ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Political Science & International Relations

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Political Science & International Relations:

Year 1 – Foundation in Political Science & International Relations

Introduction to Political Science

• Understand the scope, nature, and functions of political science.
• Explain the role of politics in governance and society.
• Identify major branches and approaches in political science.
• Apply basic political concepts to real-world contexts.

Foundations of International Relations

• Recognise the origins and key theories of international relations.
• Explain how states interact within the global system.
• Analyse the role of power and cooperation in international politics.
• Apply theories to assess global political events.

Comparative Politics and Government Systems

• Compare political systems and structures across nations.
• Evaluate the role of constitutions, legislatures, and executives.
• Examine different forms of democracy and authoritarianism.
• Interpret global case studies of governance models.

Political Ideologies and Theories

• Define core political ideologies and their historical roots.
• Distinguish between liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and others.
• Analyse the impact of ideologies on policy and society.
• Critically evaluate ideological influence in global politics.

History of Political Thought

• Identify classical thinkers and their contributions to political ideas.
• Explain the evolution of Western and non-Western political thought.
• Assess how historical ideas influence modern governance.
• Apply political philosophy to current debates.

Principles of Public Administration

• Understand the scope and purpose of public administration.
• Identify key functions of government institutions.
• Examine accountability, transparency, and efficiency in administration.
• Apply principles of management to public service delivery.

Introduction to International Organisations

• Describe the history and structure of international organisations.
• Explain the functions of the UN, WTO, IMF, and regional bodies.
• Analyse the impact of multilateral cooperation.
• Evaluate the role of international organisations in conflict and peace.

Global History and World Politics

• Trace the historical foundations of modern world politics.
• Explain the impact of colonialism, wars, and revolutions.
• Assess the role of historical events in shaping global order.
• Apply historical analysis to contemporary issues.

Political Communication and Media Studies

• Understand the role of media in shaping political opinion.
• Analyse political campaigns, propaganda, and digital media.
• Evaluate ethical challenges in political communication.
• Apply communication strategies in a political context.

Research Methods in Political Science

• Identify qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
• Develop skills in data collection and analysis.
• Formulate research questions and hypotheses.
• Apply research methods to political studies.

Human Rights and Social Justice

• Understand the principles of universal human rights.
• Analyse global human rights instruments and policies.
• Evaluate social justice challenges across societies.
• Apply human rights frameworks to case studies.

Introduction to Diplomacy and Foreign Policy

• Understand the role and principles of diplomacy.
• Explain the processes of foreign policy formulation.
• Analyse diplomatic tools, strategies, and negotiations.
• Apply concepts to real-world diplomatic case studies.

Year 2 – Intermediate Political Science & International Relations

Advanced Political Theory and Analysis

• Evaluate modern and post-modern approaches to politics.
• Analyse theories of justice, equality, and liberty.
• Compare classical and contemporary political thought.
• Apply advanced theories to political decision-making.

International Law and Global Governance

• Explain the nature and sources of international law.
• Analyse the role of treaties, conventions, and courts.
• Evaluate global governance structures in law enforcement.
• Apply legal principles to global disputes.

Political Economy and Development Studies

• Understand the relationship between politics and economics.
• Analyse development theories and strategies.
• Assess the role of institutions in economic growth.
• Apply political economy concepts to case studies.

Regional Studies: Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East

• Understand the political systems of key world regions.
• Analyse historical and cultural factors shaping governance.
• Evaluate regional organisations and alliances.
• Apply comparative analysis to regional issues.

Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies

• Understand the causes and dynamics of conflict.
• Analyse peacebuilding strategies and conflict mediation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.
• Apply conflict resolution tools to case studies.

Political Sociology and Social Movements

• Explain the relationship between politics and society.
• Analyse social movements and collective action.
• Evaluate the role of identity and culture in politics.
• Apply sociological theories to political behaviour.

Policy-Making and Public Policy Analysis

• Understand the stages of the policy-making process.
• Analyse policy tools and frameworks.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of public policies.
• Apply policy analysis methods to real-world issues.

International Political Economy

• Explain theories of global trade and finance.
• Analyse the impact of globalisation on economies.
• Evaluate international economic institutions.
• Apply concepts to global economic case studies.

Comparative Foreign Policy

• Compare foreign policies of major powers.
• Analyse national interests and decision-making factors.
• Evaluate the impact of ideology on foreign policy.
• Apply frameworks to assess international relations.

Security Studies and Global Challenges

• Understand the concept of national and global security.
• Analyse threats including terrorism, cybercrime, and WMDs.
• Evaluate the role of security organisations.
• Apply security theories to case studies.

Research Methods and Data Analysis in Politics

• Understand advanced data analysis techniques.
• Apply statistical methods to political studies.
• Develop evidence-based political arguments.
• Interpret data to support research findings.

Ethics and Professional Practice in Political Science

• Recognise ethical dilemmas in political practice.
• Apply ethical frameworks to decision-making.
• Evaluate professional standards in political research.
• Promote accountability and integrity in practice.

Year 3 – Advanced Political Science & International Relations

Contemporary Issues in International Relations

• Identify key global issues such as migration, climate, and security.
• Analyse their political, social, and economic implications.
• Evaluate international responses and solutions.
• Apply critical thinking to global issues.

Strategic Studies and National Security

• Understand theories of strategy and security policy.
• Analyse defence policies and military strategies.
• Evaluate security challenges in global politics.
• Apply strategic frameworks to national contexts.

International Diplomacy and Negotiation

• Master principles of negotiation and mediation.
• Analyse case studies of successful and failed diplomacy.
• Evaluate strategies used in international negotiations.
• Apply diplomatic skills in simulated scenarios.

Policy Analysis and Political Reform

• Understand tools of policy analysis and evaluation.
• Analyse the impact of political reforms on governance.
• Evaluate reforms in democratic and non-democratic systems.
• Apply policy analysis to propose recommendations.

Globalisation and Transnational Politics

• Explain the dynamics of globalisation.
• Analyse the role of transnational actors and NGOs.
• Evaluate challenges posed by global interdependence.
• Apply theories to globalisation case studies.

Leadership and Governance in Political Institutions

• Understand leadership theories in political contexts.
• Analyse governance models across institutions.
• Evaluate qualities of effective political leadership.
• Apply leadership strategies in political settings.

International Conflict and Crisis Management

• Understand causes and consequences of global conflicts.
• Analyse crisis management frameworks.
• Evaluate peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery.
• Apply crisis management strategies to real cases.

Political Risk Analysis and Strategic Decision-Making

• Understand concepts of political risk.
• Analyse risks in global investment and trade.
• Evaluate tools for risk assessment.
• Apply risk analysis to international scenarios.

Environmental Politics and Global Sustainability

• Understand global environmental challenges.
• Analyse international agreements on climate change.
• Evaluate sustainable development strategies.
• Apply frameworks to environmental case studies.

International Cooperation and Development Projects

• Explain principles of international cooperation.
• Analyse the role of aid and development projects.
• Evaluate the success of international partnerships.
• Apply project planning tools to development initiatives.

Innovation and Emerging Trends in Global Politics

• Identify new trends in global politics.
• Analyse the impact of technology and digital governance.
• Evaluate the role of innovation in political change.
• Apply foresight methods to anticipate future trends.

Capstone Project in Political Science & International Relations

• Design and implement an independent research project.
• Apply theories and methods learned throughout the programme.
• Analyse complex political and international issues.
• Present findings in a professional and academic format.