IR5601 Research Methods in International Relations

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Tuesday 11am -1pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr K Giri

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Various

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This is a required module for all MRes, PhD and MPhil students in the School of International Relations. It is designed to assist students in understanding the purpose and approaches of international relations scholarship, and to assist them in developing and carrying out their research. As such, it addresses a range of topics, from the history and philosophy of the social sciences to specific research methods.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour seminar.

Intended learning outcomes

  • By the end of the course students will be able to: - Evaluate competing truth claims
  • - Identify the central research question
  • - Situate the research question in the relevant literature
  • - Formulate a theoretically-interesting argument
  • - Select an appropriate method for addressing the research question
  • - Apply the methods to the project