FHEQ level

This course is set at Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Course learning outcomes

An understanding of the core concepts and questions that define the discipline of IR.

A familiarity with the key theoretical traditions of IR as an academic discipline.

A basic knowledge of the history of modern international relations.

An understanding of the significance of the world economy for the nature of the international system.

Ability to communicate effectively with others and to present material both orally and in writing.

Ability to deploy a range of communication and information technology skills.

Ability to present concise and cogently structured arguments, both orally and in writing.

Ability to carry out critical analysis on complex issues related to the discipline.

Explain major sociological concepts and theories, and their application in contemporary sociology.

Demonstrate knowledge of different societies, and understanding of what may be learned by comparing them.

Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of key topics and debates in a number of specialised areas in sociology.

Collate a range of appropriate sources (including paper, audio-visual and electronic sources) and structure material from them to answer a question.

Assess the strengths and weaknesses of empirical material as evidence for conclusions in specific cases.

Critically evaluate competing explanations and sociological theories in a range of contexts.

Formulate research questions and plan how to answer them.

Identify and use appropriate sociological research methods (including questionnaires, interviews, observations and content analysis).

Analyse the ethical implications of social research in a variety of settings.

Make simple analyses of quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate computer programs.

Communicate effectively with others and present information both orally and in writing.

Conduct a literature search and produce a correctly formatted bibliography.

Manage their time in long-term work programmes.

Full-time course composition

Course convenors

Melanie Richter-Montpetit
Associate Professor

About your joint honours course

Sussex has always promoted interdisciplinary study by encouraging students to combine different subjects and different approaches to learning. Joint-honours courses are an ideal option if you want to study more than one subject in depth. A key idea behind joint-honours is to experience the range of ways that different academic disciplines use to teach, learn and research. Those differences are stimulating and challenging, but they can also be confusing, so you will find some useful information below to help you get the most out of your course.

• To find information about the individual modules that make up your course, go to the school that teaches the module. Each module is assessed by the school that teaches it, so on their website you will find (under “student information”) information about the assessment criteria being used, the referencing style you need to use for your work, contact times for your tutors, information about the student reps scheme and lots of other useful information.
• To find general information about joint honours, use the Frequently Asked Questions list
• For information about the rules and regulations that govern all Sussex students, start with the general student handbook
• For help in improving your study skills, using the library and with careers, try the Skills Hub.

And if you have any other questions, contact the convenors for your course; they are here to help you.

Useful links

• Frequently asked questions
• General student handbook
• Skills Hub