MSc Defence, Development and Diplomacy at Durham University

Taught by academics and practitioners, this custom-designed, interdisciplinary MSc offers a unique opportunity to examine violent conflict, conflict intervention, and post-conflict reconstruction through the lenses of defence, development, and diplomacy. Violent conflict remains a major challenge to global security and has become increasingly visible in recent years. From the civil wars to terrorist insurgencies, and the fragile ‘no-war-no-peace’ conditions that characterise many supposedly post-conflict environments, violence often appears both widespread and deeply entrenched.

Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences  |  Department: Politics and International Relations  |  Duration: 1 year full-time  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Durham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

This custom-designed, interdisciplinary MSc offers a unique opportunity to look at conflict, conflict intervention, and post-conflict reconstruction through the lenses of defence, development, and diplomacy. During the course, you will grapple with the visceral human and political challenges presented by warfare, analyse the lessons of past interventions for today’s policymakers, and assess the prospects for peacebuilding in the contemporary geopolitical landscape. You will explore the latest research using a range of innovative teaching techniques, delivered by a combination of academics and practitioners with expertise in areas such as violence and insecurity, international intervention, approaches to peace and justice, and mobility and displacement. Compulsory modules include Defence, Development and Diplomacy in Action, Perspectives on Peace, Conflict, and Security, Diplomacy, Law, and War, Reconstruction and Development, The Capstone Simulation Exercise, Dissertation.

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