Gender, Violence and Conflict

Gender, Violence and Conflict at the University of Sussex offers an in-depth exploration of the complex and interrelated issues surrounding gender dynamics, violence, and conflict in contemporary society. This innovative programme is designed to equip students with a critical understanding of how gender shapes experiences of violence and conflict across different cultural, political, and social contexts. Through interdisciplinary modules, students will examine the historical and contemporary causes of gender-based violence, conflict resolution strategies, and the role of gender in peacebuilding initiatives worldwide. The course combines theoretical frameworks with practical case studies, enabling students to analyse real-world situations and develop informed, effective responses to issues of violence and conflict related to gender. Participants will also engage with contemporary debates on human rights, justice, and social change, fostering a nuanced appreciation for the ways in which gender intersects with other identities such as race, class, and sexuality. The programme features a diverse range of assessments, including essays, presentations, and research projects, designed to encourage critical thinking and independent analysis. Graduates will be equipped with valuable skills for careers in policy making, international development, human rights advocacy, and conflict resolution. The team of expert academics and practitioners provides a supportive learning environment, promoting critical engagement and innovative thinking. By studying Gender, Violence and Conflict at Sussex, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at reducing violence and promoting gender equality worldwide.

If you’re starting your course in 2016, these are the modules we expect to run. Modules running in 2017 may be subject to change.

CORE MODULES

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

• Gender, Conflict and Peace
• Research Methods and Professional Skills (Int Dev)
• Sex and Violence

OPTIONS

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests.

• Anthropology of Reconciliation and Reconstruction
• Conflict, Security and Development
• Dissertation (GVC)
• Dissertation with Placement (Global Studies)
• Gender Politics and Social Research
• Human Rights and the Politics of Culture
• Human Rights in International Relations
• Knowledge, Power and Resistance
• New Security Challenges
• Postcolonial Africa: Politics and Society
• Sexuality and Development: Intimacies, Health and Rights in Global Perspective
• Understanding Processes of Social Change

Requirements

• An upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above in the social or natural sciences. Applications must be accompanied by a detailed personal statement. Applicants with other degrees or relevant practical work experience will also be considered
• Standard level (IELTS 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each section)
• Reference
• Transcript
• A personal statement
• The application fee is £13 if you’re applying to just one course

Scholarships

• Sussex Graduate Scholarship 
• Chancellor's International Scholarship 

The University of Sussex offers a comprehensive program in Gender, Violence and Conflict designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the complex issues surrounding gender dynamics, violence, and conflict in contemporary society. This interdisciplinary course combines theories and methods from Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, and Humanities, allowing students to analyze instances of violence and conflict through various social and cultural lenses. Students will explore topics such as gender-based violence, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and human rights, gaining critical insights into how gender influences power relations and how violence manifests in different contexts around the world.

The program encourages critical thinking and active engagement with current debates on gender equality, conflict zones, and post-conflict reconstruction. It also emphasizes practical skills, including qualitative and quantitative research methods, policy analysis, and advocacy strategies. Students will have opportunities for field research, internships, and collaboration with NGOs, international agencies, or community organizations focused on peace and social justice. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for careers in international development, human rights advocacy, conflict analysis, peacebuilding, or further academic research.

Throughout the course, students will be supported by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, many of whom have worked in conflict zones or have published extensively on gender and violence issues. The program also benefits from the university's strong connections with international organizations and its emphasis on fostering a global perspective. Students enrolling in this program can expect a rigorous and enriching academic experience that develops both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to addressing gendered violence and conflict in diverse settings worldwide.