Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict (MSc) - 2013/2014 entry
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Overview
The vast majority of wars in the world today involve ethnic conflict within states. In the West, majority groups bemoan a loss of national identity, while minority nations press for devolution or independence. Religiously inspired conflict, especially (but by no means only) in the Muslim world, is a major source of global insecurity.
This programme draws on research in comparative politics, history, sociology, cultural and genetic anthropology, political theory and international relations. It also fuses the post-1980 literature on nationalism and ethnic conflict with a wealth of real-world case studies covering every corner of the globe.
You will develop the capacity to analyse political debates and issues in a critical manner, while improving teamwork and both written and oral communication skills. You will also learn to locate and analyse qualitative and quantitative data on nationalism from printed and electronic sources.
Find out more about studying at Birkbeck's Department of Politics.
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Why study this course at Birkbeck?
- Provides the analytical tools required to examine problems of national, ethnic and religious conflict in their broader context.
- Good foundation for undertaking a PhD/MPhil in the social sciences related to nationalism and ethno-religious conflict.
- Ideal if you are planning a career in international organisations, policy research, journalism, economic and political forecasting or private sector management.
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Course structure
You will take core and option modules, and will write a dissertation.
Core modules:
- Nationalism and Ethno-Religious Conflict: looks at the origin and dynamics of nationalism and ethno-religious conflict within states
- Nationalism in International Context: focuses on the interplay between domestic nationalism/ethno-religious conflict and international forces.
The core modules are complemented by a range of thematic or regional option modules, allowing you to tailor the degree to your own specific personal or career interests. Option modules are normally available in:
- British, US and European government and politics
- international relations, international security, and US foreign policy
- politics of globalisation and international political economy
- politics, policy and administration of the EU
- political theory and political sociology
- politics and religion
- policy analysis, policy-making processes and comparative public policy
- public management and public sector reform
- research methods.
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Study resources
Birkbeck Library has an extensive teaching collection of books and journals in politics and sociology. It also has an impressive range of electronic resources, including bibliographic databases and over 17,000 electronic journals. Most of these resources can be accessed online 24-hours a day. It is worth spending some time on the library website to familiarise yourself with its collections and services.
Students can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including those of the Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (LSE Library) and the British Library.
The Department of Politics organises a lively programme of seminars and conferences.
Find out more about our learning resources and student support.
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Further study opportunities
If you are interested in further research, we offer a PhD/MPhil in Politics/Sociology.
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Careers information
Graduates go on to careers in local and national government, the diplomatic service, policy work, the voluntary sector, and as researchers or journalists.
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Apply now
- Application deadlines and interviews
- Applications from January.
- UK-based candidates satisfying entry requirements interviewed March–September.
- Online application
You can apply online from the link below.
- Application deadlines and interviews