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Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA Conflict, Governance and Global Development with a Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- January 2027
Course options
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
Why MA Conflict, Governance and Global Development with a Placement Year?
You’ll delve into the study of comparative politics and gain a deep understanding of the complex relationship between governance, violent conflict, and development. This dynamic programme equips you with the critical thinking and practical skills needed to navigate and respond to today’s most pressing global issues.
Why Choose UEA
- Leading development studies: Graduate with a degree from the UK’s top-ranked Development Studies department (THE REF Analysis 2021)
- Research-led learning: Learn about groundbreaking research on the global state of democracy and peace, in a course that uniquely combines key debates from Development Studies and Political Science
- Impactful career: Graduate ready for a career in policy, practice, or research, driving meaningful change at every level
What is MA Conflict, Governance and Global Development with a Placement Year?
Why are more countries experiencing violent conflict today than at any time since World War II? Is the global rise of populism threatening the future of democracy? And what does all this mean for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on peace, justice, and strong institutions?
In this course, you’ll explore these urgent questions and more. Throughout this full-time programme, you'll draw on different theoretical approaches and explore a globally diverse set of real-world cases to deepen your understanding.
You’ll explore key topics in democracy and democratisation as well as peace and conflict studies through exciting, cutting-edge research. For example, you may study gender dynamics in the rise of far-right populism, and non-traditional approaches to security.
Whether you're aiming for a career in practice, policy, or research, this MA will give you the tools to make a meaningful impact.
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What is Global Development?
Learn how global development is understood and its effects on communities, with a focus on Nairobi, Kenya, in this free, online course. Thro...
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Our Research - 1st in the UK for Development Studies
The School of Global Development is globally recognized for research excellence and ranked first in development studies (Times Higher REF An...
Placement Year
Choosing a Master’s course with a placement route gives you the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience as an integral part of your degree. The placement takes place during your second year and is supported by a structured employability programme designed to help you prepare for the workplace and secure an industry work placement.
During the first semester of your second year, you’ll take part in an intensive placement search with dedicated guidance and support. Placements are typically with UK organisations and last between eight and ten months, giving you the chance to apply your academic knowledge, develop workplace skills, and build professional networks in your chosen sector.
UEA works with a specialist, award-winning placement provider to offer tailored support throughout the process, helping you identify opportunities, strengthen your applications, and maximise your chances of securing a paid placement.
While UEA provides extensive support and resources, securing a suitable industry work placement is your responsibility. By actively engaging with the employability programme, your academic course, and our placement partner, you’ll be best placed to make the most of the opportunities available.
If you’re unable to secure an industry work placement, or don't meet the academic requirements for the placement year, you’ll have the opportunity to complete three structured industry projects with different UK organisations through another of UEA’s placement partners. These projects allow you to gain practical experience, work on real-world challenges, and develop skills across a range of professional environments.
Whichever route you take, you’ll graduate with valuable industry experience, enhanced employability skills, and a stronger foundation for your future career.
Find out more about the Postgraduate Placement Year(opens in a new window).
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MA Conflict, Governance and Global Development with a Placement Year degree, you could launch a career in:
- International organisations
- Non-governmental organisations
- Local and national governments
- Charities
- Private sector, consultancy organisations and think tanks
Career Support
Throughout your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to attend employability sessions at the university, and to seek career advice from Career Central(opens in a new window), UEA’s dedicated career support team. The School of Global Development also offers a dedicated extracurricular professional skills programme designed to enhance your employability and support your career development after graduation.
After the Course
After the course, you'll be part of a vibrant alumnae and alumni community who have entered a variety of careers in the civil society, governmental or private sector. UEA’s Career Central(opens in a new window) will continue to support you even after your graduation.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll study issues of democracy, peace, and conflict. You'll also have the flexibility to customise your degree to your interests and tailor your studies towards your intended career path. You’ll be able to choose from a range of optional modules covering topics such as climate change, gender, or media, and global development. This allows you to focus on the areas that interest you the most.
During the first year of your Master’s degree at UEA, you’ll complete a year-long Employability Skills module designed to help you prepare for your placement year and develop the skills needed to successfully apply for opportunities.
You’ll take part in practical workshops covering areas such as CV writing, interview preparation, and developing your professional presence on LinkedIn. You’ll also receive personalised support through one-to-one meetings, where you can discuss your application strategy, receive guidance, and practise your interview skills through mock interviews.
Sessions will be delivered through a combination of online and in-person activities. The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis, and you’ll need to attend at least 75% of sessions to successfully complete it and progress to your placement year.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll complete a 60-credit placement module, giving you the opportunity to gain professional experience related to your area of study. During the first semester, you’ll take part in an intensive placement search supported by dedicated guidance and six in-person workshops at UEA. These sessions will help you reflect on your progress, strengthen your approach, and make the most of the placement search process.
If you’re unable to secure an industry work placement by the end of the search period, you’ll have the opportunity to complete three structured industry projects, allowing you to gain practical experience by working on real-world challenges.
At the end of the module, you’ll submit an assessment portfolio containing evidence from your placement search and a reflective report on your placement experience. This will allow you to demonstrate the skills you’ve developed, your growing understanding of your chosen sector, and your future professional development goals. The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
By completing the placement module, you’ll enhance your career confidence, strengthen your CV, expand your professional network, and gain valuable experience to support your next career step in the UK or internationally.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
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Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll have a minimum of 10 hours in the classroom every week, typically distributed across lectures, seminars, and workshops. The type and duration of these sessions can vary depending on the module and topic covered each week.
Most teaching sessions are highly interactive, asking you to engage in academic debates with your lecturers and your peers. The use of technology in our teaching delivery is widespread, including online reading and other course materials.
You’ll also spend time on your independent study to prepare for in-class sessions and assignments.
Assessment
The purpose of all our assessment formats is to support you in developing transferable skills, including evidence-based argumentation, high levels of critical analysis, and the ability to express your own academic voice in writing and speaking.
Your core modules will be assessed through written assignments, while verbal contributions will play an important role in your formative learning. Assessment methods for optional modules will vary depending on the subjects you select.
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support(opens in a new window) services about how we can help.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree -2.2
Degree Subject
Social Science. Preferred subjects include Political Science, Sociology, Economics or Anthropology.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Social Science. Preferred subjects include Political Science, Sociology, Economics or Anthropology.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner UEA International Study Centre. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £11,400
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International Students: £23,850
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.