Intro

This MA explores how contemporary politics, conflict and debates about human rights and security are informed by the processes of globalisation.

You will study topics including human rights and humanitarian intervention, the world economy and the changing global order, global governance and the United Nation system.

You will also cover the growth of global networks and movements, global security, conflict resolution and peace-building, international relations and law, global poverty and development, and the politics of sustainability and environmental decline.

Our courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis in order to make sure that what you learn with us is relevant and that your course enables you to develop appropriate skills. When you apply to study with us, we will inform you of any new developments in your chosen programme.

Key facts

Location Brighton: City campus

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years 

Find out about postgraduate events

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

Course content

Course structure

On the Globalisation: Politics, Conflict and Human Rights MA, you will:

  • study key developments and issues in relation to politics, conflict and human rights.
  • consider these areas within the context of contemporary globalisation
  • be encouraged to develop an informed and critical understanding of contemporary globalisation
  • receive close tutorial support.
  • be able to pursue a wide range of careers as well as opportunities for further postgraduate research.

The programme is founded on the notion that politics, conflict and human rights must now be understood in the context of contemporary globalisation.

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Modules

Core modules

  • Globalisation and Global Politics
    You will gain a rich understanding of contemporary global politics and international relations, exploring: rising powers including China and Russia; the United Nations system including the International Criminal Court and Human Rights Council; critical, feminist and decolonial theories of world politics; the contemporary migrant crisis, sustainability and the sustainable development goals.
  • Conflict, Security and Human Rights
    You will analyse the rise of the United Nations human rights system; human rights monitoring, reporting and enforcement processes; and group rights including women’s and peasants’ rights. Focusing on North Africa and the Middle East, you will also consider human rights protection in the context of conflict and mass atrocity crimes. In addition to tracking the changing nature of contemporary conflict, you will explore how the United Nations and other actors have sought to build peace and protect civilians.
  • Research Methods
  • Dissertation

Option modules – two from a wide range including:

  • Peacemaking and the Conflicted Past
  • Legacies of Warfare and Violent Conduct
  • Forms of Warfare and Violent Conduct
  • Holocaust Memory
  • Professional placement
  • Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
  • Extended Essay

As part of the teaching and learning and extended essay options you can attend lectures on a range of courses including global environment politics, human rights and humanitarian intervention, the ethics and politics of global society, and feminisms. As part of the professional placements module you will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement with a relevant organisation (ie, a charity, non-governmental or humanitarian organisation).

Meet the team

Dr Robin Dunford, course leader 

Dr Robin Dunford is a leading expert on human rights, contemporary conflict and humanitarian intervention. Robin’s latest book on the international Responsibility to Protect civilians includes analysis of international responses to human rights violations in Libya, Yemen and Syria. Read Robin's full profile.

Other team members include:

Dr Julia Hartviksen, who is an expert on human rights, conflict and security in Latin America. Julia’s fieldwork in Guatemala looked in particular at feminist and decolonial approaches to conflict and insecurity.

Dr Vas Leontitsis, whose research areas cover new regionalism, post-development, the European Union and Greek politics. He is currently leading a project on the integration of migrants and refugees in Greece. Read Vas's full profile.

Publication by Dr Robin Dunford

Meet our students

We talked to Joyce Dunne about her experience so far on this course.

What made you choose this particular course over other MAs?

"I was drawn to the University of Brighton as there is a very close teacher student dynamic that allows for a personal form of learning encouraging research and a support unparalleled in other universities."

Other reasons include the course content itself - there are a really wide variety of modules to choose from as an MA and you are allowed to participate in modules from the other MAs, allowing a broad spectrum for learning which can be helpful when researching for the final dissertation."

What field were you in before applying for the course?

"I had studied Sociology and Politics for my undergraduate degree and had spent some years working in the social work arena and social care sector to gain experience and see how I enjoyed the field of NGO work. This is what spurred me to study rights on a global scale."

What aspects of the MA have you enjoyed most?

"I really have enjoyed everything about the course. The teaching is spectacular with all the lecturers experts in their fields – they make seminars and lectures interesting and fun."

There are only a small number of students participating in the course and everyone becomes like family, studying together and providing great support to each other. The module choices were great, my favourite being teaching and learning, which allowed for an opportunity to experience what it’s like to teach. You lead a lecture and seminar at the end of the semester and, although really hard work, it is so much fun."

What are your plans when you graduate?

"I will apply to work for some NGOs or think tanks. I want to work in human rights or women’s rights so who knows, maybe one day I'll even end up at the UN."

How this course is delivered

How will my course be taught?
For the academic year that starts in September 2022 we’re planning for all students to be taught face-to-face on campus, enhanced by some online learning.

Students who started their course with us in 2021 are on campus for some face-to-face learning including tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes and studio sessions. They are also taking part in off-campus learning activities such as placements, field trips and study visits. And all of our campus facilities – libraries, learning spaces, restaurants, gyms and more are open.

Like all universities we are following government guidance and we are monitoring the pandemic very closely. Should Public Health advise it we have robust plans in place for additional safety measures to be introduced to enable everyone to continue learning on campus, and, as a last resort, for students to continue their learning remotely.

We will update you regularly on our teaching plans for the next academic year as you progress your application with us.

When does my course start?
The 2022 academic year begins on Monday 26 September 2022. Teaching for most courses starts the following week.

Many education courses, some health science courses including Medicine, and some postgraduate business courses have an earlier start date. Check your offer letter for the start date of your course.

