Main Aim(s) of the Unit:

Students will be required to conduct a Research Project on an agreed topic in the field of International Relations and submit a report to the Institute, based on that research. The purpose of the Research Report is to establish that students can demonstrate:

1. Adequate industry and application in the execution of an independent research project.
2. How their special theme is related to a wider field of knowledge.
3. Appropriate ability in the organization and presentation of the material in a research project.
4. An ordered and critical exposition of existing knowledge as well as evidence that the field has been thoroughly surveyed.
5. An ability to carry out some original work and/or
6. An ability to produce a report that comprises an integrated whole, presents a coherent argument, and forms a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject.
7. The exercise of independent critical power and the ability to detail suggestions and solutions.

Unit Requirements and Guidelines:

Subject and Grade

• The topic will have to be agreed by a local tutor who will follow the student’s progress in his/her research project and will decide when he or she has reached satisfactory completion. It will then be graded in the UK by ICM appointed examiners, together with all other examination papers and will be subject to the same examinations grades, registration procedure and results publications as examination papers.

Language and Format

• The report, including quotations should be written in English, minimum 4,000 and maximum 5,000 words in length, completed electronically.

Text Development and Coherence

• The report should be computer printed on white A4 paper in Times New Roman, single-sided, single-spaced; pages should be numbered; new chapters to start on new pages; after the title page there should be an abstract or executive summary of between 100 to 250 words, followed by a table of content on the next page; a list of sources used in the report must be supplied and the list should only include sources cited in the report.

Use of Sources

• All source materials must be credited and correctly cited in full, including illustrations, charts, tables, etc. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism and will result automatically in a failing grade.
  

Intended Learning Outcomes for the Unit

On completion of this Unit learners will have:

1. Gained a deep knowledge of aspects of modern international relations.
2. Developed competence in identifying and evaluating numerous forms of evidence on international relations events.
3. Acquired greater competence in written and oral communication.
4. Gained an understanding of complete theories, actors and institutions in international relations and means of evaluating their performance and outcomes.
5. Acquired analytical skills appropriate to a wide range of professional activities.
6. Made a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject.

Learning and teaching strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes:

During the early stages of the unit, contact time will combine lectures and discussion with tutors. Contact time will be used to identify the key approaches involved, including methods of problem identification and research, and techniques for conducting academic research. The need for appropriate professional and practical skills and effective communication techniques will also be addressed. Tutor contact will focus on providing support and advice for the particular project undertaken.

Over the following weeks, students should make regular appointments with their supervision tutor to discuss their individual academic research and their project. At the same time, the students may be developing their skills through regular meetings and contact with the target organisation where appropriate.

Assessment methods which enable student to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the Unit:

Research Project:  100%

Indicative Reading For This Unit

Main Text:

Introduction to Research Methods – Dawson, C., (How to Books Ltd.), 4th edition 2009

Alternative texts:

Research Methods for Business Students – Saunders, M., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A., (Pearson), 5th edition 2009

Doing a Successful Research project: using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods – Davies, M. B., Palgrave, MacMillan, 2007

Guideline for Teaching and Learning Time

30 hours: Lectures / Seminars / Tutorials / Workshops
Lectures/ Seminars/Tutorials/Workshops – tutorial support includes feedback on assignments and may vary from college to college according to local needs and wishes

120 hours: Directed learning
Directed Learning –advanced reading, research and preparation, background reading, group study and portfolio

50 hours: Self managed learning
Self managed learning – working through the course text, use of the web, Interaction with other students.