
Conflict, Development and Human Rights, MA
Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom
Course overview
Conflict, development, and human rights are deeply interconnected themes shaping societies, particularly in the Global South. Conflict, whether armed, political, or social; often disrupts development, undermining economic growth, governance, and social cohesion. Conversely, inclusive development can mitigate conflict by addressing inequality and marginalisation.
Human rights serve as a foundational framework, ensuring dignity, justice, and freedom for all. Our MA in Conflict, Development and Human Rights will help you to understand and analyse these dynamics, which in turn is essential for examining global challenges, crafting policy, and promoting sustainable peace and development. This interdisciplinary field demands critical engagement with historical contexts, legal instruments, and contemporary case studies to explore how societies can navigate tensions while advancing equitable and rights-based development.
This course can be studied full-time over one year, or part-time over two or three years. We also offer an Extended MA, taught over two years full time or four years part time. Our Extended Masters Programme includes a semester abroad during which you will be based at another university.
Members of our academic teaching team and support teams are experienced in preparing you for and supporting you during this additional year. Students are provided with continuous administrative and pastoral support throughout the year to ensure you benefit fully from this time.
Key highlights
- Interdisciplinary study of conflict, development and human rights in the Global South
- Critical engagement with historical contexts, legal instruments and contemporary case studies
- Extended MA option includes a semester abroad at another university
- Develops skills for policy work and promoting sustainable peace
- Continuous administrative and pastoral support during the semester abroad
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:2 — 2:2
Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries
First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.
Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)
The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.
Careers this course leads to
- Human rights officer
- Policy analyst
- International development officer
- Humanitarian programme coordinator
- Peacebuilding and conflict resolution specialist
- NGO advocacy officer
Cost of study
UK/Home: £10,200 per year | International: £22,300 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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