Conflict, Security and Development

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in their first degree in a relevant subject area. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.

Months of entry

September

Course content

• You’ll gain an insider’s view of the challenges faced by organisations and government agencies when responding to humanitarian crises, civil wars and international conflict
• Benefit from an accredited work placement in the UK or overseas in the development, diplomacy or policy making sectors
• Expand your knowledge with regular extra-curricular departmental talks by policy makers, activists and visiting scholars
• Learn from world-leading experts with real-world experience
• In a time of constant global change your understanding of complex political and cultural issues will be highly relevant to a range of careers in international politics, security and development

The MA Conflict, Security and Development builds on Exeter’s strengths in international relations and security and is particularly relevant to students hoping to work for NGOs, aid organisations, international bodies such as the United Nations or other international agencies. Our high quality academic training is balanced with valuable professional skills development, giving you a fully-rounded degree which truly enhances your CV.

The programme aims to give you first-hand insight into the challenges faced by organisations and government agencies when responding to humanitarian crises, civil wars and international conflict. By gaining an insider's view of the challenges involved in activities such as conflict analysis, post-conflict reconstruction or policy development, you'll be better equipped to interrogate the myths that surround conflict, security and development and improve your understanding of their relationship within a political context.

You can tailor your programme to your specific interests or careers ambitions with our array of optional modules such as Quantitative Data Analysis, State and Society in the Middle East, US Foreign Policy and State Building after Civil War.

Information for international students

Fees and funding

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.