Program Overview
The MSc in Conflict, Security and Development from the University of Birmingham explores the complexities of conflict and development in the developing world. With core modules in conflict, development, and post-conflict reconstruction, students develop a deep understanding of governance, human rights, and state-building in conflict zones. Taught by a multidisciplinary team of experts, the program offers internships, field visits, and a 60-credit dissertation, preparing graduates for careers in NGOs, international organizations, and conflict-related industries.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc in Conflict, Security and Development program at the University of Birmingham reflects the international debates about the nature of peace and conflict in the developing world and the approaches of the international community to support and create peaceful governance in areas of conflict. It provides a direct link between the academic and practical policy approaches to analyzing and recovering from conflicts. The program covers contemporary debates on issues such as accountability and transparency, corruption, conflict, political settlement, human rights, participation, access to justice, democratization, and state building. The emphasis is on developing countries and is of interest to those already working in development or recent graduates with some work/volunteer experience seeking careers in development or government, or in NGOs related to governance, state-building, and peace.
Outline:
The program is a 12-month full-time or 24-month part-time (part-time options only available to UK students) taught postgraduate degree. It consists of three 20-credit core modules:
- Conflict and Development (IDD)
- Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (IDD)
- International Development (IDD) Students will select a further 60 taught credits from the menu of IDD modules or from elsewhere in the university, subject to the approval of the program director and the other department/s concerned. Students will also complete a 60-credit dissertation, which may be undertaken with individual fieldwork, with a contribution towards the cost of this from the tuition fee.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a range of assessment methods, including both formative and summative assessment. Assessment methods may include essays, policy briefs, and presentations. A dissertation of no more than 12,000 words is also required.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of multi-disciplinary specialists who work closely with students to address their interests and concerns. Every student is allocated an academic tutor to support them in their academic progress throughout the year. The department has a long history of teaching students from across the world, and recent students have come from 99 different countries and a wide variety of professional and academic backgrounds. Teaching takes place over two ten-week terms, utilizing a range of teaching and learning methods, including short lectures, problem solving, role play, and group work.
Careers:
This program provides a framework for exploring academic synergies and for students to undertake genuinely interdisciplinary study. Students leaving this program will be academically well-trained but also be in a position to undertake careers in conflict analysis, good governance, and management in the developing world. This offers careers in NGOs, Government agencies, and international organizations, as well as organizations concerned with international risk and business within conflict areas.
Other:
The International Development Department is well-regarded internationally by sponsors, donor agencies, governments, and NGOs. The program offers:
- Expertise in key issues and skills valued by employers
- A vibrant, welcoming community
- Individual overseas fieldwork or study visit included in fees (on-campus programs)
- Flexible programs and a wide choice of modules (part-time students are welcome to apply)
- A diverse and international student body
- Strong support in study and English language skills
UK students Full-time £11,340 Part-time £5,670 International students Full-time £25,290
University of Birmingham Summary
Overview:
The University of Birmingham is a leading global university with a strong focus on research and innovation. It is committed to developing solutions for a thriving planet and improving the health of people around the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Birmingham offers a welcoming environment for students, with opportunities to settle in, make new friends, discover the city of Birmingham, and prepare for their studies. The university also has a vision for its campus development in the next 20 years, aiming to enhance and refine the global campuses.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Global Impact:
The university's research is focused on addressing major global issues, such as climate change and global health.Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
The university encourages collaboration across disciplines to drive innovation and find solutions to complex problems.Pioneering Breakthroughs:
The university is known for its pioneering research and breakthroughs in various fields.Academic Programs:
Other:
The university has five research challenge themes that guide its focus and draw on its vast expertise and resources. These themes showcase the university's pioneering breakthroughs, multidisciplinary collaboration, and significant global impact.
Entry Requirements:
- Home Students:
- An upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field (the equivalent US Grade Point Average is 3.2)
- OR
- A lower second-class Honours degree from an approved university with excellent work experience.
- International Students:
- An upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field (the equivalent US Grade Point Average is 3.2)
- OR
- A lower second-class Honours degree from an approved university with excellent work experience.
- **Specific requirements for each country are listed in the context.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS: 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
