Last modified: 08 Aug 2025 09:46
This course introduces UK-Africa relations, with a focus on security. Students will learn about contemporary international security issues in or related to Africa, identifying opportunities and threats to UK security and prosperity. It covers issues such as access to critical minerals and the expanding African market, as well as terrorism, war, and great power competition in African affairs.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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One or more of these courses have a limited number of places. Priority access will be given to students for whom this course is compulsory. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on this process.
This course comprises a series of lectures, seminars, and workshops that examine international security issues in or related to Africa to identify opportunities and threats to UK security and prosperity. It covers issues such as access to critical minerals and the expanding African market, as well as terrorism, war, and great power competition in African affairs. The course embeds practical skills in security analysis and communication through weekly tutorial activities. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to analyse UK security, with a focus on Africa.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 14 | Feedback Weeks | 17 | |
| Feedback |
Feedback will be provided in writing by email. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand several contemporary challenges to African security from several security sectors. |
| Procedural | Analyse | Discuss a specific case study of a contemporary challenge to African Security. |
| Procedural | Apply | Apply knowledge gained from the Course to articulate ‘SMART’ interventions to contemporary challenges to African security. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 14 | Feedback Weeks | 17 | |
| Feedback |
Reflective Essay on the video preparation process. This essay will be submitted through Turnitin. Written feedback will be provided via MyAberdeen. |
Word Count | 1500 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand several contemporary challenges to African security from several security sectors. |
| Procedural | Analyse | Discuss a specific case study of a contemporary challenge to African Security. |
| Procedural | Apply | Apply knowledge gained from the Course to articulate ‘SMART’ interventions to contemporary challenges to African security. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 19,20 | Feedback Weeks | 25 | |
| Feedback |
The key criteria for this component of assessment will be outlined during the Exam Revision Session (Week 18). |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 45 | Feedback Weeks | 49 | |
| Feedback |
If a student fails this course, they will take an exam which will provide them with the lowest possible pass mark. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 0 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Students can only resit the exam. Marks are capped at D3 (09) on the CGS. The Marks from the exam will represent the Course Marks. Other assessment grades will be discarded. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand several contemporary challenges to African security from several security sectors. |
| Procedural | Analyse | Discuss a specific case study of a contemporary challenge to African Security. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the role of the African state as a security actor and referent. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Be familiar with approaches to and literature on African Security Studies. |
| Procedural | Apply | Apply knowledge gained from the Course to articulate ‘SMART’ interventions to contemporary challenges to African security. |
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