10Feb
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MA in Risk, Security and Politics explores the concepts of risk and resilience by focusing on their political resonance and revealing how risk can be used as a political tool to govern societies across the globe. It also examines the ways in which uncertainty contributes to the make-up of contemporary society. This interdisciplinary course is an ideal choice if you have a social science or geography background, and it is equally accessible to those who previously studied in the arts and humanities. It develops the essential skills and knowledge needed to make a critical analysis of risk as a tool of government in tackling a range of global challenges from climate change, displacement and disasters to geopolitics, security and terrorism. You will study taught modules over one year full-time or two years part-time in subjects that include the understanding, managing and preventing of risk, the social dimensions of risk, and the latest skills and techniques involved in working with geographic information. You will also complete either a research-based dissertation by conducting original independent study or produce a vocational dissertation that combines independent research with a practical external placement. The core programme is delivered by a team of subject specialists in the Department of Geography and Durham University's Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience - a team of research experts who work at the forefront of risk theory and practice. Together, they provide specialised training on the latest theories, concepts and methods relating to security, politics and risk. You can also tailor the course to your interests with the option to choose approved modules from the School of Government and International Affairs and Sociology Department.
Modules
Core modules: Understanding Risk provides an overview of the key theories and concepts that reflect the interdisciplinary nature of risk involving human action and environmental events. You will learn the basic concepts and terms used to describe and communicate risk, as well as studying interventions involved in managing, preventing or mitigating against risk to populations, and building an understanding of the determinants of risk and its social inequalities. Risk Frontiers is delivered by the Institute of Hazard and Risk Research. The module looks at current risk research and provides training in the generic skills of interpreting, criticising and collating the emerging research. What you learn will help meet the demands of the risk industry and associated areas such as disaster reduction, security, development and humanitarian relief. Using Geographical Skills and Techniques provides training in the use of geographic skills and techniques with the aim of developing a range of transferable skills relevant to professional and personal development. The emphasis is on enhancing existing quantitative and qualitative research skills, exploring issues involved in the design and conduct of working with geographic information, and providing hands-on experience working with spatial data in a human-geography context. Social Dimensions of Risk and Resilience offers advanced training in topics relevant to understanding the social dimensions of risk and resilience with a particular emphasis on environmental hazard, climate change, security, migration and insurance. This module takes an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on research in human geography, security studies, sociology of risk, political science, science and technology studies, and migration and refugee studies. The Dissertation (Research or Vocational) builds on your learning in core and optional modules. It offers the option to develop your independent research skills through a research dissertation in which you carry out original independent research supported by our staff. Alternatively, you can choose the vocational dissertation route which combines research with collaborations or placements with external organisations. We offer vocational dissertation partnerships and project options through our large and growing partner and alumni network, or we can support you in developing your own vocational research collaborations. Examples of optional modules: Social Policy and Society; Debating the European Union; International Politics of the Middle East; The Politics of East Asia.
Assessment method
The course is delivered using a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and practical sessions, with lectures providing key information and seminars developing further discussion. We keep seminar groups small to maximise opportunities for participation and interaction in the learning process at every stage. You will have around eight hours of module contact time per week during terms one and two, but this can vary from week to week. You can expect to undertake around eight hours per day of study during term time, including all assessments. Throughout your period of study, you will be supported by an academic advisor and you will also be assigned a dissertation supervisor. Methods of assessment include traditional coursework formats such as essays, presentations and reports with some modules including an opportunity to showcase your work in a portfolio format. In the final term, you will complete your research-based or vocational dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
An upper second class degree (2:1). Band E English language requirements. Application to the MA Risk, Security and Politics requires: Transcripts of your qualifications; English language test certificates if taken; Personal statement (if not written directly into the portal); Two satisfactory references (unless you wish to supply referee details so we can contact them for you); Scholarship documentation (if applying).
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £13500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £13500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £13500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £13500 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £13500 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25900 | Year 1 |
| International | £25900 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £25900 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE