MSc Violence, Conflict and Development
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

The MSc Violence, Conflict and Development is of interest for development practitioners, activists, and students with a scholarly interest in the patterns of violence internationally, in how violence affects development, and in how the uneven processes of development themselves may both generate violence and generate mechanisms for containing violence.

As the pioneering programme of its kind internationally, this MSc programme develops detailed empirical knowledge and analytical skills for understanding the complex linkages between violent conflict and development, both historically and today. It enables students to explore these linkages both within specific country and regional contexts and in the context of global interdependencies and the ways these affect peace, war, and non-war violence.

The programme introduces students to competing analytical approaches. It is multi-disciplinary though shaped by a particular interest in political economy. It encourages deep case study knowledge. And it offers students the ability to tailor their choice of optional courses and dissertation research to their own interests.

The MSc in Violence, Conflict and Development draws on the exceptional expertise at SOAS in different disciplinary understanding of development challenges and processes as well as the strong commitment among all teaching staff to area expertise. Staff teaching on this programme are research active and have a range of links to international organisations. The degree has been developed to meet the needs of people working, or hoping to work, in international agencies, humanitarian organisations, and NGOs.

Minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent). Relevant work experience may also be considered.

September - September (Full time)
This programme may also be taken part time over 24 or 36 months.

There are two distinctive features which give Development Studies at SOAS characteristics not available elsewhere. The first is the School's outstanding reputation for the study of non-Western systems of thought and law. The second is its unrivalled regional specialisation in the languages and cultures of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The department hosts a wide range of seminars from high profile speakers and professionals working in the development sector.