Conflict, Governance and Development

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The course combines the theoretical, empirical and practitioner aspects of the study of contemporary development.

Its combination of disciplines and methods of study makes it ideal for students who are keen to combine a theoretical and comparative approach to development with an understanding of the applied and local-level aspects of conflict and governance. It is aimed both at those interested in research careers and at those wanting to work in the applied side of development governance in the developed or/and the developing world. The degree of complexity and choice in this course means that students can tailor their degree to fit their professional experience and aims.

The core compulsory module, Theories and Policies of Development Governance, ensures that all students will have a solid grounding in the key conceptual and practical approaches to development governance.

Students will also be exposed to the research techniques used in the social sciences, and will be encouraged to develop a critical understanding of how these techniques are used to create and interpret knowledge.

The module in Social and Political Issues in Development provides students with an opportunity to apply such techniques to the study of relevant development policy issues, including their practical impact on peoples' lives.

The Conflict and Recovery module offers a unique chance to specialise in the study of the nature and causes of contemporary conflict as well as post-war recovery and the interaction of these with broader development themes.

The MA also provides opportunity for students to choose an option among diversity of courses offered in the Department of Politics.

The course is taught by specialists in the areas of state and community governance, gender issues, social policy, conflict and recovery, and ethnicity, as well as in various regions of the world, including The Middle East, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and areas of East Asia and Eastern Europe. Option courses offer further specialisms in British public policy, and the comparative politics of the European Union and US politics.

The MA comprises four modules and a dissertation.

Core Modules

All students take two core modules:

* Conflict and Development
* Theories and Policies of Development Governance

These modules look at core theories and policies of development governance, focusing particularly on the role of the state and other institutions in promoting development and tackling poverty. The modules are multidisciplinary, introducing students to influential ideas in the politics, economics and political economy of development.

Option Modules

Students choose two option modules from a range of modules that reflect the departments strengths in international development, conflict, human rights, public policy and comparative politics. For an up-to-date list of modules offered by the department please see
Dissertation

During the summer term students start work on a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on a topic of their choice. The dissertation is due for submission at the end of the summer vacation.

Study Part-Time

The MA in Conflict, Governance and Development may also be taken on a part-time basis over two years (24 months).

Lecturers

The module convenor is Dr Carole Spary

Qualifications to the standard of an upper second or first-class honours degree in a relevant degree subject, or equivalent experience. Applications are evaluated by the Director of the MA. Candidates may be invited for interview.Students whose first language is not English are asked to provide some evidence of English Language ability before admission to the University. We look for a score in the British Council's IELTS test of 6.5 or above (with a minimum of 6.0 for each component), or a TOFEL (iBT) score of at least 87 (with no less than 21 in each component). English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test: 87 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

For the most up-to-date information on university level funding please see
For the most up-to-date information on department funding please see


Please note there will be a deadline associated with obtaining funding. Students who wish to obtain funding towards their studies are advised to apply for their chosen course no later than March in the year they wish to start their course.