Violence, Conflict and Development MSc

Who gains from situations of conflict? In what ways can violence affect development? What are the challenges to post-conflict reconstruction? This pioneering MSc Violence, Conflict and Development programme explores the complex links between violent conflict and development, both historically and today.

This programme examines the analytical, political and policy relationships between violence, conflict and development. The core module addresses empirical trends, difficulties of data collection and the importance of categorisation and boundaries to matters of violence. It goes on to present foundational theories on conflict and violence, including gender perspectives, debates about the origins of human violence (anthropological, historical, psychological sources of violence) and the role of violence in historical change.

The focus then shifts to the means, mechanisms and markers of violence, including themes related to boundaries, war economies, inequality, land and the environment. This provides the basis for analysing interventions in violent conflict including humanitarian aid, conflict resolution and reconstruction.Why study MSc Violence, Conflict and Development at SOAS?

• We are ranked 5th in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• We are ranked 2nd in the world for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• There is also the opportunity to take virtual work placements. This year MSc students taking the International Development Placement module were offered placements at the Overseas Development Institute, ISEAL, and MSF. (Numbers in this module are capped to 75 students due to limited availability)
• Our staff specialise in a range of thematic areas including sustainability and climate change, migration and displacement, conflict, humanitarian action, labour, political ecology, and aid and institutions