Skip to main content

MSc Defence, Development, and Diplomacy

This custom-designed, interdisciplinary MSc offers a unique opportunity to examine violent conflict, conflict intervention, and post-conflict reconstruction through the lenses of defence, development, and diplomacy.  

From civil wars to terrorist insurgencies, and the fragile ‘no-war-no-peace’ conditions that characterise many post-conflict environments, violence often appears both widespread and deeply entrenched. As geopolitical tensions and great power rivalries re-emerge, this course examines the troubled legacy of over three decades of military intervention, conflict management, and post-conflict reconstruction. 

We explore the latest research using a range of innovative teaching techniques, including our Continuous Professional Development (CPD) modules, delivered by a combination of leading academics and practitioners with real-world expertise. Your conceptual understanding and knowledge are brought together in the innovative Capstone Simulation Exercise, providing an immersive opportunity to hone your skills.  

The MSc in Defence, Development, and Diplomacy is designed for graduates who aspire to a career in government, the armed forces, inter-governmental organisations, NGOs, or academia, and to practitioners looking to enhance their practical skills while placing them within a broader theoretical perspective.  

Flags of the united nations

MSc Defence, Development, and Diplomacy

Co-taught alongside practitioners with a depth of regional and thematic expertise, this course examines violent conflict, conflict intervention, and post-conflict reconstruction through the lenses of defence, development, and diplomacy. 
This is the image alt text
DGSI

Durham Global Security Institute

This course draws on the research and teaching strengths of the Durham Global Security Institute (DGSi).

Explore DGSi

Meet our academics

  • Professor Olga Demetriou

    Professor Olga Demetriou is a member of the teaching team for MSc Peace, Conflict, and Security. 

    AF
  • Interviews

    Read interviews with DGSi academics to learn more about their research on peace, security and development. 

    a collage of headshots

Professor Olga Demetriou

Professor Olga Demetriou is a member of the teaching team for MSc Peace, Conflict, and Security. 

AF

Interviews

Read interviews with DGSi academics to learn more about their research on peace, security and development. 

a collage of headshots

Hear from our students and graduates

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.

Alexandra
MSc Defence, Development, and Diplomacy
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.

Salina Chaulagain
MSc Defence, Development, and Diplomacy
“The guest lecturers are unbelievable people you would never come into contact with.”

Howard Murray
MSc Defence, Development, and Diplomacy
“We have field trips and practical exercises that other masters don't necessarily offer.”

Gilberto Algar-Faria
MSc Defence, Development, and Diplomacy

Capstone Simulation Exercise 

During a conflict, would you know what urgent actions need to be tackled? This course gives students the opportunity to put their learning into action during their Capstone Simulation Exercise. 

This is the image alt text

Your next steps

  

Apply Now

Examine violent conflict, conflict intervention, and post-conflict reconstruction through the lenses of defence, development, and diplomacy.
A laptop icon on a purple background.

Visit Us

With the choice to connect with us online or in-person, our Open Days are the best way to explore your postgraduate study options.
Calendar purple icon

Funding

We offer a wide range of scholarships, awards and bursaries that are dedicated to supporting students from countries around the world.
Pound sign on a coin icon

Graduate Destinations

This course focuses on developing knowledge and skills that are highly transferable and desirable by employers, preparing our graduates to succeed in varied fields.
Icon of a student holding a book with a graduation cap on their head