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate an in dependent attitude to study which requires critical and reflective use of statistics and computer technology for learning purposes. CP BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills, both oral and written PT BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate effective and appropriate use of computer and information technology, including audio-visual technology, for the retrieval and presentation of information and data. T BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate effective and appropriate use of computer and information technology, including audio-visual technology, for the retrieval and presentation of information and data. T BSc (Hons)
Work independently, demonstrate capacity for initiative, manage time and competing demands, emerge as a well-organised, self-critical and mature learner, ready to tackle problems in a globalised, networked, digital and sustainable thinking environment. PT BSc (Hons)
Show a capacity to collaborate with others in large or small groups in order to achieve clearly defined tasks. T BSc (Hons)
Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge of key concepts, principles and theoretical approaches associated with the study of politics international relations and public policy. K DipHE
Apply concepts and theories + methods in a way that demonstrates a breadth of knowledge as used in the study of politics, international relations and public policy to the analysis of the political arena, and in doing so demonstrating a robust knowledge of the working of political systems at the national and international level. KPT DipHE
Evaluate in a substantive fashion different interpretations of political issues, events and policies for national and international contexts, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. KPT DipHE
Demonstrate a robust understanding of the relationship between argument and evidence in the discipline of politics, international relations and public policy. K DipHE
Gather, organise, and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety secondary and primary sources. CT DipHE
Identify, investigate, and commend solutions to specified problems, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. CPT DipHE
Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement in the articulation and application of evidence/data in a substantive fashion. CPT DipHE
Reflect on self and peer learning. Seek and apply constructive feedback. CPT DipHE
Recognise the importance of demonstrating and good research skills, especially related to academic integrity and ethics. CT DipHE
Demonstrate an in dependent attitude to study which requires critical and reflective use of statistics and computer technology for learning purposes. CP DipHE
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills, both oral and written. PT DipHE
Demonstrate effective and appropriate use of computer and information technology, including audio-visual technology, for the retrieval and presentation of information and data. C DipHE
Work independently, demonstrate capacity for initiative, manage time and competing demands, ready to tackle problems in a globalised, networked, digital and sustainable thinking environment. PT DipHE
Show a capacity to collaborate with others in large or small groups in order to achieve clearly defined tasks. T DipHE
Demonstrate general knowledge of key concepts, principles and theoretical approaches associated with the study of politics, international relations and public policy. K CertHE
Apply concepts and theories + methods in a way that demonstrates a general knowledge of the study of politics, international relations and public policy to the analysis of the political arena, and in doing so demonstrating good knowledge of the working of political systems at the national and international level. KPT CertHE
Evaluate in an effective fashion different interpretations of political issues, events and policies for national and international contexts, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. KPT CertHE
Develop a solid understanding of the relationship between argument and evidence in the discipline of politics, international relations and public policy. K CertHE
Gather, organise, and deploy evidence and information from a variety secondary sources. CT CertHE
Identify and commend solutions to specified problems, reflecting on issues of global diversity, networked societies and sustainable thinking. CPT CertHE
Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement in the articulation and application of evidence/data in a basic. CPT CertHE
Reflect on self and peer learning. Seek and apply constructive feedback. CPT CertHE
Recognise the importance of demonstrating and good research skills, especially related to academic integrity and ethics. CT CertHE
Demonstrate an in dependent attitude to study which requires critical and reflective use of statistics and computer technology for learning purposes. CP CertHE
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills, both oral and written. PT CertHE
Demonstrate effective and appropriate use of computer and information technology, including audio-visual technology, for the retrieval and presentation of information and data. C CertHE
Work independently, demonstrate capacity for initiative, manage time and competing demands, ready to tackle problems in a globalised, networked, digital and sustainable thinking environment. PT CertHE
Show a capacity to collaborate with others in large or small groups in order to achieve clearly defined tasks. T CertHE

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This Integrated Master's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and 7). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Honours) (360 credits)
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Full-time with PTY

This Integrated Master's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over five academic years, consisting of 600 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6, 7 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Honours) (360 credits)
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Programme Adjustments (if applicable)

N/A

Modules

Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL1012 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS Compulsory 15 1
POL1013 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Compulsory 15 1
POL1014 SOCIAL & POLITICAL THINKERS FROM PLATO TO MARX Compulsory 15 2
POL1017 DEBATES IN BRITISH POLITICS Compulsory 15 1
POL1018 EVOLUTION OF AN INTEGRATED EUROPE Compulsory 15 2
POL1019 CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL HISTORY Compulsory 15 1
POL1025 POLITICS AND REPRESENTATION Compulsory 15 2
POL1027 POLITICS OF CRISIS Compulsory 15 2

Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

NA

Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL2027 APPROACHES TO RESEARCH Compulsory 15 1
POL2028 RESEARCH METHODS Compulsory 15 2
POL2029 THEM AND US: COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Compulsory 15 2
POL2030 THEORISING INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Compulsory 15 1
POL2033 EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND DISINTEGRATION Optional 15 1
POL2034 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS Compulsory 15 2
POL2035 POWER AND IDEAS: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES Optional 15 2
POL2036 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: THE RETURN OF GREAT POWER POLITICS Optional 15 2
POL2038 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY Optional 15 1
POL2046 ELECTORAL SYSTEMS AND VOTING BEHAVIOUR Optional 15 2
POL2047 MAKING PUBLIC POLICY: THEORY AND PRACTICE Compulsory 15 1

Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Choose 2 modules from the listed optional modules.

Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL3065 US FOREIGN POLICY IN TRANSITION Optional 15 1
POL3066 CRITICAL TERRORISM STUDIES Optional 15 2
POL3067 ENGENDERING WORLD POLITICS Optional 15 2
POL3070 NEGOTIATING POLITICS AND POLICY Compulsory 15 1
POL3072 STATES AND MARKETS IN EAST ASIA Optional 15 2
POL3081 POPULISM AND DEMOCRACY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE Optional 15 1
POL3082 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION Optional 15 1
POL3084 POLITICS IN PRACTICE Compulsory 15 2
POL3090 POLITICS OF THE GREATER CHINA REGION Optional 15 1
POL3087 SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY IN EUROPE Optional 15 2
POL3086 GLOBAL GOVERNANCE Optional 15 2
POL3091 ACTIVISM, PARTICIPATION AND PARTY ORGANISATION Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Students must choose six options of the optional modules available.

Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POLM009 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH Compulsory 15 1
POLM012 GLOBAL GOVERNANCE Optional 15 2
POLM015 KEY ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS Optional 15 1
POLM016 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENCE Optional 15 1
POLM019 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY Optional 15 2
POLM029 CRITICAL STUDIES ON SECURITY AND TERRORISM Optional 15 2
POLM032 MAKING PEACE - POST-CONFLICT PROCESSES Optional 15 2
POLM033 INTERVENTION I: MAKING WAR Optional 15 1
POLM034 DISSERTATION Compulsory 45 Year-long
POLM037 POLITICAL LEADERSHIP Optional 15 1
POLM036 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION AND CAMPAIGNING Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7

Students must choose four options out of the modules available.

Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL1012 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS Compulsory 15 1
POL1013 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Compulsory 15 1
POL1014 SOCIAL & POLITICAL THINKERS FROM PLATO TO MARX Compulsory 15 2
POL1017 DEBATES IN BRITISH POLITICS Compulsory 15 1
POL1018 EVOLUTION OF AN INTEGRATED EUROPE Compulsory 15 2
POL1019 CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL HISTORY Compulsory 15 1
POL1025 POLITICS AND REPRESENTATION Compulsory 15 2
POL1027 POLITICS OF CRISIS Compulsory 15 2

Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

NA

Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL2027 APPROACHES TO RESEARCH Compulsory 15 1
POL2028 RESEARCH METHODS Compulsory 15 2
POL2029 THEM AND US: COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Compulsory 15 2
POL2030 THEORISING INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Compulsory 15 1
POL2033 EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND DISINTEGRATION Optional 15 1
POL2034 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS Compulsory 15 2
POL2035 POWER AND IDEAS: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES Optional 15 2
POL2036 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: THE RETURN OF GREAT POWER POLITICS Optional 15 2
POL2038 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY Optional 15 1
POL2046 ELECTORAL SYSTEMS AND VOTING BEHAVIOUR Optional 15 2
POL2047 MAKING PUBLIC POLICY: THEORY AND PRACTICE Compulsory 15 1

Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Choose 2 modules from the listed optional modules.

Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POL3065 US FOREIGN POLICY IN TRANSITION Optional 15 1
POL3066 CRITICAL TERRORISM STUDIES Optional 15 2
POL3067 ENGENDERING WORLD POLITICS Optional 15 2
POL3070 NEGOTIATING POLITICS AND POLICY Compulsory 15 1
POL3072 STATES AND MARKETS IN EAST ASIA Optional 15 2
POL3081 POPULISM AND DEMOCRACY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE Optional 15 1
POL3082 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION Optional 15 1
POL3084 POLITICS IN PRACTICE Compulsory 15 2
POL3090 POLITICS OF THE GREATER CHINA REGION Optional 15 1
POL3087 SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY IN EUROPE Optional 15 2
POL3086 GLOBAL GOVERNANCE Optional 15 2
POL3091 ACTIVISM, PARTICIPATION AND PARTY ORGANISATION Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Students must choose six options of the optional modules available.

Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POLP025 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) Core 120 Year-long
POLP026 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (WORK-STUDY 50/50) Core 120 Year-long
POLP027 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR STUDY) Core 120 Year-long

Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

Students must choose one of the above three modules.

Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
POLM009 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH Compulsory 15 1
POLM012 GLOBAL GOVERNANCE Optional 15 2
POLM015 KEY ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS Optional 15 1
POLM016 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENCE Optional 15 1
POLM019 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY Optional 15 2
POLM029 CRITICAL STUDIES ON SECURITY AND TERRORISM Optional 15 2
POLM032 MAKING PEACE - POST-CONFLICT PROCESSES Optional 15 2
POLM033 INTERVENTION I: MAKING WAR Optional 15 1
POLM034 DISSERTATION Compulsory 45 Year-long
POLM037 POLITICAL LEADERSHIP Optional 15 1
POLM036 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION AND CAMPAIGNING Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7

Students must choose four options out of the modules available.

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics N
Professional Training Year (PTY) N
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) N
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) N
Study exchange (Level 5) N
Dual degree N

Other information

Students on our BSc Politics and BSc International Politics can transfer onto the MPA up until the end of FHEQ L5 or the end of the placement year (LP) as long as they meet the following criteria:

- They have taken the compulsory modules on the MPA at FHEQ L4 and L5
- They have achieved an average of 55% in each academic year.

Students on the MPA can transfer onto either the BSc Politics or BSc International Politics at FHEQ L4 or L5. As students on the MPA do the compulsory modules for both degree programmes they meet this requirement already. There is no average mark that they need to obtain to transfer.

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.