UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Social Sciences Division of Peace Studies Programme title: MA in Conflict, Security and Development

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1 UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Social Sciences Division of Peace Studies Programme title: MA in Conflict, Security and Development Awarding and teaching institution: Final award and interim award(s): Programme title: Programme approved / accredited by: Duration: UCAS code Relevant subject benchmark statement(s): FHEQ Level: University of Bradford MA Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7] Conflict, Security and Development N/A 1 year full time, 2-5 years part-time N/A N/A 7 Date produced: July 2008 Last updated : June 2015 Introduction The MA in Conflict, Security and Development has been established in recognition of the way that the relationship between security and development has increasingly guided policy action and academic analysis on a range of issues in the post-cold War era. There is a much longer lineage of academic and policy concern with such issues, a lineage explored in the programme. Nevertheless, the interactions of security, conflict and development and its manifestation in debates about the securitydevelopment nexus is generally considered to be one of the defining features of the Post-Cold War security debate. For supporters, this conceptual merger has been central to the success of recent campaigns to raise aid, eliminate debt, address global ills such as landmines and promote human security inside weak and post conflict states. For critics, on the other hand, this linking of development and security has 1

2 unduly securitised the representation of a range of developing world actors and has legitimised a variety of quasi-imperial Western interventions ranging from the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan to external imposition of extensive programmes of economic, political and social reform inside formerly sovereign states. This programme draws on the work of the Division of Peace Studies staff that have made important contributions to the academic and policy debates on the securitisation of development, the relationship between intervention, peacebuilding and the liberal peace and explored alternative models of both security and development. The programme is particularly distinctive because it reflects on both the critical approach to analysis of the securitydevelopment nexus adopted by key members of staff involved in delivering this programme whilst also drawing on the extensive experience of staff in providing policy advice to a range of governments and other agencies. The Master programme examines these issues and debates primarily from the perspectives of peace, conflict and security studies. It is thus distinct from, and complementary to, the Master programme in Peace, Conflict and Development Studies, which is a joint programme of both Development Studies and Peace Studies within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The latter programme involves detailed examining of key theories, issues and debates in development studies as well as peace studies, and focuses in detail on their inter relationships. The MA in Conflict, Security and Development is located within the Division of Peace Studies, an internationally recognised centre for excellence in teaching and research on peace and conflict issues. Our staff are accomplished scholars; and many also deploy their research skills in a range of practical issues in many parts of the world. Our international reputation received formal confirmation in 2002, when the Division Peace Studies was chosen from more than 100 universities worldwide to be one of six Rotary International Peace Centres. The Master programme attracts many students who already possess significant experience, often in some of the most challenging conflict affected societies in the work. The programme is structured to enable experienced practitioners to reflect on and systematise their existing knowledge through engagement with theory and research, and provides an opportunity for you to share and learn with and from other students. With an MA in Conflict, Security and Development, you would be able to apply for a range of different jobs both in the public sector and the private sector, at community, national or international levels. Good transferable skills development opens many options, but the programme will particularly enhance employability in the organisations or roles relevant to conflictsecurity-development nexus issues in developing, fragile or conflict affected states. 2

3 Programme Aims The programme is intended to: A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 Develop your skills to enable you to evaluate theory and policy in relation to the inter relationships between security and development. Develop your autonomous learning skills for lifelong learning. Develop your personal and transferable skills in communication, research and planning. Equip you with the knowledge and skills to develop and to critically analyse policy and practice on the security development nexus, and the interrelationships between security and development in fragile and conflict affected regions. Equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a reflective and critical analyst and practitioner. Critically analyse current and emerging research and practice as it relates to the security-development nexus and the inter relationships between these in fragile and conflict affected states and international policies towards these. Critically appraise the nature of evidence in peace, conflict and development. Formulate and independently investigate and analyse a complex research question and communicate your findings at an advanced level. Programme Learning Outcomes When you have successfully completed level 7 of the programme you will be able to: Postgraduate Certificate LO1. Comprehend and differentiate alternative theories, concepts, interpretations and discourses relevant to the study of security and development issues and particularly those that are relevant to fragile and conflict affected states. LO2. Relate the study of security and development, particularly in fragile or conflict affected states, to wider debates in the field of peace studies; LO3. Use initiative in self-directed learning and construct written argument. LO4. Critically evaluate theories, concepts, policies and programmes relating to the security-development nexus and engage in an advanced evaluation of their significance, validity and implications for policy and practice. Postgraduate Diploma LO5. Critically assess the nature, significance of and relationship between varied security and development issues facing fragile and conflict 3

