Postgraduate Module Descriptor


POLM161: Forced Migration in International Relations

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Aims

1)    To introduce you to the literature and the key historical, socioeconomic, legal and political issues in forced migration, including the rules, norms and institutions of the international refugee regime, the wider global governance of forced migration and the international cooperation problems that affect these.

2) To apply theories of International Relations (IR) in order to critically analyse the root causes and consequences of forced migration as well as policy responses to it.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate a contextualised and critical understanding of the key historical, socioeconomic, legal and political issues in forced migration;
2. Apply IR theories to the analysis of the root causes, consequences and policy responses to forced migration, including its global governance in general and the international refugee regime in particular;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Find, use and analyse secondary and primary data relevant to specific issues in politics and IR;
4. Place contemporary political issues in larger contexts;
5. Deploy critical arguments in analysing political issues and evaluating sources;
Personal and Key Skills6. Work independently and in a group, including the presentation of material for group discussion;
7. Demonstrate analytical skills and the ability to digest, select and organise material;
8. Demonstrate writing skills including the ability to produce well organised and coherent essays to a deadline, practice in articulating and defending positions on tutorial topics.