REGULATIONS FOR POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (DIR)

Actual Load:                                    252

Minimum Credit Load:                     150

Maximum Credit Load:                     316

Total MBKs credit Load:              216

ZNQF Level:                                    9     

1.0   PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

The purpose of the programme is to provide the student with:

1.1   An understanding of the contemporary theoretical foundations and analytical   issues in international relations.

1.2   The acquisition of a range of practical, computational, research and problem-solving    skills as well as the development of factual and conceptual knowledge of    international relations issues.

1.3   Development of the graduates’ knowledge, competencies and analytical skills for        them to be able to comprehend and resolve contentious contemporary international relations issues in the modern global contexts

2. 0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

At least a 2.1 pass in any relevant degree programme.

3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

The Post-Graduate Diploma in International Relations (DIR) is a three-semester part-time programme structured to meet international relations needs in Zimbabwe and the world.

4. 0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

4.1   Graduates have career opportunities in a wide array of disciplines which include the following:

•         Public Sector Management (Government Ministries, Embassies)
•         Foreign Relations
•         Teaching and Lecturing
•         Non-Governmental Organisations and the Civil Society

Further education: Master’s studies in International Relations, Strategic and Security Studies, Global and Regional Studies and Diplomatic Studies.

5.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, presentations, public lectures, guest lecturers, and lecture notes.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1  

DIR501 International Relations Theories                                            18

DIR503 International Political Economy                                             18

DIR504 Foreign Policy                                                                      18

DIR505 International Governance and Development                           18

Level 1 Semester 2  

DIR507 Public International Law                                                       18

DIR508 Geopolitics                                                                          18

DIR509 Diplomacy                                                                           18

DIR510 Research Methods                                                                18

Level 2 Semester 1

DIR601 Comparative International Relations Systems                         18

DIR602 Dissertation                                                                          54

 

MODULE SYNOPSES

DIR 501 International Relations Theory

The module explores the several international relations theory undergirding the discipline of International Relations. This course provides students with some of the foundations of international relations as an analytical field of research. 

DIR 502 AND 506 Mandarin 1 and 11

 These modules are intended to enable students to write and fluently speak Mandarin language given the Government of Zimbabwe look East Policy thrust.

DIR 503 International Political Economy

The module focuses on the various paradigms for analysing relations among states, economies and societies. Special attention is placed on the international monetary system through the concept of the gold standard, the fixed exchange rate, the floating exchange rate and regional currencies. 

DIR 504 Foreign Policy

The module examines a variety of alternative theoretical models of how states formulate, implement and evaluate their foreign policies. Students will be exposed to foreign policy formulation, goals, bureaucratic politics and other factors involved.

DIR 505 International Governance and Development

The module examines aspects of the structures and processes of global governance, especially within the United Nations system, and also governance in regional groupings. Issues of international development in the 21st century will also be examined.

DIR 507 Public International Law

The module explores key issues in international law. It examines competing approaches and considers the nature and sources of international law.

DIR 508 Geopolitics

The module provides a comprehensive overview of the major issues, ideas, institutions, and interests that make up global politics.  Particular emphasis is given to the relationship between the global environment and the global economy.

DIR 509 Diplomacy

The module will cover in some detail the work of diplomatic agencies in the execution of foreign policy and their organisation to accomplish that work. It will also cover issues to do with bilateral and multilateral diplomacy and diplomatic law.

DIR 510 Research Methods

The module provides a general overview of qualitative and quantitative research methods in social science research. The module is intended to enable students to understand the techniques widely used in gathering, interpretation, analysis and presentation of data in social research

DIR 601 Comparative International Relations

The module explores the different case studies in international relations. The module equips the students with the ability to make comparisons among different nations. The comparisons will be made among different systems, processes and mechanisms in the international arena. 

DIR 602 Dissertation

The dissertation involves research in the area of the students’ interest. The student is expected to do practical fieldwork over 3 months. The project is expected to be between 50 to 60 pages.