Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies MA

Program Overview

This postgraduate program examines peace and conflict dynamics through theoretical and methodological lenses. It focuses on conflict management, analysis, and resolution techniques. Core modules include conflict management, dissertation, and research methods. Optional modules allow students to explore specific interests in areas such as international relations, diplomacy, and South Asian politics.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Our programme is designed to critically examine the theoretical and methodological issues surrounding the dynamics of peace and conflict in the contemporary world. You will have the opportunity to engage with the work of peace and conflict studies scholars, at both conceptual and empirical levels, and to draw on evidence from a range of recent armed conflicts. Through the programme we also aim to address techniques in conflict resolution, such as mediation, in order to help you deepen your understanding, and enable you to develop skills in conflict analysis. We encourage you to use optional modules from Politics to support the core programme. The programme culminates in the writing of a 20,000-word dissertation in a subject area of your own choosing that has been agreed together with your academic supervisor.

Outline:

The program is full time for 1 year or part time for 2 years.

Core Modules:

• Conflict Management and Contemporary Conflicts: This module explores various approaches to conflict management in contemporary conflicts, assessing their effectiveness and potential.
The module focuses on analyzing peace processes and practical problems of conflict prevention, conflict management, and peace-building in a range of international, internal, ethnic, community, and environmental conflicts. Students investigate a specific approach to conflict management in a conflict of their choice.
• Dissertation (Standard): This module involves the negotiation, design, and delivery of a research project whose topic is determined by the student and their supervisor.
The dissertation is up to 20,000 words in length.
• Theory and Methods in Postgraduate Studies: This module consolidates postgraduate research and learning support by enabling students to engage with theories, methods, and skills relevant to their studies.
The module aims to equip students with the ability to reflect upon the processes and implications of research project planning, design, and execution. The course will also examine the politics of intervention in these conflicts, and the attempts made to manage and prevent conflicts, and transform these conflict zones into more peaceful situations.
• Independent Study Module: This module allows students to undertake a self-directed study of their own choice of topic in philosophy, guided by a tutor with relevant expertise.
• International Relations and Politics of South Asia: This course provides an overview of the key security concerns of South-Central Asia and examines the history of the subcontinent, the impact of modernization, and the political systems of South Asian states.
• Issues and Practice in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy: This module applies theoretical tools to contemporary diplomatic and negotiation issues and great power politics.
• Major Approaches to the Study of International Relations: This module explores the development of International Relations (IR) theory in the 20th and 21st centuries and examines it in light of major historical developments and contemporary events.
• Politics & Policymaking of Immigration: This course examines the political dynamics of immigration and immigration policies, including why immigration policies differ across countries, the critical debates at the heart of immigration policymaking, and why immigration is politicized.
• Politics and Ethics in Indian Philosophy: This module examines Indian source texts on politics and ethics, exploring the concept of dharma and its implications for justice, religion, ethics, duty, and law.
• Politics and International Relations of the Middle East: This course familiarizes students with major issues in the politics and international relations of the contemporary Middle East region.
• The European Union: This module focuses on the politics and international relations of the European Union, analyzing the wider dynamics of European integration and the activities of the various European institutions.
• Theorising Security and War: This course examines the changing character of war and security in a time of rapid technological and geopolitical/ecological change.
• Theory and Concepts in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy: This module introduces students to ways of conceptualizing diplomacy and foreign policy in the 21st century.

Assessment:

Assessment varies by module and includes:

• 5,000 word essays
• 20,000 word dissertation
• 5,000 word research proposal

Teaching:

Teaching is delivered through a combination of:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Small group discussions
• Presentations
• Guest lectures

Other:

• The Richardson Institute, based in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, is the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK.
It provides an internship programme that gives students the opportunity to work with different organisations on issues of peace and conflict.
• The University encourages students to take optional modules from Politics to support the core program.
Not all optional modules are available every year.