4 affected states, including resource management, and provide advanced analysis of international policy debates, challenges and responses in the field of conflict, security and development. LO6. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use communication and information technology for the retrieval of and presentation of information, work independently, demonstrating initiative, self organisation and time management and collaborate with others to achieve common goals. Master LO7. Gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments which address specific problems. LO8. Apply conceptual frameworks and research methodologies to case studies. LO9. Demonstrate a detailed and critical knowledge of current research and scholarship in a specialist area. LO10. Apply critical reasoning to the existing evidence base and scholarship. Curriculum For the Master, you must study modules amounting to 180 credits which includes a dissertation worth 60 credits and taught programmes amounting to 120 credits. If you are studying full time you must take taught modules amounting to 60 credits in each semester. The Postgraduate Diploma programme extends over a period of two semesters (full time) or four semesters (part time). You must study modules amounting to 120 credits. If you are studying full time you must take taught modules amounting to 60 credits in each semester. You may take the Master or Postgraduate Diploma on a part-time basis over two years. If you are a part time student you must take 60 credits in your first year, and a further 60 taught credits in your second year. Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma [Level 7] Module Code SP-7008D Module Title Type Credits Level Study period Introduction to Peace Core Studies SP-7009D SP-7003D Fragile States and the Security-Development Nexus Natural Resource Governance, Conflict and Co-operation Core Core

5 SP-7007D Introduction to African Politics Option SP-7010D Conflict Resolution Theory Option SP-7011D International Politics and Security Studies Option SP-7033D Framing the Middle East Option SP-7002D Gender, Conflict and Development Option SP-7001D Africa Study Visit Option SP-7004D Cities in Conflict Option SP-7006D African Security Studies Option SP-7013D SP-7015D SP-7026D Masters [Level 7] Module Code The Authoritarian Challenge to Democracy Regional and Global Security Politics Peacekeeping, Peacebuilding and Statebuilding Option Option Option Module Title Type Credits Level Study period SP-7019Z Dissertation (CSD) Core 60 7 DISS The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. Teaching and Assessment Strategies Our teaching and learning strategies are structured around principles of participation and promote your active collaboration. They encourage the development of your existing skills in a range of areas, from subject specific knowledge to transferable and applied skills that are essential for future employability. A variety of strategies are employed on the Master programme including lectures, tutorials, simulations, role play, seminars and group work. Hand outs supplement the lectures and audio-visual aids are employed where appropriate. We strongly encourage the use of digital learning technologies, for example the use of podcasts of major international conferences and interviews, Skype conferences with colleagues and peers, virtual field work and the use of tools such as webquest. A virtual learning environment called Blackboard will also be used to support tandem learning (posting of lecture notes and presentations, readings and other relevant materials; discussion groups, notice boards and 5

6 announcements) and as a portal to information and organisations which focus on peace and conflict issues. There is also a schedule of Divisional seminars and guest speakers. A range of assessment methodologies are employed across the modules including essays, reflexive journals, analysis reports, and formally assessed group and individual presentations. These are configured to enable you to meet the learning aims and outcomes of the Master programme. A dissertation of 14-15,000 words (maximum) must be submitted by a date to be determined by the Division each year and clearly specified in the Master handbook. Assessment Regulations This programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link: Admission Requirements The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these. Learning Resources The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and the specialist library in the Faculty of Management and Law provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each Faculty provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the 6

7 information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly. Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University account, personal information and programmerelated materials this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available. Student Support and Guidance Programme Team Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the programme team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The Faculty will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. Students Union We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students Union, through a system of student representatives and formal Staff Student Liaison Committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. The Students Union provides professional academic representation and advice. The Students Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Students Union. Employability and Career Development The University is committed to helping you to develop and enhance your employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within the curriculum. Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting you to develop your commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, 7

8 graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part-time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services website The specific provision on this programme is intended to meet the employability expectations of Peace Studies graduates. These are typically focused on careers in conflict management, international organisations, nongovernmental organisations, civil service, local government, police, journalism, diplomacy, research and education. The MA in Conflict, Security and Development provides applied skills and knowledge, and the critical research and analysis capacities that are required by employers in these fields. Teaching on the programme is research informed and delivered by an academic team that is engaged in knowledge transfer activities with employers and practitioners, enabling us to constantly review our employer engagement capability. The Master programme provides a mix of both discipline and personal transferable skills. Graduates develop an independent and critical ability to gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence or data, to use communication and information technology for the retrieval of and presentation of information, to demonstrate initiative, and to collaborate with others to achieve common goals. The calibre and diversity of our student body adds value to our programme in terms of the networking opportunities provided. Academic Skills Advice Service For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of programme discipline. You can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study. 8

9 Disability Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: or via disabilities@bradford.ac.uk University Policies and Initiatives Learning and Teaching Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop in your area of study. Our research-informed programmes have a particular focus on developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative, real world and enquiry based learning, supported by appropriate learning technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement, but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing level of challenge as you progress through your programme. Together, these lead to you developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life beyond university. Ecoversity Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see 9

10 Further Information For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. The Admissions Office The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK The Admissions Office Faculty of Social Sciences The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP +44 (0) The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures. 10