Logo of University of Birmingham

MScGlobal Cooperation and Security

University of Birmingham
United Kingdom, Birmingham
More information

birmingham.ac.uk/...aspx#CourseOverviewTab 

Overview

Interested? To learn more about this study programme, entry requirements and application process, please contact one of our consultants in a country nearest to you.

Programme structure

This exciting degree is offered exclusively through the Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security (ICCS), comprised of a number of leading scholars in the field of security who regularly produce cutting edge, internationally renowned research. The degree is principally taught through three core modules involving an important mix of academic and practitioner input to immerse students in the politics of cooperation and conflict transformation.

Who is the programme for?
Our programme is specifically designed to equip students with the necessary training and tools to work in academic or policy-related contexts in the broad field of international cooperation and conflict transformation.

Students on this programme will be well-placed to take advantage of career opportunities with a range of organisations including government agencies, international organisations, the armed forces, non-governmental organisations, think-tanks, the media, and multinational corporations.

Furthermore we will be enhancing the student experience with dedicated competitive internships which will be geared, where possible, to the research interests of students.

Core modules:
Fear, Cooperation and Trust in World Politics

Fear, Cooperation and Trust in World Politics taught by Professor Nicholas Wheeler introduces students to a range of theoretical approaches drawing on International Relations scholarship and other cognate disciplines, to investigate both the obstacles to, and possibilities for, ameliorating intractable conflicts. These insights are then applied to an analysis of cooperation in multilateral security regimes to assess the potential for meeting today’s urgent global security challenges.


Global Cooperation in Practice

Global Cooperation in Practice examines the practical application of the theories discussed in the first module through the prism of practitioner experience. This new module will be coordinated by Professor Mark Webber and will take the form of a series of guest lectures and breakout sessions delivered by practitioners with extensive experience of global cooperation.


Trust, Diplomacy and Conflict Transformation

Trust, Diplomacy and Conflict Transformation is a unique five day training programme included as a core module for the MSc in Global Cooperation and Security. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about different approaches to the developing field of trust-building in International Relations and to better understand how practitioners wrestle with the dilemmas of trust/mistrust in practical negotiating settings. This programme involves lectures delivered by internationally renowned academics and practitioners who have a wealth of experience of mediation and negotiation in deeply adversarial settings. We also equip participants with core mediation and communication skills through two days of intensive training in conjunction with the Birmingham-based NGO Responding to Conflict, a professional organisation actively engaged in conflict resolution efforts.

Career opportunities

The ICCS is pleased to announce that for the 2015/16 intake we can offer the possibility of undertaking voluntary work experience with a number of organisations. Placements will be offered on a competitive basis, over the summer term for a maximum 20 days in order to allow sufficient time for the completion of the dissertation.

Alongside these organisations, the ICCS has its own work experience programme that all MSc candidates will have the opportunity to be involved with.

2015/16 opportunities:
European Leadership Network

The European Leadership Network (ELN) was originally formed to help create the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons. Over the last 30 months it has been working on that agenda through its research, events programme and active network of former European political, military, and diplomatic leaders.

The ELN carries out its work by producing and disseminating independent research and analysis, and by providing an independent platform for international dialogue and debate with a strong focus on workable and credible policy solutions. Its activities are currently structured around three areas: Global Security, Euro-Atlantic Security and the Middle East.

British American Security Information Council (BASIC)

BASIC’s vision is a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons, established by a cooperative global security agenda and formalized in negotiated treaties. BASIC seeks to engage diverse perspectives and broaden the scope of the discussion to find ways past existing frustrations. The organisation has 27 years of experience building an extensive and diverse network across Europe, the US and the Middle East. BASIC has a reputation for non-partisan, non-judgmental engagement and for seeking common ground, in the interests of nuclear disarmament.

Responding to Conflict (RTC)

RTC is an independent conflict transformation organisation and a registered charity that has worked since 1991 to support people and organisations in transforming violent conflict and building lasting peace. The organisation works in partnership with others to design and coordinate long-term programmes that support local peace building initiatives and provide on-going support to our partners in the midst of conflict. RTC also provides training and skills development and a variety of consultancy services in the fields of conflict assessment, conflict transformation strategies and methodologies, facilitation and mediation, and organisational development.

Apply now! Fall semester 2023/24
Application period has ended
Notes
Please see the university profile or contact us for the deadlines that apply to you
Apply now! Fall semester 2023/24
Application period has ended
Notes
Please see the university profile or contact us for the deadlines that apply to you