Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations
Duration: 1½ years
Minimum Credit load: 288
Maximum Credit load: 360
Total MBKs credit load: 288
ZNQF Level: 9
1.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
At least a 2.1 pass in any relevant degree programme.
2.0 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.
3.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY
Lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, presentations, public lectures, guest lecturer, lecture notes.
4.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES
- On successful completion of this programme the graduate will be able to:
- Gain the ability to critically analyse, create or improve, and implement effective international relations practices.
- Use principles and theories of International Relations to gain a critical understanding of current problems and challenges in our country and beyond.
- Use appropriate research methods, skills, and tools, to conduct research which leads to innovative and problem-solving ideas in the modern global contexts.
- Apply the necessary tools and skills for international affairs management processes.
- Understand the development of alternative paradigms for international relations.
- Develop new International Relations models and initiatives, policies and practices that enhance organisational effectiveness.
- Communicate effectively and present information using multi-media to both experts and non-experts in the public sector domain.
5.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS
5.1 The Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations is offered through the Block- Release Mode of Entry.
5.2 Normally, a student is expected to complete the programme in not less than 1½ years from the date of first registration
5.3 All modules in this programme are compulsory.
5.4 Each module in this programme is worth eighteen (18) credits except for the dissertation which is worth thirty-six (36) credits.
6.0 PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
6.1 Formal examinations will normally be held at the end of each semester.
6.2 Continuous assessment shall account for 40% of the overall assessment while the final examination will account for 60% of the overall assessment.
6.3 Marking Scheme and Diploma Classification. Refer to section 12 of the General Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Diplomas and Taught Masters.
7.0 PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION
7.1 If a student fails all modules at the end of the first semester, they shall retake the failed modules.
7.2 If a student obtains a minimum number of credits required but fails in not more than two modules, he or she can proceed to the second level, but must all modules before fore obtaining the degree.
7.3 To proceed from one level to another, a student should at least pass 75% of their modules for the current level.
8.0 FAILURE SATISFY EXAMINERS
Students who fail to satisfy examiners within their examination period may be eligible for special examinations, retaking the failed module(s) at a later examination cycle, repeating the failed module(s) at a later semester, a discontinuation of studies (if they pass less than 25% of their modules), or withdrawing from the degree programme (if they have failed the same level of the programme twice).
9.0 GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION
The grading of modules and the degree classification shall be as follows:
80% and Above Distinction
70%-79% Merit
50%-69% Pass
49% and Below Fail
10.0 DIPLOMA WEIGHTING
10.1 Final end-of-semester examinations contribute 60% towards the final mark for each module.
10.2 Continuous assessment contributes 40% towards the final mark of each module.
11.0 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester 1
DIR 501 International Relations Theories 18
DIR 503 International Political Economy 18
DIR 504 Foreign Policy 18
DIR 505 International Governance and Development 18
Level 1 Semester 2
DIR 507 Public International Law 18
DIR 508 Geopolitics 18
DIR 509 Diplomacy 18
DIR 510 Research Methods 18
Semester 2.1
DIR 601 Comparative International Relations systems 18
DIR 602 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 the 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 a period of 3 months. The project is expected to be between 50 to 60 pages.