Postgraduate Study Politics by Newcastle University

NU - SoGPaS Brochure (Politics)_Layout 21/07/2014 11:56 Page 1

Postgraduate Study

Politics

Find out more about studying at Newcastle Go online for more degree information www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate Visit our video wall www.ncl.ac.uk/video Take a virtual tour www.ncl.ac.uk/tour Contact us Enquire online: www.ncl.ac.uk/enquiries www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply Telephone: 0191 208 5503 Email: gps@ncl.ac.uk www.ncl.ac.uk/gps/politics/postgrad

x137382_RH_Politics_p2_cg.indd 1

FSC LOGO

22/07/2014 08:07

The postgraduate community in Politics at Newcastle welcomes students with a range of diverse academic and international backgrounds. Postgraduate studies are research-focused with our taught MA and research programmes (MPhil and PhD) all building upon the research excellence found in Politics at Newcastle. Many students who complete our Masters programmes continue on to study for a PhD in Politics at Newcastle.

Politics

Welcome to Newcastle

Politics

Newcastle University

The City of Newcastle Voted Britain’s best student city in a survey by ‘AccommodationForStudents.com’, Newcastle is one of the most exciting, friendly and cosmopolitan cities in the UK. Newcastle has an international airport and is 3 hours by train from London.

Newcastle University has grown from a School of Medicine and Surgery, established in 1834, to become one of Britain’s leading research-led universities, with a strong and vibrant interdisciplinary base. Over 16,000 students from some 110 different countries are attracted to the university’s taught programmes each year, including over 4,200 postgraduate students. The university has a reputation for high standards of teaching which has been recognised through success in external assessments conducted by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Newcastle University is among the top 20 higher education institutions in the UK in terms of research power, according to the influential professional publication, Research Fortnight.

The university offers exceptional education experiences, providing students with a sound academic and personal grounding for their career. The university has an excellent record for graduates going on to further study or research or in gaining employment.

The university campus is located in the heart of the compact city centre. The stunning North East coastline is 30 minutes away from the campus via the efficient Metro system. Newcastle boasts an excellent array of museums, art galleries and music venues and has a diverse range of restaurants and cafes. Extensive shopping facilities include the city centre boutiques, designer stores and markets and Europe’s largest shopping and leisure complex, the MetroCentre.

Newcastle is a vibrant city which makes it a joy to live in. The city itself is always alive and full of culture and architecture. The nearby student areas of Jesmond and Heaton are lovely places to live in with all the amenities you could need as a student and all within easy reach of the campus and city centre. The fact that Newcastle is so close to beautiful countryside means that it is easy to escape for a drive or walk; the coast is spectacular in the Summer.

Postgraduate Study 04

Head of Politics Name: Dr Nick Randall Job description: Head of Politics Politics at Newcastle has a long and distinguished record of excellence in teaching, research and postgraduate study. We provide an intellectually stimulating, welcoming and friendly environment in which to undertake postgraduate research in Politics that is underpinned by a vibrant community of academic staff and postgraduate researchers.

Excellence in Postgraduate Studies Politics at Newcastle is an internationally recognised centre for postgraduate research and teaching. We have over 20 full-time academic staff, whose work covers most areas of the discipline. We have been running successful postgraduate programmes for many years.

Diverse Community Our vibrant research environment attracts people from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that you are part of an international community of scholars. We currently have almost 100 postgraduates, including over 60 MA students and over 30 PhD and MPhil students.

Provision

Cross Discipline Studies

We offer eight taught MA programmes, which can be studied full-time (one year) or part-time (two years). Our MA programmes offer students an excellent choice of modules and provide research-led teaching of the highest quality.

As part of the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, we are also able to provide the benefits of an inter-disciplinary research environment for students working on topics that cross disciplinary boundaries.

Politics

We also offer supervision for research degrees (PhD and MPhil) in an innovative and supportive research environment. More information on PhD research topics can be found on pages 14â&#x20AC;&#x201C;19.

Location

Resources We provide high quality facilities for all of our postgraduate students, including a dedicated Politics postgraduate computer room and a Politics postgraduate common room. We have a student-run, Politics Postgraduate Society, which brings together MA and research students to organise academic and social events.

