Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy – MA

Why study this course?

This master’s degree in Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy is designed to give you all the knowledge and skills you need to begin a successful career in the field of conflict transformation and resolution.

You’ll examine conflict and diplomacy theory, learn from practitioners’ expertise, and gain skills in analysis and conflict resolution techniques. Our course prepares you for work in mediation practice, foreign aid, journalism, foreign offices, international bodies such as the United Nations (UN) or the public sector.

More about this course

Our Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy MA course is taught by industry-leading specialists in politics and international relations who have been internationally recognised for their work. On top of this, you’ll benefit from direct teaching by experienced practitioners from International Alert, a leading non-governmental organisation (NGO) that manages conflict resolution issues all around the world.

By examining theoretical and conceptual debates you’ll learn about the nature and origin of political conflict, plus specialist techniques that practitioners use to transform and resolve conflict.

Our degree doesn’t just set you up for an exciting career in conflict resolution, it can also be a stepping stone to doctoral study in related fields, politics or international relations.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

Applied Conflict Transformation (core, 20 credits)

International Conflict Resolution (core, 20 credits)

Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy Dissertation (core, 60 credits)

The Practice of Diplomacy (core, 20 credits)

Explaining Violence (option, 20 credits)

History and Theory of Human Rights (option, 20 credits)

Human Rights and the International Order (option, 20 credits)

Human Security (option, 20 credits)

International Law and International Order (option, 20 credits)

Religion and International Relations (option, 20 credits)

Security Studies (option, 20 credits)

Terrorism and Counter Terrorism (option, 20 credits)

Where this course can take you

We ensure you’re prepared for a range of roles in conflict resolution. Successful graduates could go on to become mediation or conflict resolution practitioners, aid workers or conflict reporters, or work in foreign offices, embassies, the diplomatic services or for international bodies such as the UN.

You’ll also be prepared for further academic study and research in peace and conflict resolution, or other related fields such as politics and international relations.