MA Conflict, Security and Development

at University of Exeter

The MA Conflict, Security and Development builds on Exeter’s strengths in international relations and security and is particularly relevant to students hoping to work for NGOs, aid organisations, international bodies such as the United Nations or other international agencies. Our high quality academic training is balanced with valuable professional skills development, giving you a fully-rounded degree which truly enhances your CV.
 

The programme aims to give you first-hand insight into the challenges faced by organisations and government agencies when responding to humanitarian crises, civil wars and international conflict. By gaining an insider's view of the challenges involved in activities such as conflict analysis, post-conflict reconstruction or policy development, you'll be better equipped to interrogate the myths that surround conflict, security and development and improve your understanding of their relationship within a political context.
 

You can tailor your programme to your specific interests or careers ambitions with our array of optional modules such as Quantitative Data Analysis, State and Society in the Middle East, US Foreign Policy and State Building after Civil War.
 

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Compulsory modules

• Conflict, Security and Development in World Politics    
• Work Placement in Conflict, Security and Development    
• Dissertation

We are looking for graduates with a 2:1 or above in their first degree. While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criteria, if you have a high 2:2 or equivalent, are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.
 

English language requirements
 

• IELTS

  Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.
   

• TOEFL

  Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

UK fees per year:
£10,000 full-time; £5,000 part-time
 

International fees per year:
£20,500 full-time

Employer-valued skills
 

In addition to the academic and knowledge-based skills provided by this programme’s subject material, your studies will also develop personal skills which are highly valued by employers, such as:
 

• Advanced independent thinking, with the ability to undertake self-directed learning and time management to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment

• Experience of working as an individual on challenging material

• The ability to reflect on your learning, evaluate personal strengths and weakness, and map out a plan of personal development based on those reflections

• Competence with standard IT applications, and an understanding of efficient and effective ways to obtain information from library, database, and online sources.

• Experience of working as a participant and/or leader of a group, and of contributing effectively to the planning and achievement of that group’s objectives

• Experience of giving presentations to others in your field

• The ability to construct a rigorous argument, and defend that argument citing relevant sources, both in written form and orally.
   

Career paths
 

A postgraduate degree in Conflict, Security and Development is a pathway to a range of careers in international politics. security and development. It is particularly relevant to students hoping to work for NGOs, aid organisations, international bodies such as the United Nations or other international agencies. Our high quality academic training is balanced with valuable professional skills development, giving you a fully-rounded degree which truly enhances your CV.