Overview
Explore Conflict Security and Development in an ever-changing global landscape, gaining a deeper understanding of intricate political and cultural matters. This knowledge is highly valuable for careers in international politics, security, and numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This course provides a comprehensive perspective on the challenges faced by organizations and government agencies when addressing crises like civil wars and international conflicts. Students have the unique opportunity to learn from diplomacy experts with real-world experience, enhancing their knowledge through regular departmental discussions with policymakers, activists, and visiting scholars.
This course is particularly pertinent for students considering careers in humanitarian assistance and post-conflict reconstruction. It also suits candidates interested in studying the politics of aid. The Conflict, Security, and Development program aligns with the objectives of various international organizations focused on critical policy research and consultancy.
Through this program, students can analyze the growing intersection of 'development' and 'security.' This critical analysis deepens their understanding of current global security crises and the responses in humanitarian, developmental, and security terms. It also underscores the significant links between aid and politics on the global stage.
Course Details
The Conflict, Security, and Development course open doors to educational opportunities in a field of increasing interest among the academic community, bridging development, security, and conflict studies. It provides a framework for interdisciplinary study, offering case studies and critical analysis of political and social reconstruction in war-affected societies across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This allows students to delve into the complexities of development and security issues. The course guarantees:
- Cutting-edge academic inquiry with a policy-making focus.
- Participation in a dynamic and ever-evolving atmosphere of theories.
- A broader understanding of complex global political crises.
- Preparedness for careers in humanitarian or social reconstruction sectors.
As an interdisciplinary department, our scholars come from diverse backgrounds such as history, anthropology, political science, economics, and more. We strive to bridge these disciplines effectively.
The MA in Conflict, Security & Development offers 180 credits (or more, depending on the university) with two duration options: part-time and full-time. For distance learning students, the university recommends desk-based research. The course aims to explore conceptual and historical issues surrounding security and development, examining how these policies manifest in the broader context of contemporary international security. By the end of the program, students will possess an analytical and empirically informed understanding of the interconnectedness of conflict, insecurity, and underdevelopment, often requiring a holistic approach. At the postgraduate level, intensive sessions will cover various topics, including:
- Comparative Civil Wars
- Gender, Globalization, and Development
- National Security Studies
- International Relations and the Environment
- The Rise of China
- Conflict Processes and Conflict Management
- Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America Studies
- Transitional Justice
- International Criminal Law, and more.
Some universities may provide a two-week online induction module and a two-week online research methods module for dissertations. These modules are non-accredited and carry varying credit values based on the course duration and academic setup of the universities.
Available UK Universities
Several renowned universities, based on QS and THE (Times Higher Education) rankings, offer the Conflict, Security & Development course:
- University of Oxford
- King’s College London
- London School of Economics
- University of York
- University of Birmingham
- University of Leicester
- University of Exeter
- Lancaster University
- University of Leeds
Additionally, there are universities that offer the same course with affordability, including:
- University of Sussex
- University of Bradford
- University of Plymouth
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Open University, and more.
Entry Requirements
English Language Proficiency Tests Please note that the graduate admissions process for this course is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee placement, as the academic qualifications must meet or exceed these requirements.
- IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall, with a minimum score of 6 in each element.
- TOEFL: Minimum 100 overall, with 25 in writing and 23 in each of the other skills.
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate (CAE): Minimum 191 overall, with a minimum of 185 in all skills.
English language proficiency test results, such as IELTS, are typically accepted if they are not more than two years old, with the report being valid on the course's start date. Some universities do not require test scores during the application submission, while others offer online-based pre-sessional English courses for students who have taken a language test within the past two years.
Academic Qualifications Applicants are encouraged to have a bachelor's degree with a 2:1 (upper second-class honors) or its non-UK equivalent in a social science, humanities, or related discipline. Relevant experience in conflict management or related professional expertise will also be considered.
All applications undergo assessment by an academic committee, which can take an average of eight weeks. Applicants should include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application. Additionally, a statement of purpose (SOP) with a character limit of 4000 characters, along with all certificates and academic documents, must be attached along with the Language proficiency certificate.
Fees and Scholarships Tuition fees
for overseas students typically range from approximately £14,040 to £29,109 for full-time programs, and approximately £14,655 for part-time programs. Additional costs for undergraduates and research students range from approximately £15 to £40. Accommodation costs vary based on whether students opt for on-campus or off-campus living arrangements. Some universities do not distinguish between UK/EU and international students when it comes to charging differential fees for distance learning programs.
UK universities offer numerous scholarships and funding opportunities for international postgraduate students. Scholarships, funding, and on-campus jobs are available based on individual qualifications matching university criteria. Some of the available scholarships include:
- Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries
- Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
- British Chevening Scholarship
- Academic Excellence Scholarships
- British Council scholarship for women in STEM, among many others at the university and departmental levels.
Employability
Upon successful completion, students can pursue internships and roles as Volunteer Resources Coordinators in various governmental organizations or nonprofit agencies. Many graduates choose to continue their studies while maintaining lucrative careers.
Entry-level positions for graduates include roles such as administrative assistant or project coordinator, with starting salaries typically ranging from approximately £18,569 annually. There are also various job opportunities available in fields such as academic research, armed forces, civil service, media and publishing, non-governmental organizations, NATO and UN, teaching, think tanks, and more.
The course employs a variety of teaching and learning methods to keep individuals at the forefront of academic developments. Lectures, lively seminar discussions, online learning, and guided weekly readings promote independent study and skill development.
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