Professional Child and Family Studies with Management

Questions over the nature, evolution, causes and normative justifications of contemporary political violence are now an embedded aspect of public discourse, and have also driven an exponential growth in the academic field. Driving this trend, terrorism and political violence continues to feature as a central element of current foreign and security policy for many Western and non-Western states, and occupies a prominent place in current public political debate on domestic and international issues.

Drawing on the expertise of several staff in the Department of Politics and International Relations and further afield, each of whom is well-placed to provide their own perspective on these critical issues, this degree will look in depth at the concepts and the politics surrounding terrorism, political violence and security in the post-Cold War era.

What will you study?

The course has three stages, each of which is designed to deepen your knowledge of terrorism and political violence, whilst also placing this subject within wider political, social and economic contexts.

The first stage will build the foundations of your studies, by looking at the conceptual and theoretical issues in the study of terrorism and political violence. This specialist focus will be supported and enhanced by a parallel focus on politics of the state in the modern world. Key research skills will be developed through methods of teaching and assessment on these modules, as well as by a dedicated 'research methods' module which you will take. You will have an opportunity to enhance your specialism by choosing complementary modules from international relations, human rights and conflict.

In the second stage you will develop your focus on terrorism and political violence, through a detailed examination of moral, ethical and legal aspects of the use of violence by both the state, and by a range of nonstate groups. Alongside a focus on these aspects, which are fundamental to the study of terrorism and political violence, you will also be given the opportunity to enhance your understanding of the wider contexts of 'globalisation' within which modern violence takes place. In addition, a variety of case studies will allow you to pursue more specialist interests, and you will also continue to develop your research skills and have the opportunity to deepen your specialist research interests with tutorial-led special studies.

In stage three you will build on what you have learnt and apply your skills in a piece of original research of 12,00015,000 words.

Core modules

• From State to Global Politics
• Research Skills and Dissertation or Project Proposal
• Terrorism, Political Violence and Human Rights

Optional modules

• Archives, Records and the Historian
• Conflict Theory and Analysis
• Contemporary Issues in Conflict and Security
• Environmental Politics: Movements and Ideas
• Europe in the Contemporary World
• Globalisation and the International Economy
• Human Rights Actors and Activities
• International Political Economy
• Managing and Resolving International Conflict
• Media, Public Policy and International Politics
• Nationalism and Modernity
• Political Communication, Advocacy and Campaigning
• Political Marketing: Methods, Prospects and Consequences
• Strategies for Achieving Human Rights
• Theories of International Relations
• Contemporary European Protest Movements
• Crimes of the Powerful
• Gender and Politics
• Human Rights and Political Violence
• Marxist Political Thought
• Paradigms in Political Economy
• The Politics of Conflict: Nationalism and Violence
• The Politics of Mass Murder
• The Politics of Nationalism in the Contemporary Middle East
• Themes in Latin American Politics
• US Foreign Policy in an Age of Terror
• Applied Research Project
• Dissertation

One or more of the following:A second class degree or above or equivalent in an area appropriate to the content of the degree.Relevant non-certified learning.An appropriate combination of certificated and non-certificated learning.We consider applications on an individual basis, on merit. We look at academic credentials alongside prior experience and evidence of commitment to the course of study.Prior learning Applicants with prior qualifications and learning may be exempt from appropriate parts of a course in accordance with the University's policy for the assessment of prior learning and prior experiential learning. Contact the faculty office for further information. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Kingston University bursaries

Bursaries of up to £500 for Kingston University alumni (Home/EU only).

Annual Fund postgraduate scholarships

The Development Office offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for UK and EU students.

They are available for all courses (except teacher training/PGCE courses) and will pay 50% of the fees (up to £3,000 for the 2012/13 academic year) for a one-year, full-time or two-years, part-time masters programme.

International scholarships

The International Office is offers awards totalling £250,000 every year, with each scholarship worth £3,300. These are open to prospective full-time postgraduates in any subject area on a one-year taught masters degree.

You can apply for an international scholarship if you:

• are an international student (classified as 'overseas' for fee purposes);
• have an offer of a place on a course at Kingston for 2012/13 entry; and
• are not currently registered on a postgraduate course at Kingston University.

You might also be eligible for an international loyalty bursary if you are an overseas Kingston University alumnus or have a family connection with the University.