Defence, Development and Diplomacy MSc

Course Summary

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.

Course Learning and Teaching

At the beginning of the academic year, you will go through two-day induction events in which you are informed about the University, the School, the MSc courses and the facilities available for your learning. The 180 credits one-year MSc degree course is divided into five core and three optional modules of 15 credits each. Furthermore, you will have to submit a dissertation of 60 credits of not more than 15,000 words. Most of the modules are delivered during the first two terms and you will spend the remaining time writing the dissertation. Formative assessment is given on seminar contributions, role plays, and formative essays. You will have the opportunity to meet your lecturers to discuss marks and other issues arising from their course performance. You will also have the opportunity to attend ‘essay surgeries’ in which you can discuss the structure and content of essays early in the course. You can also meet module coordinators or programme coordinators during your weekly contact hours or by making an appointment. When you are working on your dissertation during the latter half of the year, you are required to attend two 4-hour workshops. In addition, you have the opportunity to meet your assigned supervisor for an average of 6 meetings. You also have access to the MSc Programme Director and the School’s Director of Taught Postgraduate Studies whenever there is a need.

Career Opportunities

Our students go on to a wide range of successful careers including civil service and other government agencies, UN/INGOs/CSOs, journalism, media, teaching, law, banking and finance, diplomatic services and risk analysis.