Program Overview
The MA Conflict and International Security program at the University of Reading provides a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues related to war, conflict, and security. Through compulsory and optional modules, students develop critical thinking skills, analyze a wide range of political ideas and events, and apply their knowledge through a dissertation or work placement. The program equips graduates for a range of careers in government, civil service, and the commercial sector, particularly in roles related to national and international security. Guest lectures from industry professionals enhance the program's focus on employability and networking opportunities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MA Conflict and International Security program at the University of Reading provides students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues related to war, conflict, and security within and between societies. The program aims to equip students with a solid foundation in the study of organized violence and an appreciation of the challenges faced by political and military leaders. Graduates will develop critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze a wide range of political ideas, institutions, and events in relation to security and conflict. The program also offers the option for students to apply their academic knowledge through a work placement project.
Outline:
The MA Conflict and International Security program consists of a combination of compulsory and optional modules. Compulsory modules include:
- International Security: Examines the impact of emerging security issues on governments, security forces, and international politics, covering topics such as transnational crime, global terrorism, and private military companies.
- War in Theory and Practice: Analyzes war as an evolving phenomenon, exploring established theories on how wars are fought and won, as well as emerging debates on the transformation of war due to technology and the prevalence of intrastate conflicts.
- International Relations Theory: Discusses key international relations theories from feminist, green, and postcolonial perspectives, applying them to contemporary events and developments in international politics, ranging from climate change to the rise of non-Western powers.
- Advanced Academic Skills: Develops students' academic skills necessary for postgraduate study, including time management, strategic reading, library resources, essay writing, and accessing support during their studies.
- Dissertation: Provides students with the opportunity to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a supervisor, applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the program. Optional modules include:
- Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations: Introduces students to research design and a range of qualitative research methods, such as case studies, process-tracing, historical approaches, and ethnographic methods.
- Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations: Introduces students to research design and a range of quantitative research methods, including best practices for data collection and analysis, and hypothesis testing.
- Contemporary Diplomacy: Explores the key concepts, types, and practices of contemporary diplomacy since World War II, providing analytical tools to understand the relationship between diplomatic theories and actual diplomatic practice, as well as domestic and international policymaking.
- Terrorism in a Globalizing World: Examines the central issues and theoretical dimensions of terrorism in a globalizing world, covering topics such as the nature of asymmetrical conflict, the evolution of different terrorism types, the internationalization of terrorism, suicide attacks, counter-terrorism challenges, and the war against terror.
- Worlding International Relations: Studies the history and development of international relations, addressing challenges formulated in diverse parts of the world and the Western dominance of the field, considering non-Western approaches to concepts such as sovereignty, the state, war, peace, religion, and the 'international.'
- Building Peace: Examines the challenges of building peace in conflict-affected states and the involvement of donor states, UN peacekeepers, and multilateral institutions in domestic politics, evaluating different approaches to peacebuilding and examining the record of peace and state-building operations in war-torn states.
- Philosophical Issues in the Social Sciences: Explores philosophical, methodological, and ethical questions related to research design in Politics and International Relations in preparation for doctoral study.
- International Organisations in Global Politics: Evaluates different approaches to building peace in fragile and conflict-affected states, examining post-conflict institution building, security sector reform, and the involvement of various actors, including case studies of peacebuilding efforts in Kosovo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Liberia.
Assessment:
The assessment methods used in the MA Conflict and International Security program vary depending on the module. Assessments may include essays, research papers, presentations, and examinations. The program also includes a dissertation, which is a substantial piece of independent research that contributes significantly to the final grade.
Teaching:
The MA Conflict and International Security program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Lectures provide students with an overview of key concepts and theories, while seminars and tutorials allow for more in-depth discussion and analysis. The program is taught by a team of experienced academics who are actively engaged in research on contemporary issues in international relations and security.
Careers:
Graduates of the MA Conflict and International Security program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in governments and civil services around the world. They may also work in the commercial sector, particularly in roles related to national and international security and defense policies. The program's focus on employability and practical experience equips graduates with the skills sought by employers.
Other:
- The program offers the opportunity for students to tailor their degree to their interests through a range of optional modules.
- Students can also choose to study a language with the Institution-Wide Language Programme.
- The program regularly invites guest speakers to deliver lectures, providing students with insights into career opportunities and networking opportunities. Previous speakers include John Bercow, former Speaker of the House of Commons; Alastair Campbell, former political aide; Dame Andrea Leadsom, former Leader of the House of Commons; Sir Vince Cable, former Liberal Democrat Leader; and Matthew Barzun, former United States Ambassador to the UK.
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,800 New international students: £22,350
