Last modified: 11 Nov 2025 10:16
This course lays the foundations for, explores, and critically analyses the main theoretical paradigms and debates in International Relations, and engages with the complexity of debates on concepts in IR. The theoretical topics to be covered include debates on the international system, cooperation, world order, conflict, development, representation and identity. Students will also be introduced to some of the main debates in epistemology and methodology that apply to the discipline.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course lays the foundations for, explores, and critically analyses the main theoretical paradigms and debates in International Relations, and engages with the complexity of debates on concepts in IR. The theoretical topics to be covered include debates on the international system, cooperation, world order, conflict, development, representation and identity. Students will also be introduced to some of the main debates in epistemology and methodology that apply to the discipline.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 17 | Feedback Weeks | 20 | |
| Feedback |
Normally, grade and feedback to be provided three weeks after submission or earlier if possible. Feedback will be provided by Turnitin, but students may discuss any questions they have with the Course Coordinator via Teams. |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Apply | Develop an understanding of how theoretical knowledge shapes approaches to problem-solving in global affairs. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Thorough knowledge of the principal theories that inform the study and analysis of international relations. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Critical thinking skills to analyse complex issues in world politics. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 14 | Feedback Weeks | 17 | |
| Feedback |
Word Count: 500 each Normally, grade and feedback to be provided three weeks after submission or earlier if possible. Feedback will be provided by Turnitin, but students may discuss any questions they have with the Course Coordinator via Teams. |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Thorough knowledge of the principal theories that inform the study and analysis of international relations. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Critical thinking skills to analyse complex issues in world politics. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 20 | Feedback Weeks | 23 | |
| Feedback |
Normally, grade and feedback to be provided three weeks after submission or earlier if possible. Feedback will be provided by Turnitin, but students may discuss any questions they have with the Course Coordinator via Teams. |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Thorough knowledge of the principal theories that inform the study and analysis of international relations. |
| Reflection | Create | Evaluate western and non-western approaches to re-thinking international security and world order. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Thorough knowledge of the principal theories that inform the study and analysis of international relations. |
| Conceptual | Apply | Develop an understanding of how theoretical knowledge shapes approaches to problem-solving in global affairs. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Critical thinking skills to analyse complex issues in world politics. |
| Reflection | Create | Evaluate western and non-western approaches to re-thinking international security and world order. |
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