Top reasons to choose this course
- You will study key developments and issues in relation to politics, conflict and human rights, considering these areas within the context of contemporary globalisation
- You will be encouraged to develop an informed and critical understanding of contemporary globalisation
- Our inspiring lecturers offer close tutorial support
- On graduation you can pursue a wide range of careers as well as opportunities for further postgraduate research.
- Our students and graduates are effusive about our programme - see the 'Meet our students' tab
- We offer you a dynamic learning community where you can participate in and attend regular events
Modules
Core modules
- Globalisation and Global Politics (30 credits, semester 1)
This module provides an advanced introduction to the key theories, concepts and critical debates associated with contemporary globalisation and global politics. It draws on approaches developed within the academic fields of politics and global studies in the study of areas such as the world economy and the changing global order, global governance and the United Nations system, global poverty and development, and the politics of sustainability.
- Protecting Human Rights and Building Peace (30 credits, semester 2)
This module offers a comprehensive overview of Human Rights and contemporary peacebuilding. You will gain understanding of the United Nations Human Rights system, analysing the effectiveness of international efforts to protect, respect and fulfil human rights. You will also look at attempts to defend human rights in the context of contemporary conflict and insecurity, focusing on a range of peace building initiatives.
- Research Methods (20 credits)
You will develop a range of research skills such as project design, navigating ethical issues, utilising United Nations libraries, explore a range of research methods, and explore the importance of issues such as positionality and decolonisation in research.
- Research Project (60 credits)
With supervisory guidance and support, you complete a research project of your choice culminating in the writing of a dissertation.
Option modules – two from a range including:
- Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention
Looking at human rights in the context of atrocity crimes such as genocide, war crimes and ethnic cleansing, you will explore the effectiveness of humanitarian, diplomatic and military action in preventing and responding to mass rights violations.
You will do a University supported placement with a not-for profit organisation, exploring how human rights, social justice and sustainable development issues are addressed in practice. This module provides professional experience relevant for future careers in charity, human rights and humanitarian work.
- Heritage in a Global Context
You will combine theoretical and political debate with site visits in order to analyse global case studies concerning what constitutes heritage.
This module enables you to conduct a small-scale and supervisor-supported independent research project on any topic related to globalisation, conflict and/or human rights.
This interdisciplinary module explores traditions of LGBTQ+ community spaces, queer theory, and local and global writing in the context of the histories and politics of sexuality and queer identities.
- Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
You will learn through the preparation for, experience of, and reflection on undergraduate teaching by shadowing a tutor on a module in an area of your interest.
- Caring for Collections and their Users
You will gain familiarity with professional concerns in museums and other collections-based organisations by exploring the development, care, management and research of collections.
Lab facilities
Mithras House is home to all our School of Humanities and Social Science courses. It has a series of ‘labs’, which may be used for teaching on your course or in your independent research work.
Life lab
A comfortable space with lounge furniture intended for qualitative research with larger groups. Due to its relaxed layout and naturalistic environment, the space is suited to research using focus groups, research using observation-based methods and child research.
The space is also used for teaching on some social science courses, as well as for dissertation research for projects.
City lab
A space designed for collaborative student learning. It is used by students and staff involved in the university’s Global Challenges programme, our collective mission to contribute towards solutions to tackling the pressing issues facing our world.
Design lab
A space housing our extensive collection of historic dress and textiles, which are used in some teaching on our History of Art and Design courses. It has the space and equipment to work on textile projects. Displays created by students on these programmes are on view in the social spaces of the building.
Stats lab
A specialist workspace with computing equipment for statistical analysis and projects involving video and audio editing software. The lab is accessible as a study space to students on psychology courses.
It is also available to students studying courses involving video and audio recording and editing, such as politics degrees and our creative writing programmes. The stats lab contains eight soundproof booths for recording or transcribing interviews undertaken as part of dissertation research.
VR and eye tracking lab
This lab is used for psychological research, specifically eye-tracking research and virtual reality research. Equipment includes an electroencephalography (EEG) headset and Electrodermal Activity (EDA) equipment.
Meet our students
Rochel Canagasabey:
"The MA has been a transformative journey for me. It's not just a course; it's a profound exploration into the heart of contemporary issues. From day one, it pushed me beyond the confines of theory, urging me to grapple with the real-world complexities of today's global landscape.
"What truly sets this programme apart is its dedication to diverse perspectives. It's not about sticking to one viewpoint; it's about embracing the multitude of voices and opinions that shape our world. In a global political arena that's anything but straightforward, this approach feels essential."
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Joyce Dunne:
"I was drawn to the University of Brighton as there is a very close teacher student dynamic that allows for a personal form of learning encouraging research and a support unparalleled in other universities.
"Other reasons include the course content itself - there are a really wide variety of modules to choose from as an MA and you are allowed to participate in modules from the other MAs, allowing a broad spectrum for learning which can be helpful when researching for the final dissertation."
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Jayde Matthews:
“I was looking for a course which covered wide-ranging topics and dealt with important issues. I knew I wanted my research to contribute to understanding the world’s issues and this course had the added bonus of including weeks on feminist thought and women’s rights which had been my pre-existing area of interest.
“I was also drawn to the varied option modules available with this course, but it was after meeting the course leader at a postgraduate open evening that I knew this course was for me – the most important thing was learning from people who are not only experts but are also passionate about what they are teaching.”
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Jennifer Richardson-Cook:
"I chose to attend Brighton because of the program options. I felt that the program suited my interest and passions, and when I researched the lecturers, I felt they would bring an unparalleled level of expertise.”
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