Course summary

Our MA in Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding will introduce you to the key challenges faced when security and development issues converge, and what this means for the reconstruction of war-affected societies. This course is ideal if you are interested in exploring the complexities of societal conflict and peacebuilding around the world. By bridging themes of conflict, liberal styles of governance and aid policy, you will analyse the ways in which security, development and humanitarian actors adapt to instability. You’ll also examine the significance of globalisation for the emergence of internal conflict, and for the development of trans-border economics and the political dynamics they support. Furthermore, this course gives you the opportunity to study regionally differentiated responses to conflict in – for example – Africa and Asia, and to discuss issues relating to humanitarian conditionality, containment and the role of international organisations and NGOs in peacebuilding. Our academics are widely recognised as leading experts in their field. The teaching on this programme is research-led and supported by our Centre for Global Security Challenges. This comprises 60 experts from around the University of Leeds focusing on six research themes – environment, health, gender, conflict, terrorism, and global order. Your learning will also benefit from the cutting-edge research which takes place within our Centre for Global Development and the Leeds University Centre for African Studies. Both are leading research centres which address the politics of global challenges. The programme directly addresses the increasing merging of development and security issues in international stabilization policies, and the challenges involved in reconstructing war-affected societies. It also explores the difficulties and controversies inherent in international activities aimed at building peace and stability within societies. It will equip you with the skills and knowledge required for employment in the expanding field of humanitarian response and social reconstruction, as well as practitioners wishing to study relevant issues in more depth. You’ll benefit from a course that occupies a bridging position within politics and international studies and – through the wide range of optional modules – draws upon the School's rich diversity of approaches and experience.