Our latest news

Lecturer’s new book looks at life histories of radical figures in relation to black liberation struggle

Lecturer’s new book looks at life histories of radical figures in relation to black liberation struggle

Revolutionary Lives of the Red and Black Atlantic since 1917 co-edited by Christian Høgsbjerg is published on 19 April 2022 and brings to light the life histories of those whose political activity in relation to the black liberation struggle was profoundly shaped by the global impact and legacy of the Russian Revolution of October 1917.
Lecturers give free online talks as part of University exhibition looking at how objects are seen, from treasures to junk

Lecturers give free online talks as part of University exhibition looking at how objects are seen, from treasures to junk

From ‘The Fetishism of Commodities’ and ‘Graphic Interventions’, to ‘The Social Life of Unwanted Things’ and ‘Tracing the pursuit of (modern) happiness’ sign up to what promise to be fascinating events.
‘Bad Scepticism and Democracy’ public lecture 27 Jan, 6.30pm

‘Bad Scepticism and Democracy’ public lecture 27 Jan, 6.30pm

Join the Humanities Society at our Edward Street building (or online) for this lecture by Dr Robin Dunphy, expertin  epistemology and metaphysics in the context of Classical German Philosophy and with the Pyrrhonian sceptical tradition.
Listen to staff and students on Spotify

Listen to staff and students on Spotify

Another chance to listen to our staff and students on our Humanities programme speak on a variety of subjects on our podcast series.

Read more from our blog

Careers

This MA is relevant to careers in the public sector, teaching, the media, the legal profession, business, journalism, management and human resources, as well as to further research. You may also seek work in development, charities, non-governmental organisations and the environment, as well as the European Union and the United Nations.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course if you wish to begin studying with us in 2022. They should be used as a general guide. 

Degree and experience
Normally a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Candidates with a 2:2 or lower or who do not have a degree will still be considered for admission if they can demonstrate suitable professional experience or substantial experience of the subject area. 

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International students whose language skills do not match the IELTS scores set out here should consider applying for this course through our Extended Masters programme.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 7,866 GBP

International (full-time) 15,462 GBP

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Humanities and Social Science in the 2021–22 academic year are listed here.

  • For some assessments you may be required to print large format posters for presentations at a cost of £5–£10 per poster.
  • Most coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes and should budget up to £100 for printing.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £200 to buy your own copies.
  • Some courses include an optional placement module for which students will need to cover the costs of travel to and from the placement and DBS checks as required.
  • For the Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counselling PGDip and Psychotherapeutic Psychodynamic Counselling PGDip, the following course-related costs are not included in the tuition fee:
    • Supervision fees: £1,170 for each full year. Estimated based on £45 per hour with fortnightly meetings. In some agencies, supervision will be provided at no cost. Where students have to pay, the cost will only begin when supervision begins.
    • Personal counselling/therapy: £2,000–£2,800 over the course. Estimated based on £40 per hour.
  • For a number of courses you will have the opportunity to attend field trips and off-site visits. These are optional and are not required to pass your course but under normal circumstances we would expect a budget of approximately £150 per year will cover the costs of particular trips. The amount spent would be based on location and number of trips taken.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2022–23.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location

Campus where this course is taught

City campus

City campus is located at the heart of central Brighton.

The facilities for making and designing, the theatre, galleries, workshops, studios, archives and the independent arts organisations based on site provide a unique and inspiring environment where creativity thrives.

St Peter’s House library and Phoenix halls of residence are close to the exhibition and learning facilities in the Grand Parade main building where you will also find the student centre with careers, counselling, student advice service and disability and dyslexia support. Edward Street provides extensive teaching and gallery space for media, photography and film.

Also on site are Photoworks, Screen Archive South East and University of Brighton Design Archives. Leading visual arts agency Photoworks runs the Brighton Photo Biennial and a national programme which frequently features the work of our graduates, staff and students. 

Brighton Pavilion, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, the iconic pier and beach are a very short walk away. The independent shops and businesses of the North Laine and Kemptown, and Brighton main line station, with frequent express services to London, are 10 minutes walk.


Grand Parade exhibition space

Accommodation

Brighton: City campus

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students who apply by 30 June.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer. All rooms are self-catered.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • City campus is linked to Phoenix halls, Mithras halls and Moulsecoomb Place.
    • Phoenix halls are a short walk from City campus in the centre of Brighton.
    • Mithras hall and Moulsecoomb Place are located on the Moulsecoomb campus, around two miles from City campus. Public transport in the city is excellent.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Phoenix Brewery Halls Accommodation

Accommodation for City campus is in the nearby Phoenix Halls

Student kitchen in Phoenix Halls

Student kitchen in Phoenix Halls

Relaxing in nearby Pavilion Gardens

Relaxing in nearby Pavilion Gardens

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city’s reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year. Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements, live briefs and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

We provide support and venues for key events in the city’s arts calendar including the Brighton Festival, the Festival Fringe, the Great Escape, the Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Photo Biennial and the CineCity Brighton Film Festival. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice. Our own Brighton Graduate Show transforms our campus into the largest exhibition space in the South East as we celebrate the outstanding talent and creativity of our students.

As a student you’ll get lots of opportunities to experience these events at first hand and to develop your skills through the volunteering and other opportunities they offer.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

City campus map

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Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Cricket Academy

New for September 2023, our Cricket Academy offers aspiring players the opportunity to continue their cricket development alongside studying for a degree. The programme offers a world-class training environment with the highest quality coaching.

Find out more about the Cricket Academy.

Students playing frisbee

Stay in touch

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If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

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