Program Overview

MA Conflict Resolution

The MA Conflict Resolution is a postgraduate course that explores the evolving field of conflict resolution, examining the causes and effects of destructive conflict across the world and scrutinizing the theory and practice of managing conflict peacefully.

Overview

• Course: Conflict Resolution
• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: Government

This course helps students understand the complexities of conflict resolution, focusing on topics such as using conflict data sets, international development, human rights, international relations, and security studies. It combines traditional methods with contemporary theory and practices of non-violent movements, encouraging students to experience both the practical and theoretical applications of these topics through real case studies of international conflict.

Expert Staff

The course is taught by some of the biggest names in the field, including:

• Professor Kristian Gleditsch
• Professor Han Dorussen
• Professor Ismene Gizelis
• Dr. Tobias Bmelt
• Dr. Zorzete Bakaki

These academic staff have been involved in advising the CIA on counter-terrorism policies, training politicians and civil servants, supervising election studies, editing major journals, and commenting on political events in national and international media.

Specialist Facilities

Students have access to:

• The Michael Nicholson Centre for Conflict and Cooperation
• Laboratories with networked computers featuring extensive software for political analysis
• Web-assisted learning, simulations, and role-playing exercises
• ESSEXLab for experimental lab research
• Student societies for politics, debating, and Model UN
• The Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis

Your Future

The course prepares students for careers in areas such as non-governmental organizations, international and national government, or the private sector. Recent graduates have gone on to work for high-profile organizations including The Civil Service, Local Government, The World Bank, The United Nations, NATO, and YouGov.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2.2 degree or international equivalent in subjects such as American Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, Political Science, Statistics, etc.
• Or a 2.2 degree in any subject with study in two relevant modules, including Comparative Political Systems, Constitutional Democracy, Current Affairs, etc.
• Applicants with a degree in an unrelated subject and at least 5 years of work experience may also be considered.
• Applicants with a lower class degree where relevant modules have been studied with marks of 2:2 or above may be considered.
• Applicants who have achieved a first-class degree in any subject may also be considered.

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. International students should contact the University to discuss their qualifications.

English Language Requirements

If English is not the first language, students require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components. Alternatively, they may complete a pre-sessional English pathway.

Structure

Course Structure

The course includes both compulsory and optional modules, allowing it to be tailored to fit students' interests and aspirations. Modules may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

Components and Modules

• COMPONENT 01: CORE WITH OPTIONS (GV993-7-PS OR GV985-7-PS) - 60 credits
• COMPONENT 02: CORE - Conflict Resolution - 15 credits
• COMPONENT 03: CORE - Conflict Resolution and Peace - 15 credits
• COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY - Research Design - 15 credits
• COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS - Social Sciences option(s) from list - 40 credits
• COMPONENT 06: OPTIONAL - Government option(s) from list - 45 credits
• COMPONENT 07: CORE - Dissertation and Policy Portfolio Preparation - 0 credits

Teaching

• Experts focus on conflicts across the world, combining systematic research of conflict studies with strong regional expertise.
• The course includes both compulsory and optional modules.
• Learning occurs through discussion, problem-solving, lab sessions, and national conferences.

Assessment

• Coursework comes in the form of essays, simulations, presentations, and in-class tests.
• A Masters dissertation is prepared under the guidance of the Graduate Director and an appropriate supervisor.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: ｣11,025
• International fee: ｣23,875
• Scholarships and financial support may be available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

After completing the MA Conflict Resolution, students are prepared for a variety of careers and may also consider further study, such as a PhD. The University of Essex supports students in finding further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities through its Careers Services.