We are located in the school of Geography, Politics and Sociology which further enriches the Newcastle University research culture and enables us to offer supervision that can incorporate different disciplinary perspectives. We extend a warm invitation to you to undertake postgraduate research in Politics at Newcastle. Given the high calibre of our academic staff and our continuing commitment to excellence in graduate education, I am fully confident that if you choose to join us you will find the whole postgraduate experience fruitful, rewarding and fun!

Politics MA Programmes

All of our Politics degrees are comprised of compulsory and optional modules which provide you with the opportunity to design a programme of study specific to your individual needs and interests. Our optional offerings may include: The European Union as an International Actor; Integration in Europe; The State in the International Political Economy; Workshop in American Foreign Policy Making; The Rise of China; The Politics of Global Change; Critical Geopolitics; Globalisation, Poverty and Development; Geopolitics Global Justice and Human Rights; War, Terrorism and Peace – Ethical Perspectives; International Relations Theory; Philosophies in Human Geography; Human Geography – Concepts in Action; Theories and Theorists of International Political Economy; Democracy in Divided Societies.

Our Alumni Name: Mareike Zeddel Programme of study: MA International Studies

Some years ago I was in the city as a journalist, writing about Newcastle as the European Culture Capital. I fell in love with the city and I was especially impressed by the university. It is compact and located very close to the city centre. When I was looking for a Master’s programme in the UK, I checked Newcastle first and was amazed by the vast opportunities for study. The social facilities are EXCELLENT, really excellent! I was fascinated by the large variety of social activities. I have joined a few societies where I have a lot of fun and have met numerous people.

MA International Politics (Critical Geopolitics) An interdisciplinary degree featuring distinctive contributions from critical international politics and human geography. It focuses on the key theories, approaches and thinkers in the study of geopolitics. Through the programme you will develop: advanced knowledge and understanding in areas such as contemporary critical geopolitics, international relations theory, international and regional studies politics topics and human geography knowledge of the approaches and methods in social science research and the techniques required to carry out advanced research

theoretical and practical research skills, including the synthesis of materials Rigorous training in critical geopolitics and research training in theories and approaches in the study of politics make this programme a strong basis for a career with significant international dimensions or the pursuit of a postgraduate research degree in critical geopolitical studies.

Politics

Postgraduate Programmes in Politics

MA International Politics (Global Justice and Ethics)

An interdisciplinary programme that investigates central issues of global justice: the debate between relativism and universalism, the foundation and content of human rights, responses to global poverty and inequality, cosmopolitan democracy, and environmental justice. Through the programme you will develop: advanced knowledge and understanding of areas such as global justice and human rights; theories of ethics; war, terror and peace; international and regional studies politics topics knowledge of approaches and methods in social science research and the techniques required to carry out advanced research theoretical and practical research skills, including the synthesis of materials Training in global justice and human rights, international relations theory and in theories and approaches to the study of politics will help you to develop the specialist knowledge and research skills from which to embark upon a career with significant international dimensions or pursue a postgraduate research degree in global justice and ethics studies.

Our Alumni Name: Felix Rosch Programme of study: MA International Studies

If I had to choose, what I like best about Politics, it’s the excellent staff. Their excellent and sophisticated academic knowledge provides one with new insights which allows you to see politicsin a new and more sophisticated way. Furthermore, the staff are always helpful; coming from a different backgroundtheir ‘open door policy’ is especially worthwhile. As well as excellent staff, Politics regularly organise social as well as academic activities, which help to create a deeper bond between thestaff and students.

MA World Politics and Popular Culture This distinctive interdisciplinary programme examines the changing dynamics of contemporary international relations in the context of the politics and various forces shaping and being shaped by popular culture. It focuses on key theories, policies and events in world politics in relation to both traditional and new media. Through the programme you will: learn to think critically about how world politics is reflected or reproduced in popular culture as well as how the politics of popular culture shapes the dynamics of world politics identify, analyse, evaluate and interpret the principal source materials for world politics and popular culture develop skills in planning, undertaking, completing and communicating original research develop a critical understanding of the more important approaches and methods in social science and in cultural studies research Through the programme’s rigorous training you will develop the specialist knowledge and skills to equip you for careers in government agencies, business, the media and other areas where an advanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary world politics and popular culture is needed.

