The MA in International Conflict Studies provides you with a critical, in-depth, and nuanced understanding of international conflict and security. It aims to combine theory and practice, providing advanced engagement with the theoretical aspects of the subject as well as training in the investigation and analysis of political dynamics in specific cases of conflict, violence, and security.
You will consider conflict with a broad, international focus. For example, you will look at the politics of identity and how it relates to the emergence of violent conflict, and how security influences human rights and migration policies. You will also learn about the relationship between language and violent conflict, the ethical and political implications of different approaches to studying this topic, and how colonialism, gender, racism and culture intersect with conflict, violence and security. This will help you to gain a deeper understanding of how different communities are impacted by conflict and the innovative ways to deal with it.
The compulsory module for this MA programme covers critical approaches for the study of conflict and security. It is a research-led module that is taught by academics who are actively researching in this field and will give you a foundational understanding of this topic.
You can hone and/or diversify your expertise when you select your optional modules. For example, you could study the international politics of the Middle East; negotiation and peacebuilding; the future of war; race, colonialism and conflict; and intelligence in peace and war. You will then write a dissertation on the topic of your choice. This will enable you to deepen your analytical and research skills and to develop your expertise in your chosen domain.