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Durham University: Defence, Development and Diplomacy
| Institution | Durham University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Government and International Affairs |
| Web | durham.ac.uk |
| Telephone | 0191 334 1000 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
Course details In recent decades, the combination of defence, development, and diplomacy (also known as the 3Ds) has played an increasingly important role in international politics. With more drawn-out conflicts, asymmetric wars of attrition, and a growing number of countries living in a state of ‘no peace, no war’, our understanding of conflict and conflict intervention is shifting. Conflicts are rarely resolved through military victory, international diplomacy, or long-term development. Instead, they require a comprehensive approach that combines all three to address the political, economic, and security-related needs of states and populations alike. Increasingly, success is determined by how well the different arms of government and civil society, both locally and internationally, can work together – and how well they understand each other’s perspectives. This custom-designed, interdisciplinary MSc offers a unique opportunity to look at conflict, conflict intervention, and post-conflict reconstruction through the lenses of defence, development, and diplomacy. We explore the latest research using a range of innovative teaching techniques, delivered by a combination of academics and practitioners with world-leading expertise in areas such as violence and insecurity, international intervention, approaches to peace and justice, and mobility and displacement.
Why Durham University? Our academic staff have a genuine passion for politics and are leading experts in the study of these areas, as they exist across Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, and the wider Muslim world, Africa, and America. We are a research-led School offering high-quality learning in essential quantitative and qualitative research methods alongside in-depth study of key areas of political and international theory. Our institutes and research centres support key research agendas by organising guest lectures, running regular paper presentations, and acting as focal points for networking. Our vision is to offer a study of politics that not only includes but goes beyond career preparation to consider how to be better human beings and good citizens.
Career Opportunities Our courses focus on developing self-aware, thoughtful, and ambitious global citizens with the skills and knowledge to secure rewarding and stimulating careers inside and outside of politics. Our postgraduates achieve successful careers in many fields including local and national government, diplomacy, newspaper and broadcast journalism, the charity sector, business and finance, publishing, law, manufacturing, teaching and academia, and the armed forces. Former postgraduate students have taken up roles with leading employers including the House of Commons, Clifford Chance, Accenture, British Airways, Ernst and Young, British Telecom, Goldman Sachs, PwC, the Royal Navy, House of Fraser, Channel 4, HSBC, Teach First, Black Rock, and the Audit Commission.
MSc
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | UK 2.1 Bachelor degree, or equivalent. The degree should be in the field of social sciences, but we will actively consider significant relevant experience in lieu of this requirement. For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link "Apply" at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal. |
| Location | Durham City Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP |
Fees
| England | 17000 GBP for Whole course |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 17000 GBP for Whole course |
| Scotland | 17000 GBP for Whole course |
| Wales | 17000 GBP for Whole course |
| Channel Islands | 17000 GBP for Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | 17000 GBP for Whole course |
| EU | 30000 GBP for Whole course |
| International | 30000 GBP for Whole course |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | UK 2.1 Bachelor degree, or equivalent. The degree should be in the field of social sciences, but we will actively consider significant relevant experience in lieu of this requirement. For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link "Apply" at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal. |
| Location | Durham City Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | UK 2.1 Bachelor degree, or equivalent. The degree should be in the field of social sciences, but we will actively consider significant relevant experience in lieu of this requirement. For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link "Apply" at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal. |
| Location | Durham City Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP |
Fees
| England | 16250 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 16250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 16250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 16250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 16250 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 28750 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 28750 GBP for Year 1 |
Durham University
- World top 100 University: Joint 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- UK top 10 University: 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
- 7th in the Complete University Guide 2025
- World top 30 University for sustainability: 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65th in the world in the category of Employer Reputation. QS World University Rankings 2025
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