Our MA in Global Conflict and Cooperation actively combines academic theory with hands-on diplomacy. Tackle contemporary global issues, dive into international relations, and master effective conflict resolution strategies to shape a more cooperative world.
Get equipped with advanced knowledge and practical skills to drive impactful change and influence global issues. Prepare to excel in today’s job market and advance your career with confidence, gaining expertise sought by employers in government, NGOs, and beyond locally and internationally.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis for Home students.
You'll take a combination of 60 credits of compulsory/optional modules across various areas of Contemporary Perspectives on Conflict, Politics and International Relations. Examinations will take place throughout the term as courseworks, written exams and/or presentations.
Second Term follows the same format as the first where you'll be taking another combination of 60 credits of compulsory/optional modules across various areas of Global Cooperation on Global Problems, Politics and International Relations. Examinations will take place throughout the term as courseworks, written exams and/or presentations.
During this term, you will be completing assignments and focusing on your 60-credit dissertation, which may be undertaken with individual fieldwork.
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Explore the MA Global Conflict and Cooperation at the University of Birmingham, where theory meets practice in international relations. Gain practical diplomacy skills alongside academic insights, supported by faculty actively shaping global policy. Benefit from networking opportunities and competitive placements with leading organisations. Develop critical thinking and analytical aptitude through enquiry-based learning, addressing both inter and intrastate conflicts. Prepare for a dynamic career in government, NGOs, or international bodies with a programme that nurtures independent, proactive leaders ready to tackle complex global issues head-on.
We're consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
'The Graduate Market in 2026' High Fliers report
in the UK for research power in Politics and International Studies (REF 2021)
of our research is rated world-leading (REF 2021)
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
A Masters programme is made up of 180 credits in total. For this programme, you'll take two core modules (40 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits), and then choose four optional modules (80 credits) that reflect your own interests.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Year: 1
2026/27 Session
The following core modules are included in your programme:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Perspectives on Conflict | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Global Cooperation on Global Problems | 20 |
You can then select 80 credits from the optional modules listed below, or from modules offered by the other Departments within the School of Government:
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
Here is the standard offer for the course and additional requirements for students applying from India.
or an equivalent qualification
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Full-time
Part-time
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
At Birmingham, we believe in removing all barriers to education, so all of our talented students can achieve their full potential. That's why we've made more than £10.5 million in scholarships available for international students coming to study at Birmingham.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
30 June 2025 is the application deadline for international students applying through the student route who wish to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2025 made after this date. The deadline for Home students is 30 August 2025.
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Our MA in Global Conflict and Cooperation prepares you for diverse and dynamic careers across government, international organisations, NGOs, and more. Through rigorous academic training complemented by networking opportunities and competitive work placements, you'll be prepared to tackle global challenges with confidence. Whether pursuing roles in diplomacy, national security, research, or policy-making, our course equips you to make a meaningful difference in today's complex geopolitical landscape.
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.
