Page 2 of 2, 21 MSc Programs in Peace and Conflict Studies 2024

We welcome those who have worked in the field of development and/or conflict, but we also accept applications from students without relevant work experience who can demonstrate a strong interest in the major themes of the programme and a strong first degree, preferably in social science.

The programme is designed for Masters students who are interested in the politics of human rights, humanitarianism and international and transitional justice especially in conflict and post-conflict states. It is also highly relevant to anyone working or intending to work in international NGOs, international organizations, think tanks and advocacy groups in the areas of rights, humanitarian assistance and transitional justice. It also looks more broadly at the future of global human rights in a world where, many claim, the influence of the West is declining and asks critical questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms and humanitarian intervention. Students on this programme are able to participate in all of the activities of the Centre on Conflict, Rights and Justice - including closed and public seminars, workshops, expert briefings and professional training, a student-led blog, regular social events and the Centre's internship scheme (for a small group selected through a competitive application process).

The MSc Humanitarianism, Aid & Conflict builds on the strength of existing expertise in violence, conflict and global development within the Department of Development Studies and SOAS in general. The programme is designed to provide students with analytical training and an in-depth understanding of the challenges of contemporary humanitarian aid, its interaction with conflict and development and new directions in the field. The programme presents students with comprehensive knowledge of the history of the architecture of aid in humanitarian contexts, key local, regional and international actors, and engages with theoretical, conceptual and policy debates relating to the political and logistical challenges of the global responses to conflict, natural disasters and complex emergencies, the diverse range of critiques that have been made of it, emerging innovations, context-specific challenges and agendas from the Global South. In this unique programme is specifically designed to allow students to focus on and develop a wide-ranging knowledge of the field and the tools to critically engage with the pressing questions of power dynamics, politics, accountability, security and access that are facing the humanitarian organisations, academics and local communities today.

This is an online degree that engages critically with the history, politics and practice of humanitarian action. Students take the core module, followed by a selection of elective modules and a final dissertation.

Our postgraduate course in Terrorism, Policing and Security is designed to provide police officers with the necessary skills to help combat terrorism and international crime. Focusing on international security issues such as intelligence, military response and criminal justice, you will also analyse security closer to home and identify community policing’s role in combatting radicalisation. Learn how policing theory, governance and policymaking connects to global security via distance learning to better understand the international policing community.

The programme assesses terrorism events and issues of the 20th and 21st centuries and analyses the increasing ‘securitisation’ of social life. It connects the conceptual basis of academic study to practical issues facing the international community and considers emerging terrorism threats and issues pertaining to counter-terrorism, law enforcement, government agencies and the private sector.