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Our Master of Arts in International Conflict Studies offers a rigorous, comprehensive examination of international conflicts and security issues. This program bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, delivering deep engagement with academic concepts while equipping students with investigative techniques for analyzing real-world conflicts, violence, and security challenges. The curriculum adopts a global perspective, exploring topics such as identity politics in violent conflicts, the interplay between security policies and human rights, and the linguistic dimensions of conflict. You'll examine ethical considerations in conflict research and how race, culture, and gender intersect with security dynamics.Program advantagesThis distinctive postgraduate degree develops essential intellectual capabilities and research competencies for professional growth. You'll acquire advanced critical thinking skills for evaluating international security research, expertise in analyzing complex conflict environments, and proficiency in qualitative research methods.The program fosters independent and collaborative research abilities through hands-on analytical projects.Assessments enhance written, oral, and visual communication skills alongside debate techniques.Our faculty comprises distinguished International Relations scholars specializing in critical security studies.Students benefit from guest lectures by experts across security, migration, human rights, humanitarian law, diplomacy, and surveillance fields.Recognized by prestigious UK research councils and the British Academy, our department maintains an outstanding reputation for graduate education in conflict and security studies.Our central London location near government institutions, cultural landmarks like the Imperial War Museum, and legal centers provides exceptional academic and professional networking opportunities.Graduates establish careers across diverse sectors including international bodies (UN, NATO), government agencies, policy research institutions, media outlets, academic institutions, and NGOs like Amnesty International.Career pathways: Professional outcomesMA ICS alumni secure positions in human rights organizations, conflict resolution think tanks, government departments (Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence), and global institutions. Career paths span journalism, financial services, academia, diplomacy, military service, and beyond. Notable alumni roles include European Political Strategist at POLITICO, Defense Policy Researcher at NATO College, and Political Risk Assessment Director.
Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree. If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements: Undergraduate degree with 2:1 honours in International Relations, War Studies, History, Political Science, Strategic Studies, Criminology, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, Psychiatry, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Theology. Applications from students with first degree in other areas, including science, language, and journalism, are also welcome.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Bachelor (Honours) degree / Master of Arts (Honours) degree with Upper Second Class Honours and 60% overall from the final two years,
IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each skill
TOEFL iBT: 100 overall with a minimum of 25 in writing and 23 in each of the other skills.