Taught course

Defence, Development and Diplomacy

Institution
Durham University · School of Government and International Affairs
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

UK 2.1 Bachelor degree, or equivalent. The degree should be in the field of social sciences, but we will actively consider significant relevant experience in lieu of this requirement.

Two satisfactory academic references.

In cases of applicants who have significant relevant experience, one work-related reference and one academic reference would be considered appropriate.

Months of entry

September

Course content

With conflicts becoming either increasingly drawn-out, asymmetric wars of attrition or normalise into states of no peace – no war, our understanding of conflict and conflict intervention is shifting. Conflicts are rarely determined by military victory, diplomacy or long-term development, but require securing populations through a comprehensive approach that sees to their political, and economic, as well as their security-related needs. Their outcome will be determined by how well the different arms of government and civil society, both locally and internationally, can work together and how well they understand each others' perspectives.

This interdisciplinary and custom designed MSc offers the unique opportunity to look at conflict, conflict intervention and post-conflict reconstruction through the lenses of defence, development and diplomacy.

The MSc is designed for graduates with a career in government, the armed forces, inter-governmental organisations, NGOs or academia in mind, and for practitioners looking to enhance their practical skills while placing these within a broader theoretical perspective.

Five core modules worth 75 credits plus a Dissertation worth 60 credits plus three optional modules to the value of 45 credits.

Core modules:

  • Defence, Development and Diplomacy in Conflict: Evolving Actors, Factors and Paradigms
  • Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace
  • International Law and Conflict Intervention
  • Post-Conflict Reconstruction and State-Building
  • Capstone Exercise: Humanitarian Intervention Simulation
  • Dissertation

Examples of optional modules:

  • Transitory Lives: Migration Research and Advocacy
  • Conflict Mediation
  • Fieldtrip
  • Gender, Security, and Post-conflict Reconstruction
  • Contemporary Challenges in UN Peacekeeping
  • Conflict Analysis
  • Urban Violence - Urban Peacebuilding
  • Capturing and Counting Peace and Conflict
  • Participatory Approaches to Peace and Development
  • Conflict Sensitive Programme Management
  • Curating Human Remains
  • Defence Engagement and Entrepreneurship
  • Assessing Martial Power.

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

UK students
£14,700.00 per year
International students
£24,900.00 per year

For further information see the course listing.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

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