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Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA Conflict, Governance and Global Development
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
Why are more countries experiencing violent conflict today than at any time since World War II? Is the global rise of populism threatening the future of democracy? And what does all this mean for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on peace, justice, and strong institutions?
Explore these urgent questions and more on our MA in Conflict, Governance and Global Development. You’ll delve into the study of comparative politics and gain a deep understanding of the complex relationship between governance, violent conflict and development. This dynamic programme equips you with the critical thinking and practical skills needed to navigate and respond to today’s most pressing global issues.
Throughout this one-year full-time programme, you'll draw on different theoretical approaches and explore a globally diverse set of real-world cases to deepen your understanding. You’ll explore key topics such as the global state of democracy in the 21st century and the complex dynamics of contemporary conflict through exciting, cutting-edge research, for example on gender dynamics in the rise of far-right populism, and on non-traditional approaches to security.
This course is housed in the School of Global Development, a world-leading centre for research, teaching, and practice, ranked as the No. 1 Development Studies institution in the UK (THE REF Analysis 2021). You’ll learn from interdisciplinary experts working at the forefront of key global issues—climate change and environmental justice, displacement and migration, gender, conflict resolution, humanitarian action, and food security. As part of our supportive and passionate community, you’ll be empowered to turn your knowledge into real-world impact—locally, nationally, and internationally.
Whether you're aiming for a career in policy, international development, diplomacy, or research, this MA will give you the tools to make a meaningful impact.
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What is Global Development?
Learn how global development is understood and its effects on communities, with a focus on Nairobi, Kenya, in this free, online course. Thro...
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Our Research - 1st in the UK for Development Studies
The School of Global Development is globally recognized for research excellence and ranked first in development studies (Times Higher REF An...
Placement Year
You have the option to choose a variant of this course with an integrated placement year. This gives you valuable UK industry experience as part of your Master’s degree.
In year one, you’ll complete your academic studies, including your dissertation, alongside an employability programme preparing you for UK work.
In year two, you’ll secure an industry placement or complete three employer-led industry projects with different UK organisations. This extra year lets you apply your learning professionally, strengthen your CV with UK experience, and boost your global career prospects.
You’ll lead the search for your placement, supported by employability workshops, coaching, and guidance from our specialist placement partner.
If you don’t secure a placement, you’ll complete three employer-led industry projects with organisations across different UK sectors.
For more information, check out our Postgraduate Placement Year page.
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Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- International organisations
- Governmental and non-governmental organisations
- Local governments
- Charities
- Private sector, consultancy organisations and think tanks
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
Our cutting-edge MA opens doors to career opportunities in high impact fields such as government agencies, international NGOs and bodies, think tanks, policy research institutions and corporate risk analysis. Previous graduates from the School of Global Development have gone on to work for the British High Commission in Ghana, the British Civil Service, CARE International, the European Union, the Overseas Development Institute, Oxfam, Save the Children International, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, WaterAid and PhD studies in related fields.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree -2.2
Degree Subject
Social Science
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Social Science
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner UEA International Study Centre. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £11,400
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International Students: £23,850
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.