Conflict, Security and DevelopmentMSc
- Ranking#1Most targeted by UK employers
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptember 2025Duration12 months full time, 24 months part time (part time options only available to UK students)
- AwardMaster of Science
- Entry requirementsUpper 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
- Fees£11,740 (full-time) / £5,870 (part-time)
Page contents
Course overview
Tackle global peace and conflict issues. This course will prepare you to support and create peaceful governance in conflict areas by engaging with critical debates on accountability, human rights, and democratisation.
Gain practical and academic expertise for impactful careers in international development, government, or NGOs. You'll benefit from international fieldwork, flexible modules, and strong academic support, equipping you to lead in conflict analysis, good governance, and international risk management.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis for Home students. You will study 3 core modules completed by 3 to 4 optional modules as well as a mandatory dissertation.
Begin the first semester with a 20-credit core module exploring key development theories, focusing on the economic, social, and political aspects of international development. Apply these theories to contemporary case studies, developing a critical understanding of development practices. Complement this with a combination of optional modules from the International Development, Politics, and International Relations areas. Assessments will include coursework, written exams, and case studies.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
This course stands out for its international focus on developing countries, interdisciplinary approach, and integration of academic rigor with practical application. You'll benefit from overseas fieldwork, a highly regarded International Development Department, and strong academic support. The flexible programme, taught by expert faculty, accommodates diverse backgrounds and prepares you for impactful careers in conflict analysis, governance, and international risk management. Join a vibrant, global community and gain the skills and connections needed to excel in NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations.
- International Focus: Specialise in conflict and governance issues in developing countries, aligning with global policy debates.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Study diverse fields such as human rights, corruption, and state-building for comprehensive understanding.
- Practical Experience: Benefit from overseas fieldwork opportunities, enhancing real-world skills in conflict analysis and management.
- Strong Support: Join an internationally well-regarding department where experienced and friendly faculty members will provide you with personalised guidance and support
- #3
International Development Department ranked 3rd in the UK for research which impacts on society (REF 2021)
Course delivery
Teaching and learning methods include short lectures, problem solving, role play and group work, self-directed research, policy-documented and practical work amongst others.
- Tutorials: Small group discussions with a tutor which are informal.
- Workshops: Workshops are for smaller groups, but instead of discussion, students might learn about a tool or a technique that they will be required to know about for their course. They are usually more hands-on learning that allow discussion regarding the given topic.
- Online live classes: Classes with this format meet at a regularly scheduled time online. You can interact live with your instructor and classmates as you all work together at the same time and same days.
Module information
The programme is composed of three 20-credit core modules completed by 60 credits selected from our list of optional modules. To complete this and graduate with the 180 credits that will award you the MSc, you will have to undertake a 60-credit dissertation work.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- A good Honours degree
or its equivalent in a relevant field
Standard Entry Requirements:
- An upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field (the equivalent US Grade Point Average is 3.2) or
- A lower second-class Honours degree from an approved university with excellent work experience.
- Adequate capacity in written and spoken English.
- Degrees from all disciplines are considered and a candidate's work experience can also be taken into consideration.
For those whose first language is not English, an IELTS Certificate is required.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £11,740
Full-time
- £5,870
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Career opportunities
This programme provides a framework for exploring academic synergies and for students to undertake genuinely interdisciplinary study. Students leaving this programme will be academically well-trained but also be in a position to undertake careers in conflict analysis, good governance and management in the developing world. This offers careers in NGOs, Government agencies and international organisations as well as organisations concerned with international risk and business within conflict areas.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.