Conflict, Security and Development
(MA) Conflict, Security and Development
Entry for 2022
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
The aim of this MA programme is to analyse the complex relationships that lie at the heart of this development-security nexus in the global south, especially Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. Students will achieve a deeper understanding of three aspects:
It focuses on three key areas:
First, the MA examines the extent to which destructive cycles of insecurity and violence affect the possibility of development for large sections of the world's population.
Second, it analyses the difficulties that aid agencies, non-governmental organisations, governments, and international organisations encounter when trying to negotiate these spirals of violence and insecurity - be it through armed intervention, the provision of aid, the sponsoring of peace-building processes, or assisting states in post-conflict reconstruction.
Finally, the MA also investigates whether underdevelopment can be said to constitute a security threat. Some Western governments, for example, claim that underdevelopment in the global South could threaten their national security by facilitating the international spread of terrorist and criminal networks.
Course learning outcomes
Describe, explain and evaluate contending theoretical understandings of the relations between security and development.
Have a basic knowledge of a number of case studies in conflict and development.
Advance academically formulated ideas on how to respond to security-development crises.
Understand and evaluate some of the practical problems faced by development organisations within contexts of political violence and insecurity
The ability to present concise and cogently structured arguments, both orally and in writing.
The ability to carry out critical analysis on complex issues related to the discipline.
The ability to apply a range of skills in the retrieval and use of primary and secondary sources.
The ability to deploy a range of communication and information technology skills.
The ability to communicate effectively with others, and present information both orally and in writing.
The ability to undertake a substantial research project.
Full-time course composition
Part-time course composition
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.