10Feb
PostgraduateCourse summary
Conflict prevention is built on the principle that, through skilled negotiation and mediation, the most intractable of differences can be settled peacefully. The most effective forms of conflict prevention and peacebuilding balance political with social needs and place a greater focus on local perspectives. They consider the important role played by young people and women, as well as taking into account social factors such as health and the environment. This custom-designed, interdisciplinary MSc examines this specialised field through the lenses of human security, social justice, and diplomacy. You will gain the latest knowledge in areas such as conflict analysis, prevention, resolution and transformation, community-driven reconstruction, and peace processes in the context of contemporary conflicts and broader humanitarian interventions. Using a range of innovative teaching techniques we incorporate the latest research, delivered by a combination of academics and practitioners – many of whom are recognised as world-leading experts in their field. You will have opportunities to develop operational and vocational skills in conflict mediation, humanitarian intervention, everyday negotiation, conflict-sensitive programme design, the use of peace indicators, participatory approaches to peacebuilding, and gender-sensitive approaches to security. You may choose to also explore these in the optional field trip module. Your theoretical understanding and research skills are brought together in the MSc dissertation, while the innovative Humanitarian Intervention Simulation module gives you a chance to bring your knowledge and skills to life in a simulation of a conflict situation. The MSc is likely to appeal to graduates who have a career in government, inter-governmental organisations, NGOs, humanitarian organisations, or academia in mind, and to mid-career practitioners looking to enhance their practical skills while placing them within a broader theoretical perspective.
Modules
Core modules: Defence, Development and Diplomacy in Conflict: Evolving Actors, Factors and Paradigms introduces key concepts around defence, development and diplomacy, and conflict, peace and security. It situates these concepts within the broader context of changing political structures, actors, conventions and paradigms and equips you with the conceptual tools to understand the changing character of conflict and its implications for peace as security in the modern world. Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace discusses, at an advanced level, frameworks and concepts underpinning approaches to the prevention of violent conflict and the promotion of sustainable peace from macro to micro levels of intervention. Peace Processes and Everyday Political Negotiation uses case studies to examine theories and concepts that underpin effective peace processes, and analyse factors that affect the outcome. You will investigate the role of mediators and facilitators (external and within communities), explore styles of political negotiation in conflict situations and their impact on everyday life and analyse the positive and negative factors that impact on negotiation. Consolidating Peace after Violence studies the complex and inter-related issues of post-war recovery and reconstruction through a sustainable peace building lens. It also explores the links between state stabilisation, the establishment of good governance and building sustainable peace and security. In doing so, the course interrogates the classifications of failed and fragile states, the policies they give rise to, and their results. The Capstone Exercise: Humanitarian Intervention Simulation provides you with an opportunity to test the knowledge and skills learned during the taught modules in a simulated conflict setting. Where appropriate, external practitioners such as development or humanitarian agencies may be engaged in the exercise. The Dissertation is a substantial piece of independent work in a related area of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The 12,000-word dissertation is the culmination of the MSc, bringing together elements of learning from across the course. Examples of optional modules: Capturing and Counting Peace and Conflict; Conflict Analysis; Conflict Mediation; Curating Human Remains; Conflict Sensitive Programme Management; Contemporary Challenges in the United Nations Peacekeeping; Defence Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Assessing Martial Power; Everyday Peace Indicators; Field Trip; Gender in the UN Global Security Agenda; International Negotiation; Participatory Approaches to Peace and Development; Transitory Lives; Urban Violence – Urban Peacebuilding.
Assessment method
Teaching is centred around the School of Government and International Affairs, a vibrant learning community that is home to multiple research centres, including the Durham Global Security Institute. The MSc is largely delivered via lectures, seminars or tutorial groups, and active learning sessions including discussions, student presentations, Q&A sessions, and role plays. Core modules are built around 300 hours of learning, a large proportion of which is made up of independent reading, preparation, and written assignments. Each module includes a minimum of 20 hours of class contact, which gives you the opportunity to review course material in group discussions. Many optional modules are delivered through an innovative Continuous Professional Development (CPD) format. Run over the course of several days, CPD modules combine small-group tutorials with practical exercises, to demonstrate how the latest research can be applied to real-world situations. The dissertation is an important part of the course. To support you in this, you will be appointed a dissertation supervisor based on a broad match with your dissertation topic. As well as providing dissertation-specific support and guidance, you can also contact your supervisor for general academic support. To keep learning up-to-date and relevant, we place great importance on integrating new and innovative research into the curriculum. In addition, we deliver regular seminars and lectures which are available for all postgraduate students. These events provide opportunities to engage with contemporary issues in political and international studies. Assessment methods vary depending on the modules studied. Most are assessed by essays, with others including examinations, presentations, a reflective journal, reports, article reviews and policy briefs. As the course progresses, we provide ongoing feedback through formative assessments to help you to recognise your strengths as well as identify any areas that may require improvement. The course culminates in a 12,000-word dissertation which is conducted and written up as an independent piece of work with support from your appointed supervisor. The dissertation is worth one-third of your final mark.
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
UK 2.1 Bachelor degree, or equivalent. The degree should be in the field of social sciences, but we will actively consider significant relevant experience in lieu of this requirement. Two satisfactory academic references. In cases of applicants who have significant relevant experience, one work-related reference and one academic reference would be considered appropriate.
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 | £15250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £15250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £15250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £15250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £15250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £26750 | Year 1 |
| International | £26750 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £26750 | 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 full time 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