Original citation

Examination advice
Important: the information and advice given here are based on the 
examination structure used at the time this guide was written. Please 
note that subject guides may be used for several years. Because of this 
we strongly advise you to always check both the current Regulations for 
relevant information about the examination, and the VLE where you 
should be advised of any forthcoming changes. You should also carefully 
check the rubric/instructions on the paper you actually sit and follow those 
instructions.
Over the course of three hours, students must answer any four of the 12 
essay questions provided. These cover the main topics in this syllabus, 
and test your ability to apply the theories and concepts of IR to a range of 
historical and policy-based questions. All answers should be written in the 
form of an essay, with a thesis statement and supporting evidence organised 
in a series of paragraphs that support your conclusions.
As you will learn throughout this course, there are very rarely any definitive 
answers in IR. Theories, concepts, history and policy are contested by 
students, professors and practitioners alike. As indicated in the examination 
preparation material on the VLE, Examiners look for well-crafted arguments 
that use conceptual tools to understand and analyse real-world events.
Before sitting your examination, be sure that you have worked through 
every chapter of this subject guide. You must be familiar with the Essential 
readings for each chapter. These can be supplemented with material from 
the Further readings, various printed media and other literary sources. A 
Sample examination paper and commentary are included at the end of this 
guide.
Remember, it is important to check the VLE for:
• up-to-date information on examination and assessment arrangements for 
this course
• where available, past examination papers and Examiners’ commentaries 
for the course which give advice on how each question might best be 
answered.

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