Our Alumni Name: Louis Mclean Programme of study: MA International Political Economy

I studied here at undergraduate level and I loved it. The city, the university, and the people all played a huge role in my decision to stay.

Politics

Postgraduate Programmes in Politics

MA European Union Studies

This MA provides an in-depth grounding in the politics and policy of the EU with rigorous training in integration in Europe and public policy in the European Union as well as research training in theories and approaches to the study of politics. The programme covers the intricate politics, institutions, law and policies of the European Union as well as the international and global political context in which the EU is located. Through the programme you will develop knowledge, skills and understanding in: European integration, public policy in the EU, the EU as an international actor social science methods and methodologies, international and regional studies politics analysis, evaluation and interpretation of principal source materials planning, conducting and communicating original research This MA is good preparation for graduates who wish to develop a career with a European dimension.

MA International Political Economy

MA International Studies

This programme includes principal theories and theorists in the discipline, and a theoretical and empirical understanding of the role of states and markets in modern economic history and development.

This flexible programme addresses contemporary international dynamics through a range of theoretical, empirical and area-based approaches.

Through the programme you will develop: advanced knowledge and understanding in areas such as theories and theorists of international political economy, the state in international political economy and international and regional studies politics topics knowledge of important approaches and methods in social science research and the techniques required to carry out advanced research theoretical and practical research skills, including the synthesis of materials Graduates from the MA will acquire a better understanding of contemporary debates on globalisation and its transformatory effects on states, economies and societies in both advanced and developing countries.

Through the programme you will develop: advanced knowledge and understanding of areas such as international relations theory and international studies politics topics knowledge of the more important approaches and methods in social science research and the techniques required to carry out advanced research theoretical and practical research skills, including the synthesis of materials Rigorous training in international relations theory and in theories and approaches to the study of politics will help you to develop the specialist knowledge and research skills from which to embark upon a career with significant international dimensions or pursue a postgraduate research degree in international studies.

MA International Politics (Globalisation, Poverty and Development) This MA is an interdisciplinary programme that provides a foundational understanding of globalisation and development with special emphasis on the problem of poverty and its relation to global justice and global politics. You will study the political, social and economic causes, consequences and discourses of poverty and development, and learn how to develop critical analyses of these important global currents. Through the programme you will develop: advanced knowledge and understanding of areas such as globalisation, poverty and development, international relations theory and international and regional studies politics topics knowledge of approaches and methods in social science research theoretical and practical research skills, including the synthesis of materials Training in globalisation, poverty and development and international relations theory and in theories and approaches to the study of politics will help you to develop the specialist knowledge and research skills from which to embark upon a career with significant international dimensions or pursue a postgraduate research degree in globalisation, development and poverty studies. Areas where an advanced understanding of contemporary globalisation, poverty and development is needed include government agencies, business and the media.

Politics

Postgraduate Programmes in Politics

The MA in Politics Research is specifically designed for students planning to undertake doctoral studies or who seek a career in which formal research skills will be an asset. It is recognised by the ESRC under its 1+3 system for funding postgraduate studies and UK resident applicants are eligible to be considered for ESRC funding. Partial bursaries may be available for Newcastle University Alumni and for other applicants interested in pursuing academic research careers.

Compulsory Modules Through the programme you will develop: advanced knowledge and understanding of political science methods and techniques required to carry out advanced research in politics skills in planning, managing and disseminating research knowledge and understanding of data collection methods and critical evaluation of various sources proficiency in a range of qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills Although this ESRC-recognised training programme provides ideal preparation for doctoral research, the social and political science research training provided will also be valuable for many non-academic careers including national and local government, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, social research and the media.

PhD Programme Politics at Newcastle is an internationally recognised centre for research and teaching, with over 20 full time academic staff covering most areas of the discipline. We can offer you excellent supervision for PhD and MPhil degrees in a vibrant and supportive research environment. Our open and friendly research culture attracts people from a wide variety of backgrounds, ensuring that you are part of an international community of scholars. All students are regarded as an integral part of the research community within Politics at Newcastle and take an active part in seminars and workshops as well as contributing to our teaching programme.

PhD Community The Politics Postgraduate Society provides a forum for academic and social networking. The society – in collaboration with academic staff – organises the ‘New Voices’ seminar series, with both internal and external presenters, ‘roundtable’ discussions on topical issues, and professional development workshops led by Politics staff.

Academic Supervisors All new students have two academic supervisors who will help you to develop and refine your research project. You will also have the opportunity to improve your research skills on our Postgraduate Research Training and Researcher Development Programme.

Study Space Full-time research students are allocated their own desk and receive a laptop computer for their own use throughout their studies. Part-time students share ‘hot desk’ space and also receive a laptop computer. Students are encouraged to attend international conferences to present papers, for which a small financial contribution can be drawn from the school.

ESRC Recognition Our programme is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council and we have an excellent record for being awarded collaborative and inter-disciplinary studentships.

Career Choices A PhD in Politics at Newcastle is ideal for students who are planning an academic career as well as those who are hoping to move into careers in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors. Our graduates are pursuing successful careers throughout the world.

Funding The offer of a place to study at Newcastle is made separate from any scholarship award to cover the cost of tuition and maintenance. However, there are many opportunities for funding available, and these are advertised through the University’s Gradfund database. Gradfund enables you to search for all kinds of funding, from studentships to charities and corporate sponsorship – they will be the most relevant opportunities for your needs. For more information visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Our Alumni Name: James Pattison Programme of study: PhD in Politics Job Description: Lecturer in Politics, University of Manchester

I received strong support and assistance from Politics, including some very helpful guidance and assistance when it came to finding an academic job.

Politics

MA Politics (Research)

Democracy, The Modern State and Political Organisations

One of the core Politics themes has been empirical and theoretical research on the nature of (both historic and modern) democracy and the various linkages between empirical and theoretical aspects. Our work examines the role of interest groups, social movements, political parties, third sector actors and charities, community organisations, postcolonial nationalism and so forth in relation to the modern state. Our scholarship also engages heavily in the interpretation of democracy (including democratic rights and the foundations of democracy). Drawing from both ancient and modern political thought it interrogates the forms democracy takes including elite theories of democracy, deliberative democracy, cosmopolitan democracy, and democracy in divided societies.

Popular Culture and Political Communication Politics scholars are increasingly studying the constitutive role media and popular culture play in the exercise of power and politics. Our research in this exciting new area of politics addresses various key questions including representation, aesthetics, identity, memory and control as well as assessing the processes and depiction of political struggles such as armed conflict, political organising and identity formation, and elections.

Our Alumni Name: Karen Scott Programme of study: PhD in Politics Job Description: Research Fellow in the Centre for Rural Economy, Newcastle University

My experience of PhD study in Politics at Newcastle was extremely positive. As a mature student I really appreciated the way that postgraduates are valued and consulted. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive and there are many opportunities to get involved in and to organise seminars, conferences and social events. The quality of supervision I received was excellent and the support I was given extended beyond the duration of my studies and was instrumental in helping me secure a good post afterwards. I thoroughly recommendthe subject.

Governance and Politics in Britain and the Wider Europe Our internationally recognised research investigates the dynamics driving political change and the public policy-making process at National, EU and International levels. It examines the challenges multi-level governance presents for legitimacy and accountability in modern democracies. Some of this effort focuses on the changing relationship between the governing and the governed over matters of politics and policy. Our geographic scope includes the politics of the United Kingdom, Western Europe more broadly, Eastern Europe, Russia and the Mediterranean.

Global Economic and Environmental Challenges This Politics research theme focuses on two of the critical contemporary challenges to state and society, recognising the importance of studying these dynamics at the local as well as global level. Much of our work explicitly acknowledges the interaction between the questions of the market and environmental sustainability. Some of our work has provided cutting edge findings on the implications for global justice, the policy challenge for governments and non-governmental actors, and the empowerment of various actors. We study the importance of political ideas such as sustainable development and globalisation, as well as the struggle to define the core problems that society faces.

