MA Conflict, Governance and Global Development
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
Gain comprehensive knowledge in global political development and equip yourself with the necessary skills to navigate this highly relevant research area.
On our MA Conflict, Governance and Global Development course, you’ll critically assess the political development goals of sustainable peace, good governance and stable democracy.
Throughout this one-year full-time programme, you'll draw on different theoretical approaches and explore a diverse set of empirical examples to deepen your understanding. You’ll be challenged to consider alternative suggestions for establishing peace and inclusive, durable democracies.
Key topics will include the global state of democracy in the early 21st century; the political, social and economic effects of different political regimes and institutions; and the complex dynamics of violent conflict.
We adopt a unique multidisciplinary approach, making this postgraduate course a rewarding choice. Here at UEA, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to excellence and to making a difference on a local, national and global scale.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll study issues of democracy, governance, civil wars, peace and development perspectives. You'll also have the flexibility to customise your degree to your interests and tailor your studies towards your intended career path. You’ll be able to choose from a range of optional modules covering topics such as contemporary world development, gender, or media and international development – allowing you to focus on the areas that interest you the most.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll have a minimum of 10 hours in the classroom every week, typically distributed across two-hour lectures, one-hour seminars and/or two-hour workshops. The type and duration of these sessions can vary depending on the module and topic covered each week.
Lectures go beyond the customary ‘chalk-and-talk’ approach and include a range of interactive tasks and activities. The use of technology is also widespread, including the use of online reading and other course materials.
Through seminar group work and presentations, you'll be able to develop transferable skills such as articulating an argument both orally and in writing, as well as presenting academic information in a lucid and cogent manner.
Independent study
You’ll spend at least 30 hours in independent study each week. This gives you the chance to prepare for in-class sessions and assignments.
Assessment
Your core modules will be assessed based on written assignments, while verbal contributions will be key for your formative learning. Further assessment methods will differ depending on the optional modules you choose.
You'll receive verbal feedback on your arguments and ideas during seminars, which will help you develop skills in articulating an argument orally. You'll receive oral or written feedback on formative and summative coursework assignments.
If you’ve additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
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):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in Listening and Reading with 6.0 in Writing and Speaking)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies 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, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- INTO UEA
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 INTO UEA. 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.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £10,850
-
International Students: £22,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; 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.
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
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
Previous graduates from the School of Global Development have gone on to work for the British High Commission in Ghana, British Civil Service, CARE International, European Union, Overseas Development Institute, Oxfam, Save the Children International, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, WaterAid and PhD studies in related fields.
Depending on your degree outcome, you'll also be well qualified to enter a PhD programme with a view to continuing an academic career both in the UK and overseas.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- International organisations
- Governmental and non-governmental organisations
- Local governments
- Charities
- Private sector
Discover more on our Careers webpages.