Program Overview
This interdisciplinary program explores the intersection of politics and religion, particularly focusing on conflict. Students engage in core modules on conflict management, religion, and research methods, and select from optional modules covering international relations, diplomacy, and religion in various contexts. Through research projects, coursework, and experiential learning, graduates gain skills in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and policy analysis, preparing them for careers in international organizations, research, and diplomacy.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This interdisciplinary programme aims to allow you to undertake sustained and focused study across the disciplines of politics and religion, with particular attention to the topic of conflict. In addition to core and optional modules in politics and religion, a 20,000 word dissertation provides you with the opportunity to undertake an extended project which focuses upon one of a number of dimensions relating to the interface of politics and religion, as it pertains to conflict.
Outline:
Core Modules:
- Conflict Management and Contemporary Conflicts: This course aims to explore a variety of approaches to conflict management in contemporary conflicts, by third parties and parties in conflict, and critically assesses their effectiveness and potential. The course draws its theoretical foundations from peace and conflict research but is aimed at enabling students to learn to assess the scope for conflict management and peace- building in practice. The module includes both academic literature as well as policy relevant papers. The focus of the course is on analysing peace processes and practical problems of conflict prevention, conflict management and peace-building in a range of contemporary international, internal, ethnic, community and environmental conflicts.
- Dissertation (Standard): The module involves the negotiation, design and delivery of a research project whose precise topic will be determined by the student and the project supervisor. The dissertation will be up to 20,000 words in length. The process of producing it is designed to provide students with the opportunity to consolidate their existing knowledge and skills base while developing new knowledge and skills made possible by its project-orientated nature.
- Studying Religion: This module aims to support existing taught modules in religious studies by introducing research methods and approaches from various disciplines and working to understand theoretical and practical issues in the study of religions. It introduces cross-cultural and cross- religious examination of research topics in religious studies. The module will also give students the opportunity for developing generic skills in library research, essay writing, ethics in research, dissertation planning, and presentations.
- Theory and Methods in Postgraduate Studies: This module serves to consolidate postgraduate research and learning support by enabling students to engage with theories, methods, and skills relevant to your studies. The module is core for all PPR PGT politics students and complements core subject and discipline-specific provision in religious studies and philosophy. Through this module we aim to equip you with the ability to reflect upon the processes and implications of research project planning, design and execution in Politics, Philosophy and/or Religion.
Optional Modules:
- Body in Text: Politics of Gender in Islam
- Conflict, Security and War
- International Relations and Politics of South Asia
- Issues and Practice in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
- Major Approaches to the Study of International Relations
- Politics & Policymaking of Immigration
- Politics and International Relations of the Middle East
- Religion and Conflict (distance learning)
- Religion and Psychoanalytic Thought
- Sources of Indian Religion and Philosophy
- The European Union
- Theorising Security and War
- Theory and Concepts in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
Assessment:
The assessment for each module varies. For example, the "Conflict Management and Contemporary Conflicts" module is assessed through presentations and group work, while the "Studying Religion" module is assessed by a 5,000 word essay.
Teaching:
The teaching methods employed in the program may vary depending on the module, but typically include a combination of lectures, seminars, group work, and presentations. The program also leverages guest lectures, online discussion activities, and short films.
Careers:
The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a range of careers in areas such as:
- Conflict resolution
- Peacebuilding
- International relations
- Diplomacy
- Research
- Policy analysis
Other:
The program is affiliated with the Richardson Institute, a peace and conflict research center based in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion. The Richardson Institute offers an internship program that gives students the opportunity to work with different organizations on issues of peace and conflict.
Location Full Time (per year)
Part Time (per year) Home £11,500 £5,750 International £23,875 £11,935