Our Alumni Name: Amy Stewart Programme of study: PhD in Politics Job Description: Social Scientist, Forest Research (The Research Agency of the Forestry Commission)

I have to admit that I wasn’t totally certain about taking up postgraduate studies to begin with but I’m so glad that I did a PhD and even more so that I did it at Newcastle (to be honest I wouldn’t have done it anywhere else). If there is one thing that I’m certain about now, it’s thatI wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t done a PhD at Newcastle. Of course we can’t know what else life would have held for us had we chosen another route butI look at what my PhD in Politics at Newcastle has given me and I feel like it was definitely the right choice: the friends and relationships I’ve gained through it, both with staff and students; the places I’ve been lucky enough to visit in the world through fieldwork; the job I have now working on social research for the Forestry Commission, the list goes on...

Politics

Research Themes

Now more than ever, we are aware of the differences that mark humanity, both socially and politically â&#x20AC;&#x201C; involving differences of class, status, health, ethnicity, religion, age, sexuality, gender and increasingly according to lifestyle, culture and identity. We examine the issues thrown up by these differences from a variety of perspectives, including analytical and continental political philosophy, comparative politics and international politics, and postcolonialism. Our work includes research on multiculturalism and issues of identity, inequality and social justice, disability, competing discourses of national identity, ethnic-nationalism, political violence, socio-political exclusion and discrimination, global norms and cultural difference, free speech, toleration and recognition.

Political Parties, Participation and Elections Our research examines the differing forms of political participation that link society to the political systems of the world. This scholarship focuses not only on the behaviour of actors in political parties and the electoral process, but also non-electoral politics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; i.e. the role of social movements, protest groups, interest groups. Our research investigates citizen involvement and (dis)engagement, social capital and non-participation. Our group is heavily engaged in the discussion of the role of civil society. With the emergence of virtual political participation as a complement or even a replacement for traditional behavioural participation, this theme now intersects creatively with the culture and communication theme listed above.

Our Alumni Name: Pojanath Bhatanacharoen Programme of study: PhD in Politics Job Description: Postdoctoral Researcher at Durham Business School and the Institute for Hazard, Risk and Resilience, Durham University.

Embarking upon a PhD was the most challenging but rewarding experience. Being an international student, it was difficult for me to work in English at first. However, the university provided excellent language and academic writing support which improved my writing skills. I had done my BA at Newcastle and decided to stay for postgraduate studies because my supervisors were very encouraging and supportive. In addition to academic guidance, they gave me practical and morale support during difficult times.

Political Economy of Development

Theories of International Relations

Our research focuses on the interaction of economic forces and principles with political power in development of societal economics and welfare, as well as on theories of development and post development. We have a global and multi-level focus, looking at the place of individuals and local communities in economies, as well as national and global power and production, communication and exchange. Researchers at Newcastle cover a range of geographic areas, including Africa, the Americas, Europe and Asia. Some of this research explores the question of the on-going financial and economic crisis, the role of communities and individuals in the face of global political economic forces, and the impact of the emerging economies (e.g. Brazil and China) on the global political economy.

Politics at Newcastle puts strong emphasis on the study of how international relations are and have been conceptualised.

Critical Geopolitics and Security This research grouping focuses on thinking critically about the political dynamics, consequences and discourses of historical and contemporary geopolitics. Scholars undertake research that focuses upon theoretical and empirical aspects of political geography, security studies, and military research. This theme researches both historical and contemporary questions of security including: the territorialisation/deterritorialisation of identity and political agency, political cartography, the role of fear and identity in shaping geopolitics, sovereignty and nationalism, the role and impact of the military, notions of terrorism and the war on terror, the geographies of international boundaries, the war on the trade in illegal substances, the city and security, the threat of biological weapons and infectious disease, the vertical dimension in geopolitical and security studies, visual culture and world politics, technologies and architectures of security and insecurity, and the body and security.

