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.
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.
Your theoretical understanding and research skills are brought together in the MSc dissertation, while the innovative Humanitarian Intervention Simulation module gives you a chance to bring your knowledge and skills to life in a simulated conflict situation - see video below.
Find out more from MSc Defence, Development and Diplomacy programme leader, Dr Alexander Neads, below.
Programme leader, Dr Alexander Neads is an Assistant Professor in International Security in the School of Government and International Affairs
DGSi staff are engaged in world-leading research on peace, security and development.
Doing MSc Defence, Development and Diplomacy was an enriching experience for me mainly because of a huge diversity of students participating from all corners of the world having their own unique views on contemporary issues, academically engaged professors with profound knowledge and experience and equally stimulating academic environment of Durham.
“The guest lecturers are unbelievable people you would never come into contact with.”
“We have field trips and practical exercises that other masters don't necessarily offer.”
One example of my fantastic academic experience while studying the MSc Defence, Development and Diplomacy course was having the opportunity to meet and interview a former CIA director as part of a module. I couldn't ask for a stronger faculty, more relevant coursework, or more interesting peers.
During a conflict, would you know what urgent actions need to be tackled? The Durham Global Security Institute, based within the School of Government and International Affairs gives students the opportunity to put their learning into action during their Capstone Humanitarian Intervention Simulation. Watch our MSc Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding students put their skills to the test below.
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