International Relations and Intelligence (Top-up)

For HM Forces

Study options

Award

BA (Hons)

Key facts

Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Part-time, top-up, distance learning
Duration:
2 Years
Start date:
23 September 2024
School:
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences

Supportive learning environment

Provides a supportive learning environment that meets the needs of students employed full-time by the Ministry of Defence

Employability skills

Enabling students to facilitate the transition to alternative employment or further study

Intellectual and personal development

Develops knowledge and skills that support the needs of the Armed Services in fulfilment of defence goals and strategic objectives

The BA (Hons) International Relations and Intelligence is designed to give you a thorough knowledge and understanding of International Relations and has been designed to help you make sense of the complex relationships and processes which operate in the contemporary world.

As a distance learning programme it is one which you can fit around other commitments in your life. It is made up of 120 credits of study organised as six modules taken one at a time over two years. A module is a unit of study with defined learning outcomes, curriculum and assessment. A single module is worth 20 credits and notionally requires 200 hours of learning activity to complete.

The purpose of the course is to equip students with the intellectual skills necessary to navigate critically an increasingly complex and challenging international security environment. It contextualises concerns regarding intelligence, security, and defence within the broader framework of the discipline of International Relations, recognising the general place of such study within Services training.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) International Relations and Intelligence

Part-time study

Course is only available part time and takes two years 

Course content

This course is the replacement for our now closed BA (Hons) Intelligence and Internation Relations.

During the first year of the course students will take three introductory modules in International History since 1900; Introduction to International Relations; and Issues in Global Politics. The knowledge and skills gained will prepare students for three further and more specialist modules in their second year: Intelligence in War and Peace; European Defence and Security; and Conflict Analysis.  

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
International History Since 1900 (Dl) 20 credits
Introduction To International Relations 20 credits
Issues In Global Politics (Dl) 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Conflict Analysis (Dl) 20 credits
European Defence And Security (Dl) 20 credits

Progression routes to masters

Entry requirements

Applications welcome from OP MI 2 or above and RAF Intelligence Branch. Others who work in this area and have undertaken some Intelligence-based training will be considered on an individual basis.

You will be required to attend a compulsory online Induction. Please contact the HM Forces team directly for information on our next induction date.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will follow a carefully structured programme of work based around active learning – undertaking tasks which help you to really engage and work with the material you are studying, rather than just passively reading or listening to the words of others. You will use the interactive facilities of our web-based learning environment (Blackboard) to communicate with tutors and other students that will enable you to develop essential learning skills, compare notes and follow up on aspects of modules that you have found interesting or particularly challenging.   

Assessment

Your summative assessments contribute towards your final grade and degree classification and will assess you based on the learning outcomes of your modules. Your summative assessments include a combination of written assignments and contributions to discussion boards.

Learning support

Studying remotely doesn't mean that you will be left to study alone. We know that having good support is vital to your success, which is why we ensure that however you study with us, or wherever in the world you’re based, you’ll still be able to access the same services as our on-campus students; such as IT and study support, our online library, careers and wellbeing service.

Plus, we’ll help to connect with other online learners to help you get the most out of your learning experience and feel a part of Staffordshire University.

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Staff

We are a research-active department with internationally recognised expertise. This provides our students not only with world-class subject experts, but with considerable levels of research-informed teaching and pedagogical experience as well.

Students will spend time watching on-line lectures; accessing other recommended lectures and podcasts; reading; writing discussion board posts and responses; reading and commenting on the work of other students on the board; and engaging with their tutor.  At certain points in the calendar they will also be researching and writing their assignments.

Independent learning

As a distance learning student you will be expected to study independently, but the content of the modules will be provided in a structured manner to support you through the material and to prepare you for your assessments. Support will be available when you need it and you can contact your tutor by phone, email or in person.

Staff

We are a research-active department with internationally recognised expertise. This provides our students not only with world-class subject experts, but with considerable levels of research-informed teaching and pedagogical experience as well.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BA (Hons) Part-time, top-up, distance learning 23 September 2024 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021