ObjectivesThe vast majority of wars in the world today involve ethnic conflict within states. In the West, majority groups bemoan a loss of national identity while minority nations press for devolution or independence. Religious conflict between Islam, Judaism and Christendom once again looms large. This programme provides students with the analytical tools required to examine problems of national, ethnic and religious conflict in their broader context, drawing on research in comparative politics, history, sociology, cultural and genetic anthropology, political theory and international relations. It also fuses the post-1980 literature on nationalism and ethnic conflict with a wealth of real-world case studies covering every corner of the globe. During the degree you will develop the capacity to analyse political debates and issues in a critical manner, while improving teamwork and both written and oral communication skills. You will also learn to locate and analyse qualitative and quantitative data on nationalism from printed and electronic sources. Both master’s degrees will give you a good foundation from which to undertake an MPhil/PhD related to nationalism and ethno-religious conflict in the social sciences, or pursue a career in commercial research. They are also ideal if you want to further your knowledge of, or are planning a career in, international organisations, policy research, journalism, economic and political forecasting or private sector management.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Good honours degree in a social science or other relevant subject, though other qualifications may be considered.
Academic titleNationalism and Ethnic Conflict (MSc / MRes)
Course descriptionYou will take core courses and options, and write a dissertation.
-Core course 1, Nationalism and Ethno-Religious Conflict, looks at the origin and dynamics of nationalism and ethno-religious conflict within states.
-Core course 2, Nationalism in International Context, focuses on the interplay between domestic nationalism/ethno-religious conflict and international forces.
The core courses are complemented by a range of thematic or regional options, allowing you to tailor the degree to your own specific personal or career interests. Modules are normally available in:
-British, US and European government and politics
-international relations, international security, and US foreign policy
-politics of globalisation and international political economy
-politics, policy and administration of the EU
-political theory and political sociology
-war, conflict, nationalism, politics and religion
-policy analysis, policy-making processes and comparative public policy
-public management and public sector reform
-research methods.
For MRes students, research methods training forms part of the programme's core elements.