ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Political Science & International Relations

Course Learning Outcomes

Year 1 – Foundation and Core Political Science & International Relations

Introduction to Political Science

• Demonstrate an understanding of the scope and nature of political science.
• Explain key concepts such as power, authority, and legitimacy.
• Analyse the relationship between politics, governance, and society.
• Apply political concepts to contemporary national and international issues.

Principles of International Relations

• Describe the origins and development of international relations as a discipline.
• Compare and contrast realist, liberal, and constructivist perspectives.
• Assess the role of state and non-state actors in global politics.
• Apply international relations theories to case studies of global issues.

Comparative Politics and Government Systems

• Identify different political systems and their institutional structures.
• Compare governance models across democratic and non-democratic regimes.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various political systems.
• Relate comparative politics to contemporary policy challenges.

Political Ideologies and Theories

• Outline the main political ideologies including liberalism, conservatism, and socialism.
• Examine how ideologies shape political institutions and policies.
• Analyse ideological debates in historical and modern contexts.
• Apply political theories to evaluate political movements and policies.

Public Policy and Administration

• Define the policy-making process and its stages.
• Examine the relationship between governance, administration, and policy outcomes.
• Evaluate challenges in implementing public policies effectively.
• Apply policy analysis tools to real-world scenarios.

International Organisations and Global Governance

• Explain the role of international organisations in global politics.
• Assess the effectiveness of institutions such as the UN, WTO, and IMF.
• Evaluate the challenges of global governance in addressing international issues.
• Analyse the contribution of regional organisations to peace and security.

Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Basics

• Identify the principles and practices of diplomacy.
• Explain the stages of foreign policy development.
• Assess the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution.
• Apply basic negotiation skills to international case studies.

Political Sociology and Human Behaviour

• Explain the relationship between politics and social structures.
• Analyse the impact of culture, identity, and class on political behaviour.
• Evaluate voter behaviour and political participation patterns.
• Apply sociological perspectives to current political events.

Research Methods in Political Science

• Identify key qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Apply appropriate research methodologies to political questions.
• Demonstrate the ability to collect and interpret political data.
• Evaluate the reliability and validity of political research findings.

Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding Foundations

• Define the concepts of conflict, violence, and peace.
• Examine the causes and dynamics of political and social conflicts.
• Assess peacebuilding strategies at local and international levels.
• Apply conflict resolution approaches to case studies.

Communication Skills for Political and International Contexts

• Demonstrate effective communication in political and professional settings.
• Apply public speaking and presentation skills to political debates.
• Develop persuasive writing for reports and policy briefs.
• Use media and digital platforms responsibly in political communication.

Professional Development and Reflective Practice in Political Science

• Reflect on personal strengths and areas for growth in political practice.
• Develop professional skills for careers in political science and international relations.
• Apply ethical principles to decision-making in political contexts.
• Create a personal development plan for future career progression.

Year 2 – Advanced Applications and Strategic Political Science & International Relations

Advanced Theories of International Relations

• Analyse advanced perspectives such as Marxism, feminism, and post-colonialism.
• Evaluate how theories explain global inequalities and power structures.
• Apply advanced IR theories to emerging global issues.
• Critically assess the limitations of traditional and modern IR theories.

Global Security and Strategic Studies

• Explain the concepts of national and international security.
• Evaluate security threats including terrorism, cyber warfare, and nuclear proliferation.
• Analyse the role of international alliances in security management.
• Apply strategic studies frameworks to global security challenges.

International Law and Human Rights

• Define the principles and sources of international law.
• Evaluate the role of treaties and conventions in shaping international behaviour.
• Assess the effectiveness of human rights institutions and frameworks.
• Apply international law concepts to real-world case studies.

Political Economy and Development Studies

• Explain the relationship between politics and economic development.
• Analyse the impact of globalisation on national economies.
• Evaluate policies addressing poverty, inequality, and development.
• Apply political economy perspectives to international case studies.

Advanced Diplomacy and Negotiation Skills

• Demonstrate advanced techniques in international negotiation.
• Assess the role of cultural awareness in diplomatic practice.
• Apply mediation and arbitration in complex diplomatic contexts.
• Evaluate real-world examples of successful and failed diplomacy.

Regional Studies and Geopolitics

• Identify key political and economic dynamics of different world regions.
• Analyse geopolitical competition between states and regions.
• Assess the role of geography in shaping international politics.
• Apply regional analysis to contemporary global conflicts.

Contemporary Issues in Global Politics

• Examine pressing global challenges such as climate change and migration.
• Evaluate the impact of technology on international relations.
• Assess how global inequalities shape political and economic outcomes.
• Apply political frameworks to analyse current world events.

Policy Analysis and Evaluation

• Define the principles of policy evaluation and assessment.
• Apply analytical tools to evaluate policy effectiveness.
• Assess the role of evidence-based policy in decision-making.
• Develop recommendations for improving public policy outcomes.

Political Leadership and Governance in Practice

• Examine different leadership styles in political contexts.
• Evaluate the relationship between leadership and governance outcomes.
• Analyse case studies of political leaders at national and international levels.
• Apply leadership skills to simulated political scenarios.

Innovation and Emerging Trends in International Affairs

• Identify key innovations shaping international relations.
• Assess the impact of artificial intelligence and digital diplomacy.
• Evaluate the role of social movements in shaping global politics.
• Apply foresight techniques to predict future global trends.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Political and Social Programmes

• Define monitoring and evaluation principles in political contexts.
• Apply frameworks to assess social and political programmes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international development projects.
• Develop recommendations based on evaluation outcomes.

Final Major Project in Political Science & International Relations

• Design and implement a research project in political science or IR.
• Demonstrate independent research and analytical skills.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to a practical political or global issue.
• Present findings effectively through written and oral formats.