Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 4

Full Module Description

This elective offers training in communication skills required to undertake academic studies in International Relations effectively, and to make the link between autonomy and academic study. Students will practise and develop critical reading and writing skills required in written genres in the IR discipline. They will also be trained in, and practise, the listening and speaking skills required to understand and contribute to seminars, tutorials and lectures on IR subjects. The elective also fosters student autonomy. Successful completion of the module indicates Language proficiency equivalent to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages.

Module Outline

This elective offers training in communication skills required to undertake academic studies in International Relations and Development effectively, and to make the link between autonomy and academic study. Through the thematic concepts of globalization, the shifting power of the nation state and the rise of non-state actors, you will learn how to use and apply key academic skills such as critical reading and essay writing that will transfer to other IR and Development modules you study. You will also be trained in, and practise, the speaking skills required to understand and contribute to IR and Development seminars and tutorials. The elective also fosters student autonomy. Successful completion of the module is equivalent to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages. This module is aimed at students for whom English is not their first language.

Module learning outcomes

Identify the key arguments of relevant IR sources to support the communication of the student’s own well-structured coherent arguments.

Interpret, analyse and produce discourse and genres typically found in International Relations academic and professional environments (at a CEFR B2 level of linguistic competence).

Create academic IR texts containing discipline specific language and rhetorical features that communicate arguments effectively.

Identify one’s own academic strengths and weaknesses through feedback on academic work, and devise an autonomous approach to learning on future IR modules.

View timetable

Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Simon Williams

Assess convenor
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