We engage actively and critically in the global debate on the units, actors and structures that shape the dynamics of international politics and the political consequences of the constitution of the international as a distinct kind of relation. We examine such concepts as the world system, international diplomacy, networks, notions of empire, regional integration, non-governmental actors and the (nation) state. There is a strong normative dimension operating in the work of several of our scholars, focusing on such subjects as global justice, international/ cosmopolitan ethics and the recognition of cultural and national difference. Part of this research involves analysis of how non-Western notions of the international system differ from those posed in the Western international relations tradition and of how particular methodological questions relate to specific traditions in international relations, analysis of the politics of the everyday social and cultural practices that shape or are confronted by international systems, as well as analysis of specific patterns of modernity and post-modernity in international relations.

Politics

The Politics of Difference

This research theme focuses on the history of political thought as well as how these ideas have been embedded into programmes for political action. The range of political thought incorporates both historical and contemporary political thought prominent in the Western tradition as well as East Asian philosophy and post-colonial thought. We see related questions of theory-practice relationships and resulting problems of ideologies operating at the international, national and sub-national level. This theme contains a strong interdisciplinary dynamic as it serves as a bridge between empirical political science and political theory. Our scholarship actively engages with how political actors (social movements, governments, non-governmental organisations, international organisations etc.) have sought to engage with the critical political and societal questions of their age and how their agendas are informed theoretically and ideologically.

Our Alumni Name: Joanne Swaffield Programme of study: PhD study in Politics

My higher education began at Durham University, where I completed a BA in Politics and Sociology. I then came to Newcastle University to do the MA in International Political Economy. Initially I chose Newcastle because this was my only option financially if I was to continue academically, as I was able to live with my parents and work part time to fund my MA. However, I found the postgraduate Politics department to be a very good environment for my studies and quickly decided that I would continue my studies with a second MA in Politics (Research) and now my PhD.

Global Justice and Human Rights

Political Research and Methods

Our work in political philosophy reflects the increasing need to tackle issues at a global rather than only a state level. It encompasses issues such as the formulation and justification of human rights and the competing claims of relativism, particularism, and cultural diversity; the extension of ideas of distributive justice from states to humanity as a whole; proposals to secure global democracy; the application of just war theory to modern conflicts and to humanitarian intervention; and issues of environmental justice, especially climate change. This grouping tackles questions of justice from both an issue perspective as well as surveys of nationalism, statism, and various non-cosmopolitan theories of global justice.

Politics at Newcastle conducts leading research in both qualitative and quantitative methods, reflecting both empirical and critical political methodologies. We use a variety of quantitative methods, including rational choice theory and experiments, to make sense of subjects as diverse as party systems and transitional justice. We seek to push innovation in research methods in such areas as ethnography, hermeneutics, and discourse analysis. In using concepts and approaches that challenge traditional notions of politics, we investigate methods for research into new challenges, for example the rise of life sciences, the focus on the relationship between the human body and security, or emergent forms of subjectivity and politics.

Politics

Political Ideologies and Political Thought

Further Information Contact Us

How to Apply

Disclaimer

Acknowledgements

You are welcome to visit us at any time of the year to meet staff and current postgraduates. To arrange a visit or to request further information please contact:

To find out more information on how to apply visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply

This brochure is intended as advance publicity for information and guidance purposes only and does not constitute a contract. The matters covered by this brochure are naturally subject to change from time to time, both before and after a candidateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admission to the University.

Design: The Roundhouse Design Consultants, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 3923 Fax: +44 (0) 191 208 5421 E-mail: gps@ncl.ac.uk

Find Out More More specific information on postgraduate courses & research www.ncl.ac.uk/gps/politics/postgrad

Meet our Politics PG Ambassadors www.ncl.ac.uk/gps/politics/ postgrad/ambassadors

Copies of the Prospectus are Available From Enquiries Service Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5503 Fax: +44 (0) 191 208 6139 www.ncl.ac.uk/enquiries

Photography: J Donoghue; J Fish; N Pugh. Printing: Potts Print (UK). Typeset in Bookman Old Style, Calvert, Din and Helvetica. ÂŠ Newcastle University, 2014. The University of Newcastle upon Tyne trading as Newcastle University.

Politics

NU - SoGPaS Brochure (Politics)_Layout 21/07/2014 11:56 Page 1

Postgraduate Study

Politics

x137382_RH_Politics_p2_cg.indd 1

FSC LOGO

22/07/2014 08:07