MSc in Conflict, Territories and Identities Radboud University

How can violent conflicts be analyzed and addressed? This is a recurring question, particularly given the ongoing violence in countries like DR Congo and Afghanistan, and the outbursts of civil war in Iraq and Ukraine more recently. In this Master's you will study national and international conflict, and the territorial boundaries and borders in the minds of the people involved. You will also become familiar with the theory and practice of those organisations, such as NGOs and the UN, who intervene in violent conflict and its aftermath, as well as the efforts by local actors to transform and resolve conflict.

The foundation of this specialisation is socio-geographical, addressing issues such as the influence of territorial belonging, geopolitical framing and social construction of others, threats, and conflicts, including violent symbolism. Both the political and social construction of conflicts, territories, and identities, as well as the theory and practice of conflict transformations will be addressed. The specialisation focuses on conflict in the broad sense of the word: ranging from the violent conflicts taking place in countries like Ukraine, DR Congo, Colombia, Syria and Iraq to extreme regional tension between communities like the resistance to the arrival of refugees in EU countries, or drug-related violence in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. We look beyond the violent conflict itself by also paying attention to practices of post-conflict reconstruction and the long-lasting consequences of conflicts for a region and the people involved.

Facts and figures

• Degree: MSc in Human Geography
• Faculty: Nijmegen School of Management
• Croho code: 60466
• Duration: 1 year (60 EC), full time
• Start month: September
• Language: English
• Enrolled students: 80-90 per year
• Contact hours: 5-10 hours per week

Why study this programme

• The foundation of this specialisation is socio-geographical, addressing issues such as the influence of territorial belonging, geopolitical framing and social construction of others, threats, and conflicts, including violent symbolism. Both the political and social construction of conflicts, territories, and identities, as well as the theory and practice of conflict transformations will be addressed.
• The specialisation focuses on conflict in the broad sense of the word: ranging from the violent conflicts taking place in countries like Ukraine, DR Congo, Colombia, Syria and Iraq to extreme regional tension between communities like the resistance to the arrival of refugees in EU countries, or drug-related violence in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. We look beyond the violent conflict itself by also paying attention to practices of post-conflict reconstruction and the long-lasting consequences of conflicts for a region and the people involved.
• Over the past years, Radboud University has made a name for itself in the field of Human Geography for not shying away from critical debates and by researching topics in the field that are of social importance but not always favoured with large (EU) funding. We’re known for not staying on the beaten path.
• Our approach is highly multidisciplinary, it includes fields as sociology, anthropology, international relations, border studies, development studies, migration studies, political science, and public administration.
• This specialisation is offered in collaboration with the Centre for International Conflict - Analysis & Management (CICAM).

Specialisations

Conflicts, Territories, and Identities is a specialisation of the Master’s programme in Human Geography. The other specialisations are:

• Cultural Geography and Tourism
• Economic Geography
• Europe: Borders, Identity and Governance
• Globalisation, Migration, and Development
• Urban and Cultural Geography
• Dual Degree Programme with the Universitas Gadjah Mada
• New Economic Geographies, Ecologies and Business Innovation

Career Prospects

The Master's specialisation in Conflicts, Territories, and Identities provides graduates entry into rapidly growing sectors of the job market, be it government, business or academia. Graduates will be able to apply the scientific insights and practical skills acquired to topics as varied as (post)colonialism, geopolitics, failing states, (religious and national) identities, discrimination and integration, bordering and othering processes, natural resources, humanitarian aid, diplomacy, peace operations.

With expertise gained during this Master’s, a graduate can be employed in a wide range of jobs, both in and outside the Netherlands, for example:

• A policymaker or programme researcher for city municipalities focusing on conflict, borders, identities, integration and multicultural issues
• Conflict expert and manager or field officer for ministries (like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), the security sector (like Defence), international organisations (like the United Nations), and NGOs (like PAX).
• A research or programme officer for a development aid related organisation
• An academic researcher or at a university (PhD candidate) or research institute involved with borders, conflicts or terrorism
• A journalist, communication officer or media specialist specialised in issues regarding war, conflict zones, and terrorism.
• A geography teacher in secondary, tertiary or vocational education

Radboud Career Service

Radboud Career Service helps students with finding internships, gives career advice and can offer tips and guidance when applying for jobs.