Welsh Government and Politics (MA)

How will I be taught?

Study for a master’s degree is intensive and challenging and it is important that you take full advantage of the teaching that is provided in order to succeed. Attendance at classes and dissertation supervisions is compulsory and we will expect you to be well prepared. 

Our teaching will be delivered through seminars or a combination of lectures and seminars. Other teaching methods include the online use of discussion boards, self-access study packs and formative quizzes and activities.

Lectures take a range of forms but generally provide a broad structure for each subject, introduce key concepts, and convey relevant up-to-date information.

In seminars you will have the opportunity to discuss themes or topics and to consolidate and get feedback on your individual learning. Communication skills are developed in seminars, where you will make individual contributions to group study as well as develop skills in oral presentation. Participation in diverse learning activities, such as small-group discussions, debates, oral presentations, independent research tasks and written assignments, will develop your intellectual and presentation skills. 

Modules are typically led by experienced staff. Our teaching is all research-led, that is taught by staff actively engaged in research into the subject areas under consideration. This enables you to have access to the latest research and analysis in the field. We also use our close ties to the relevant policy communities to ensure that our teaching engages with contemporary real-life examples and scenarios.

How will I be assessed?

Our teaching provides you with a diversity of assessments to reflect practical relevance in analysing and evaluating Welsh governance and politics. Assessments include essay assignments, oral presentations, policy briefs/analysis, team presentations and more.

Formative tasks do not contribute towards your final degree classification but are designed to give you an opportunity to develop your skills and practice for your summative assessments.  They enable you and your tutors to evaluate the development of your skills and your progress in each module. Formative tasks will normally involve written coursework or a class test or may comprise individual student presentations, or class/group discussions in seminars with formative spoken feedback from the module leader.  

Summative assessments contribute towards your final degree classification. Your results in these assessments:

• determine your formal progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (dissertation); and 
• determine your final award.

The nature of the assessments in Stage 1 will vary by module but will typically involve written coursework, unseen examinations or pre-release examinations, presentations and can also include an assessment of your general engagement and participation in seminars. Assessment in Stage 2 (dissertation) comprises the dissertation (up to 15,000 words).

How will I be supported?

We’ll support you in developing your research and study skills across your modules and also via your dissertation supervisor.

Your learning will be supported through e-learning. All modules are supported by Learning Central, a virtual learning environment that is available on and off campus through which you will access a wide range of materials for your modules.

You’ll receive general academic and pastoral support through a personal tutor and where appropriate your personal tutor will be able to signpost you to other areas of student support. We will run a programme of guest lectures and talks which you are welcome to attend.

A designated Disability and Diversity Officer ensures that reasonable adjustments are made for students with disabilities. The University also has a range of services to support you, including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service and excellent libraries with specialist subject librarians and resource centres. 

Feedback

Feedback is available through oral feedback during seminars and you will receive written feedback on both your assessments. Individual feedback will help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your learning, as well as how you might improve your performance in future assessments. Written feedback will generally be made available no later than 21 working days from the agreed submission date of your assessment.

What skills will I practise and develop?

On successful completion of your programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding: KU 1 Explain and critically discuss in tasks and assessments the territorial governance of Wales, in terms of the functioning and evolution of structures.

KU 2 Assess the key factors that have shaped politics and elections in the devolved context in Wales in tasks and assessments. 

KU 3 Critically discuss and evaluate the core themes related to public policy in a devolved context in Wales, across both academic research and contemporary political debates.

KU 4 Evaluate contemporary themes and debates across a range of subject areas within political science.

KU 5 Design and develop an independently researched dissertation focused in the area of Welsh Government and politics, drawing on appropriate critical analysis skills and research methods.

Intellectual Skills:

IS 1 Develop a reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement in a range of assessments.

IS 2 Evaluate different approaches involved in collecting, analysing and presenting information relating to Welsh governance and politics. 

IS 3 Investigate and advocate solutions to problems in a range of assessments.

IS 4 Assess different approaches involved in collecting political information on Welsh governance and politics taking into account their ethical implications.

IS 5 Evaluate an independent research topic of your choosing in a dissertation.  

Professional Practical Skills:

PS 1 Collaborate with others to achieve set tasks.

PS 2 Gather, organise, collate and evaluate evidence, data and information from a variety of sources, including information and communications technology.

PS 3 Demonstrate the ability to reflect on your own learning and constructively utilise feedback in a range of assessments. 

PS 4 Critically analyse and evaluate a range of evidence to reach a reasoned judgment for a dissertation.  

Transferable/Key Skills:

KS 1 Manage your own learning development through self-critical evaluation.

KS 2 Communicate ideas effectively and fluently in both oral and written tasks.

KS 3 Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management.

KS 4 Collaborate with others and contribute effectively to the achievement of common goals.

KS 5 Independently gather, analyse and evaluate evidence for research tasks.