International Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Program Overview

International Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Course Overview

Conflict is a key feature of international politics and all social relations. It manifests in many forms and understanding the nature of conflict and, more importantly, the steps to resolution is paramount to government officials.

Dates and Delivery

• Dates: 10 March 2026 - 02 April 2026
• Delivery mode: Online

Application Deadline

• 10 February 2026

Places

• Available

Course Features

This module focuses on building the conceptual tools necessary for conflict analysis as well as providing insights into the process of conflict resolution and mediation. Through examining the causes, dynamics and options for resolution, you will be provided with a comprehensive overview of key themes in conflict analysis. These will be common themes, applicable in different contexts including political, corporate and public domains. By drawing on prominent recent and historical examples, we will illustrate these themes as they play out in real-world settings.

Course Content

• Week 1: An overview of conflict
  • The first week will provide a conceptual introduction to conflict. We will focus on the different types and manifestations of conflict as well as the drivers that influence conflict dynamics.
• Week 2: Examining strategies
  • The second week will focus on examining the strategies of parties in conflict through exploring some of the key strategic concepts and their application in an adversarial setting.
• Week 3: Evaluating democratic innovations
  • The final week will focus on conflict resolution and explores methods such as negotiations and mediation among other means.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Develop analytical skills that can be applied in a business, government or the third sector (non-governmental organisations) setting to analyse international conflicts.
• Make informed assessment of dynamics and future of conflict
• Evaluate strategies for conflict resolutions and mediation applicable in different situations.

Entry Requirements

This short course is for mid-career professionals. Standard entry requirements are a 2:1 degree plus 3 years of relevant work experience. Applicants without a 2:1 or higher degree are welcome to apply and typically require 5+ years of relevant work experience.

Assessment

• One written assignment, plus participation in webinars and discussion forums.

Format

• Taught fully online, comprising of self-directed online study, and including 3 x 1hr live webinars, plus an optional induction webinar in the week before the start of teaching and an optional assessment webinar in Week 4.
• There is a single assessment at the end of the course in which the student applies understanding of international conflict analysis and resolution to their own area of policy responsibility.

Tuition Fees

• Full Price: £1,200.00

Key Information

• Credit level: 7
• Credit value: 5
• Duration: 4 weeks

Teaching Staff

• Professor Wyn Bowen
• Dr Hassan Elbahtimy
• Dr Olga Siemers

Offered By

• Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy
• School for Government