Our multidisciplinary MA Humanitarianism and Conflict Response master's course focuses on response to crises originating from both conflict-zones and natural disasters.
Bringing together the study of medicine and humanities, the course provides an inclusive approach that mirrors the reality of aid operations and informs the reflexive processes of both analytical and applied disciplines.
You will be benefit from being able to draw on an exceptionally wide breadth of disciplinary traditions and research expertise.
Aims
On completion of the course, you should be able to show a critical understanding of:
key issues and debates in Humanitarianism and Conflict Response, familiarity with different theoretical approaches, practical problems and an appreciation of the diversity of policies at international and national levels;
both the range of social science topics associated with Humanitarianism and Conflict Response and the normative and historiographic assumptions which underpin these issues;
the analytical and policy literature concerning the related issues of the causes of conflict, reconstruction, ethics and international governance structures and institutions, the role and perspectives of the state, multilateral and bilateral agencies, international and domestic NGOs and other civil institutions;
a detailed and extensive understanding of a specific conceptual and/or policy-related area of Humanitarianism and Conflict Response, of the implications and limitations of research findings on this subject; and of how to produce an original piece of academic research, all through their dissertation.
Special features
HCRI at The University of Manchester is inspired by the need to conduct rigorous research and to support postgraduate training on the impact and outcomes of contemporary and historical crises. HCRI is widely recognised as being a leading international research institute focusing on the study of humanitarianism, conflict response and peacebuilding. Our work is driven by a desire to inform and support policy and decision makers, to optimise joint working between partner organisations, and to foster increased understanding and debate within the field. Bringing together the disciplines of medicine and the humanities (including international relations and political science) to achieve these goals, HCRI aims to facilitate improvements in crisis response on a global scale whilst providing a centre of excellence for all concerned with emergencies, conflicts and peace. In offering a range of postgraduate courses we embrace this opportunity to develop a scholarly and professional agenda for humanitarians and peacebuilders around the world.
Teaching and learning
Delivery of the course will be done through face-to-face teaching at the University of Manchester. This will be supported by streamed lectures, discussion boards and other e-learning elements.
Coursework and assessment
Graduation requirements will be the completion of 180 credits. A total of 120 credits of module coursework will be required for students to move on to dissertation writing. A passing dissertation will lead to the final 60 credits needed for MA completion.
Course unit details
All core modules are convened by existing HCRI staff. A small number of elective modules may be taught from the School of Environment and Development, the School of Social Sciences and the School of Nursing.
Course content for year 1
Course units may include:
- Anthropology of Violence and Reconstruction
- Border-Crossings: Comparative Cultures of Diaspora
- Disaster Governance
- Global Health and Food Insecurity
- Humanitarian Diplomacy and Negotiation in Practice
- Humanitarianism and Conflict Response: Inquiries
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Crises
- Research and Evaluations Methods
- The History of Humanitarian Aid
Facilities
Appropriate facilities will be verified through the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures. The course has been developed in close co-operation with the Faculty's e-learning team which will offer on-going support for the programme.
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students