MA Conflict, Displacement and Human Security
Course overview
Start date
September 2020
Subject area
Politics and International Development
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
On this cutting-edge course, we specialise in giving our students an advanced and comprehensive understanding of the relationship between conflict, displacement and human insecurity.
We will help you to develop the skills and understanding to prepare for employment in the fields of conflict management and resolution, humanitarian assistance and development, human rights and social justice.
The key aspects of your learning will be the focus on conflict and displacement. We value a people-centred approach and an emphasis on human security which combines both human rights and human development.
The course approaches development as an important security strategy and considers displacement a measure of human security. We will encourage you to adopt an independent critical approach to contemporary theories of conflict, human rights and human security.
You will work with academics involved in the latest research and have access to wide-ranging expertise in our research centres, covering human rights in conflict, social justice and change, migration, refugees and belonging and gender research.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out moreA distinctive people-centred approach to learning about conflict, displacements and human security
We consider people who are forcible displaced due to violence to be social actors with agency. Our academic team have personal experiences of conflict-induced migration. This shapes our professional engagement in this field of study.
Specialised skills to give you an advantage in the sector
We will give you the wide-ranging skills and knowledge to work in the fields of conflict resolution and social justice, human rights and humanitarian assistance and development.
Excellent placement opportunities
We focus on employability via a course integrated internship in relevant community, non-governmental or governmental organisations. This provides an opportunity for critical learning and reflexive approach to practice.
Likewise, civic engagement projects carried out at UEL will offer you the opportunity to support and advocate on behalf of individuals and communities displaced by armed conflicts.
What we're researching
You will be taught by internationally known scholars who have
published extensively in the fields of conflict and peace studies, forced
migration and refugee studies, gender studies, humanitarianism and development.
Our academic team are engaged in innovative research on the key issues of
today’s globalised world such as: human (in)security and contemporary conflicts;
gender power systems of conflict and gendered processes of building peace; genocide
narratives and psycho-social reconstruction.
We are actively engaged in research that makes a positive social
change in the geographic areas of our research and beyond. Our staff have
regional expertise and contacts in Africa, Latin America, Middle East, Europe
and Western Balkans.
Our research centres and groups regularly run research seminars and events, and
we invite our postgraduate students to be actively involved in our vibrant
research community.
Making a difference
UEL is one of the UK’s leading modern research universities. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 17 per cent of our overall research submission was classified as ‘world-leading’ for its quality and impact – almost double our previous REF score. A further 45 per cent of our work was considered ‘internationally excellent’.
Mae Thompson
MA Conflict Displacement and Human Security Testimonial
The Conflict, Displacement, and Human Security postgraduate programme took a no-frills approach to exploring the complex issues surrounding conflict and disaster.
I was encouraged to engage critically with these issues, and the course has developed my understanding of the political and human implications of forced migration on a global scale.
I was surrounded by other open-minded and earnest students, all of which contributed unique and valuable experiences and perspectives that benefited my learning.
The lectures, seminars and assignments challenged me both as a student and a global citizen and have provided me with the knowledge and passion to pursue a career in this field.
Fees and funding
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Per 30 credit module
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA page for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Entry requirements
We would normally expect you to have Grade C in GCSE English and Maths.
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more here.
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll study
The following are the core and optional requirements for this programme:
• Introduction to Conflict, Displacement and Human Security (Mental Wealth) (core)
• Research Methods for the Social Sciences (core)
• Policy and Practice of Humanitarianism and Development (core)
• Independent Applied Research Dissertation (core)
• Forced Migration in the Global Area (option)
• War and Human Rights (option)
• International Human Rights (option)
• International Refugee Law (option)
• Global Development Now (option)
• Comparative Public Policy (option)
• Global Environmental Politics (option)
• International Organisation (option)
How you'll be assessed
We assess you by your coursework: essays, reports, presentations, research proposal and dissertation. All modules are assessed and the final award takes account of all module marks.
Course specificationHow you'll learn
In addition to lectures and seminars, you will benefit from access to workshops and conferences organised by the Centre on Human Rights in Conflict, the Centre for Social Justice and Change, the Centre for Migration, Refugees and Belonging, the Feminist Research Group and other UEL-wide groups.
This means you have the opportunity to link up with key researchers in the area and gain an insight into the latest thinking on critical issues. You will also benefit from access to the Refugee Archive at UEL, which is one of the largest collections of materials on refugees and forced migration.
The archive contains materials on refugees in all parts of the world, with special emphasis on the UK. For more than 30 years it was housed at the Refugee Council - the lead organisation in Britain on refugee issues.
As an optional extra, you may also be involved in internships with local and international organisations and agencies working in the fields of displacement, conflict, conflict resolution, human rights, humanitarian assistance and development, as well as take part in civic engagement projects at UEL.
Our academic staff are actively involved in some of the key international research and are therefore well connected with major bodies such as UNICEF as well as government departments and NGOs.
Who will teach on this course
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
What you'll learn
This course will help you to develop important skills for a key role in the area of conflict, displacement and human security.
By the time you complete it, you should have acquired advanced critical and evaluative abilities, research management skills, the ability to design and deliver substantial written reports and social research projects, and high levels of competence in library and bibliographical research.
You will also have gained skills in data collection and analysis. You will have enhanced abilities in verbal presentation, familiarity with means of dissemination and mobilising research findings, and an advanced ability to collaborate in research groups and teams.
The course provides an inter-disciplinary approach to the study of the conflict, generalised violence and social inequality in contemporary global contexts. It examines the complexities of global, regional and local structures, and the relationships to the changing character of conflict.
Your studies will focus on two core modules: Conflict; Displacement and Human Security, and Research Methods and two specialist option modules in the areas of displacement, development, human rights, global environmental politics and community development. This will prepare you to begin a dissertation during the summer term for submission in September.
Your future career
Our course is specifically aimed at giving you the skills, knowledge and understanding for a career in the fields of conflict management and resolution, humanitarian assistance and displacement, human rights and development initiatives.
You will develop the critical thinking skills and flexibility for a role in an NGO or in a government department or agency, both in developing and developed countries.
The course will also develop your skills for further academic research in conflict, displacement, development and human rights fields, as well as in associated areas of social and political theory.
If you are interested to continue to PhD level, our course gives you the opportunity to apply for ESRC funding through the UBEL Doctoral Training Partnership Programme.We will encourage you to develop relationships with local and international organisations and agencies through internships. Our academic staff also work closely with major players in the area.
Dr Giorgia Doná is Professor of Forced Migration and Refugee Studies and her research focuses on forced migration and refugee movements, violence and society, child protection and psycho-social assistance, with a geographical focus on Central America and East Africa. She has undertaken consultancy work for UNICEF, governments and NGOs.
Dr Afaf Jabiri is Senior Lecturer in Refugee Studies and NGOs management. Her research focuses on forced migration and refugees in the Middle East, Palestinian refugees, gender and religion; and gender and development. She is a member of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr Centre for Human Rights’ Global Initiative on violence against women. She was the Regional Director of the Karama (Dignity) Network and the Director of the Jordanian Women’s Union Aid Centre and Shelter for Women’s Survivors of Violence. She has also worked as women’s protection officer at UNHCR and served as a policy and advocacy advisor for international and domestic NGOs and UN agencies.
Dr Maja Korac-Sanderson is Reader in Migration and Refugee Studies and is a co-founder of the Women in Conflict Zones Network (WICZNET), an international network of scholars, policymakers and grassroots women’s groups from around the world. Her research focuses on conflict, gender and displacement, as well as conflict, intervention and development
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.
