Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreKey details
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
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Why MA Conflict, Governance and Global Development?
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.
What is MA Conflict, Governance and Global Development?
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 one-year 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.
With an MA Conflict, Governance and Global Development degree, you could launch a career in:
International organisations
Non-governmental organisations
Local and national governments
Charities
Private sector, consultancy organisations and think tanks
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 on graduation.
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.
You’ll study the core issues of political development, including explanations for the emergence and survival of democracy, risks of democratic backsliding, causes of violent conflict and potential pathways to peace. 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 contemporary world development, gender, or media and global development, allowing you to focus on the areas that interest you the most.
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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Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreTeaching 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.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
Bachelors degree -2.2
Social Sciences. Preferred subjects include Political Science, Sociology, Economics or Anthropology
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.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Social Sciences. Preferred subjects include Political Science, Sociology, Economics or Anthropology
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.
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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.
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
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
UK Students: £11,950
International Students: £25,000
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.
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
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).
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.
Conflict, Governance and Global Development starting January 2028 for 1 year