What will I learn?

Our MSc in Conflict, Security and Development reflects the international debates about the nature of peace and conflict in the developing world and the approaches of the international community to support and create peaceful governance in areas of conflict.

Conflict, security and development is an area of increasing importance, and this programme will provide a direct link between the academic and practical policy approaches to analysing and recovery from conflicts. Contemporary debates will cover issues as broad as accountability and transparency, corruption, conflict, political settlement, human rights, participation, access to justice, democratisation and state building. The emphasis will be on developing countries and will be of interest to those already working in development or recent graduates with some work/volunteer experience seeking careers in development or government, or in NGOs related to governance, state-building and peace.

The International Development Department is well-regarded internationally by sponsors, donor agencies, governments and NGOs. Study with us to benefit from:

Expertise in key issues and skills valued by employers
A vibrant, welcoming community
Individual overseas fieldwork or study visit included in fees (on-campus programmes)
Flexible programmes and a wide choice of modules (part-time students are welcome to apply)
A diverse and international student body
Strong support in study and English language skills

Which department am I in?

University of Birmingham

Study options

Full Time (12 months)

Tuition fees

£25,290.00 (27,55,502) per year

This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2025

Venue

University of Birmingham

Edgbaston,

Birmingham,

B15 2TT, CENTRAL ENGLAND, England

Entry requirements

For international students

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. Students need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is equivalent to: TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 21 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing; Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 59 in all four skills; Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.