Ranking
#1
Most targeted by UK employers
Course overview
Our MA in Global Conflict and Cooperation actively combines academic theory with hands-on diplomacy. Tackle contemporary global issues, dive into international relations, and master effective conflict resolution strategies to shape a more cooperative world.
Get equipped with advanced knowledge and practical skills to drive impactful change and influence global issues. Prepare to excel in today’s job market and advance your career with confidence, gaining expertise sought by employers in government, NGOs, and beyond locally and internationally.
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'll take a combination of 60 credits of compulsory/optional modules across various areas of Contemporary Perspectives on Conflict, Politics and International Relations. Examinations will take place throughout the term as courseworks, written exams and/or presentations.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
Explore the MA Global Conflict and Cooperation at the University of Birmingham, where theory meets practice in international relations. Gain practical diplomacy skills alongside academic insights, supported by faculty actively shaping global policy. Benefit from networking opportunities and competitive placements with leading organisations. Develop critical thinking and analytical aptitude through enquiry-based learning, addressing both inter and intrastate conflicts. Prepare for a dynamic career in government, NGOs, or international bodies with a programme that nurtures independent, proactive leaders ready to tackle complex global issues head-on.
- Blend theory with hands-on experience in resolving global conflicts and fostering cooperation.
- Learn from leaders shaping global policy and research in international relations.
- Gain competitive placements and skills for impactful roles in government, NGOs, and international organisations.
- 9th
in the UK for research power in Politics and International Studies (REF 2021)
- 41%
of our research is rated world-leading (REF 2021)
Course delivery
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
- Lectures: Academics give organised talks to large groups of students who take notes, less interactive.
- Tutorials: Small group discussions with a tutor which are informal.
- Seminars: Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture.
- 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.
Module information
The programme is composed of two 20-credit core modules completed by four 20-credit modules from our list of optional modules. To complete this and graduate with the 180 credits that will award you the MA, you will have to undertake a 60-credit dissertation.
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.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary Perspectives on Conflict | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Dissertation | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Global Cooperation on Global Problems | 20 | Semester 2 |
Optional Modules:
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 (UK 2:1, GPA 3.00)
or an equivalent qualification
Standard Entry Requirements:
- A good honours degree (UK 2:1, GPA 3.00) is required for admission to taught Masters programmes.
- The application form must be supported by two letters of reference
- Non-native English overseas students should also submit a statement of English language competence (TOEFL 580/237; IELTS 6.5).
- Entry at Graduate Diploma level is possible for those with a reasonable first degree. Graduate Diploma students can upgrade to the MA on satisfactory examination performance.
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
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
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.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
30 June 2025 is the application deadline for international students applying through the student route who wish to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2025 made after this date. The deadline for Home students is 30 August 2025.
Application Fee
For international applicants this programme is subject to a £50 non-refundable application fee. At the end of the application form, before you can submit it to us, you will be required to pay, or indicate how you will pay the required fee in order for us to process your application. Please complete and submit your application before paying your application fee.
Personal Statement
Entry to this programme is highly competitive and as a result your application and personal statement will be closely scrutinised by our Admissions Tutors. Please ensure that you spend some time familiarising yourself with the programme modules and outcomes. Personal Statements should be relevant to the programme and how you believe it will enable you to achieve your career goals.
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Our MA in Global Conflict and Cooperation prepares you for diverse and dynamic careers across government, international organisations, NGOs, and more. Through rigorous academic training complemented by networking opportunities and competitive work placements, you'll be prepared to tackle global challenges with confidence. Whether pursuing roles in diplomacy, national security, research, or policy-making, our course equips you to make a meaningful difference in today's complex geopolitical landscape.
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.