PIR-20122 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module simulates the real conditions of decision-making at the United Nations. By recreating the conditions under which diplomats interact, it will compel you to apply your academic knowledge and understanding of diplomacy and international organisations to real world problems. It fosters essential skills required to be successful in the fields of high politics and will improve your capacity to undertake research, to act decisively and creatively in a crisis, to negotiate, compromise and work constructively within a team to solve a problem. Designed to deepen your interest and comprehension of global issues and the international politics that surround them, this module will heighten your ability to speak in public, to debate, to think critically and to demonstrate leadership.

This module aims to enhance students' understanding of international organisation and implementing policy and change in the international political arena through diplomatic and institutional practice. The module does this through experiential simulation learning. The module further aims to develop students' critical and analytical skills by engaging with theoretical and conceptual knowledge alongside action in practice; to develop students' ethical and social capacity through active learning; and to development students' leadership skills and personal effectiveness through weekly sessions and experiential learning.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critically evaluate the key institutions, actors, structures and concerns in world politics.: 1
Apply theoretical and conceptual learning through simulation role playing in order to assess and formulate a plan of action for real world concerns.: 1,2
Identify and practice work-related skills such as negotiation, diplomacy, report writing, policy writing, public speaking, networking, and independent research.: 2
Effectively and precisely communicate in written and verbal form.: 1
Articulate and defend specific policy positions and proposals for action.: 2

Study hours

8 x 2 hour guided simulation sessions
2 x 2 hour preparation workshops
5 x 1 hour asynchronous skills sessions
20 hours report preparation and completion
30 hours reflective diary preparation and completion
75 hours independent simulation preparation and activity

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment