FHEQ level

This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Course Aims

The aim of this MA programme is to analyse the complex relationships that lie at the heart of this development-security nexus in the global south, especially Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. Students will achieve a deeper understanding of three aspects:

It focuses on three key areas:

First, the MA examines the extent to which destructive cycles of insecurity and violence affect the possibility of development for large sections of the world's population.

Second, it analyzes the difficulties that aid agencies, non-governmental organisations, governments, and international organizations encounter when trying to negotiate these spirals of violence and insecurity - be it through armed intervention, the provision of aid, the sponsoring of peace-building processes, or assisting states in post-conflict reconstruction.

Finally, the MA also investigates whether underdevelopment can be said to constitute a security threat. Some Western governments, for example, claim that underdevelopment in the global South could threaten their national security by facilitating the international spread of terrorist and criminal networks.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the programme, the successful student will be able to:

1. Describe, explain and evaluate contending theoretical understandings of the relations between security and development
2. Have a basic knowledge of a number of case studies in conflict and development
3. Advance academically formulated ideas on how to respond to security-development crises
4. Understand and evaluate some of the practical problems faced by development organisations within contexts of political violence and insecurity
5. Utilise a range of practical skills including ICT and traditional resources and techniques for presentations of critical analysis, both written and oral
6. Undertake a substantial research project

Course learning outcomes

Describe, explain and evaluate contending theoretical understandings of the relations between security and development.

Have a basic knowledge of a number of case studies in conflict and development.

Advance academically formulated ideas on how to respond to security-development crises.

Understand and evaluate some of the practical problems faced by development organisations within contexts of political violence and insecurity

The ability to present concise and cogently structured arguments, both orally and in writing.

The ability to carry out critical analysis on complex issues related to the discipline.

The ability to apply a range of skills in the retrieval and use of primary and secondary sources.

The ability to deploy a range of communication and information technology skills.

The ability to communicate effectively with others, and present information both orally and in writing.

The ability to undertake a substantial research project.

Full-time course composition

Part-time course composition