This programme focuses on the concepts and theories relating to education in conflict and emergencies and implications for peace and development. Students engage with knowledge and skills to understand, evaluate and critique elements of research and to build new theories that advance this growing field of study. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in the academe, research institutes, policy sector and humanitarian and development organisations.

About this degree

This programme provides students with the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of key aspects of theory, policy and practice in the field of education in conflict and crisis (eg. refugee situations, pandemic and ongoing wars). Particularly, they will become critically aware of political, economic and social dimensions of education and their relationships with instabilities, armed conflicts and prospects for peace with social justice. Students benefit from being taught by renowned researchers in the field, as well as being part of a student community with diverse experience of working in contexts affected by war and other types of emergencies.

Who this course is for

This programme is suited to professionals working in the formal and non-formal sectors in education and international development, possibly on policies and practice related to or programmes in contexts that are affected by conflict and humanitarian crisis, who would like to reflect and build on their experience in these areas.

What this course will give you

This is a unique MA programme that is designed to help learners develop a critical understanding of the multidimensional interactions between social divisions, inequalities and educational development; how education can fuel or mitigate causes of conflict; and how to reconceptualise the notion, approaches, methods/ tools of education in politically unstable and fragile environments.

This MA is taught in the department of Education, Practice and Society at the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) which is the well-established home of an interdisciplinary grouping, bringing together high-quality teaching and research in the history, sociology and philosophy of education and international development; and the Centre for Education and International Development (CEID) is comprised of a team of internationally recognised academics who are committed to advancing research, transforming policies and practice in the field of education in conflict and crisis.

Teaching and learning

Teaching on the programme is intended to provide learners with a critical perspective on a range of different frameworks through which they can understand their experiences and practice. A range of teaching and learning methods are used including lectures, participant-led presentations, group work, workshops, online activities. Most taught modules are assessed through a piece of written coursework, usually of 5000 words in length.

Employability

Graduates of our international development programmes are mostly employed in NGOs, donor and multi-lateral agencies, national and local education departments, schools and universities. With a broad understanding of education and international development and the specialisation in conflict, emergencies and peace, our graduates are best suited to work for humanitarian agencies, international/ UN organisations, research institutes and education aid agencies that support education in politically and socially unstable environments (eg. refugee camps, contexts of ongoing wars, health emergencies, crisis caused by natural disasters, such as hurricane/ flood/ earthquake/ drought).