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
- 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.
- 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.
