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Education and International Development: Conflict, Emergencies and Peace (CEP) MA

London, Bloomsbury

Violent conflicts are on the rise, with climate change increasingly linked to conflict, often affecting the most vulnerable. Understanding education's role in conflict, emergencies, and peace is crucial for shaping effective policy and practice. Our unique MA programme offers a transformative exploration of education's role in addressing violent conflicts and crises. It equips students with the knowledge, skills, and insights necessary to better understand the complexities of conflict-affected environments and foster sustainable peace.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£13,500
£6,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£29,800
£14,900
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 academic year
2 academic years
5 academic years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 27 Jun 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an equivalent overseas qualification is required. Relevant experience living or working in low- or middle-income countries, particularly in relation to education in conflict, emergency, crisis situations, or international development, is also usually expected. However, applicants who do not meet these professional criteria may be considered if they submit an exceptional personal statement demonstrating a strong understanding of the subject area and field. Applicants should demonstrate commitment and genuine interest in issues relating to education in conflict and crisis situations.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa – study must be full-time, face-to-face, starting September.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

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 (e.g. refugee situations, pandemics, natural and human-induced hazards and ongoing wars). In particular, 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.

The programme can be taken on campus, online (distance), or a combination of both (mixed mode). Please select the relevant mode of study at point of application. Note that distance and mixed mode options are not available to students applying for a student visa.

Who this course is for

This programme is suited to students with a relevant academic background and/or 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.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

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 and tools of education in politically unstable and fragile environments. Providing an opportunity to learn about theories of development and educational development from conflict and peace perspectives, this programme is dedicated to serving the most vulnerable learners in conflict and crisis.

This degree appeals to individuals interested in promoting global social justice, human rights, and conflict resolution. Students develop interdisciplinary skills by combining education, social sciences, and peace and conflict studies, equipping them to address complex societal issues through education. The programme provides an in-depth understanding of conflict analysis, mediation, and reconciliation, preparing graduates to work in conflict-prone areas or with organizations focused on peacebuilding. Graduates can pursue careers in NGOs (non-governmental organisations), international bodies, government agencies, education sectors, and humanitarian aid.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Graduates of our international development programs are primarily employed by NGOs, donor and multilateral agencies, national and local education departments, schools, and universities. With a broad understanding of education and international development, and a specialisation in conflict, emergencies, and peace, our graduates are well-suited to work for humanitarian agencies, international/UN organisations, research institutes, and education aid agencies that support education in politically and socially unstable environments (e.g., refugee camps, conflict zones, health emergencies, or crises caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or droughts). Some graduates also pursue doctoral studies.

It’s amazing how what I previously thought was a fairly niche corner of academia has such expertise and specification. The course has allowed me to forge my own path, piquing my interest in policy and security, an area I had never even considered prior to enrolling.

Jimmy Gibson, Education and International Development: Conflict, Emergencies and Peace (CEP) MA

Jimmy Gibson

Education and International Development: Conflict, Emergencies and Peace (CEP) MA

Q&A with Jimmy Gibson

Employability

A number of students are mid-career professionals (including teachers, ministry staff and NGO professionals), for whom the programme forms part of their wider professional development, providing access to more senior roles or to a change of career direction.

Students who fully participate in the program are expected to develop the following:

  • The ability to critically reflect on a wide range of contemporary debates and issues concerning education in conflict, emergencies, and crises.
  • Knowledge and understanding of education, with a particular focus on contexts affected by conflict and other emergencies, and the implications of published research in this area for their own practice.
  • Skills in oral presentation, discussion, critical reading, and reflective and analytical writing.
  • An understanding of the research process and experience in conducting their own small-scale research study.

Networking

During your time at UCL, you will be able to build networks with fellow students on this programme and the other programmes in the Education and International Development cluster, academic staff and alumni in the Centre for Education and International Development, as well as the broader UCL community.

Teaching and learning

This MA programme promotes the philosophy of co-learning and collaboration. Students work in small groups to apply theoretical knowledge in a variety of case studies and problem scenarios and present their group work to the class or online on discussion forums. We encourage students to engage in dialogue with their tutors and peers to 1) clarify their understanding of key concepts introduced in weekly sessions; 2) critique texts and visual learning materials; and 3) test new ideas and educational approaches to peace and social transformation. The more actively the students engage in discussions, the better they can learn and develop their academic abilities. We usually organise teaching and learning activities in a blended mode where students in the physical classroom and those connecting remotely via digital technologies learn together. The Moodle space is a rich learning platform through which students access learning materials and engage in discussions before and after the sessions with their tutors.

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. 

Assessment across modules on the programme takes a variety of forms. Many taught modules are assessed through a piece of written coursework and an oral presentation or group assignment. Depending on the module, assignments may take the form of a discursive essay, critical analysis of empirical research, review of literature, creating a portfolio, group presentation or a project or the development of a research and/or technical proposal.

For each 30-credit taught module students are expected to contribute 300 learning hours (a little over 37 days at 8 hours per day). Direct teaching/contact hours accounts for 30 hours, assignment tutorial(s) 1 hour, and the remaining hours consist of your own self-directed study such as preparation for classes and online learning activities, reading (individual and with other students), searching for new literature related to your area of interest, assignment preparation and completion.

Modules

The programme offers a coherent Master's degree in education and international development, with a focus on conflict and protracted crises. It provides flexibility to tailor the degree to your interests, consisting of two compulsory modules, a dissertation, and two optional modules. One optional module can be chosen from the wider IOE/UCL offerings (subject to availability), while at least one must be from the Education and International Development related optional modules.

A key strength of the programme is the diverse backgrounds of students, many with experience in low- and middle-income contexts affected by conflict and instability. This creates an enriching learning environment where practical experiences and theories are critically applied to inform policy and practice. The compulsory modules help you develop a theoretical, conceptual, and critical framework for understanding education, conflict, and international development.

It is possible to study this MA part-time over 2 years. You will need to select a total of 180 credits. You will study the two compulsory modules: Education and International Development: Concepts, Theories and Issues and Education, Conflict and Peace and the Dissertation. You must select 2 optional modules and you are free to select one of the optional modules from the wider range of MA level modules offered across IOE/UCL, subject to availability.

At least one optional module must be selected from the list of Education and International Development related optional modules. Ideally, you will complete the compulsory modules in the first year, which will provide you a broad range of theoretical knowledge in the field to help complete your dissertation focusing on education in conflict and emergencies in the second year. 

You can also study this programme on a modular/flexible mode over 2-5 years. This means that you are able to choose the module/s as suited to your interest/ availability over the programme period. Students are free to select one of their optional modules from the wider range of MA level modules offered across IOE/UCL, subject to availability. You will need to gain a total of 180 credits to complete the MA. We recommend that students complete the compulsory modules before they enrol in the dissertation module.

Compulsory modules





Optional modules











Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in Education and International Development: Conflict, Emergencies and Peace (CEP).

Fieldwork

Students may choose to organise and undertake fieldwork in relation to their research for their dissertation, but this is not a requirement. If undertaken, fieldwork must be self-funded.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £13,500 £6,750
Tuition fees (2025/26) £29,800 £14,900

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For flexible/modular offer holders a £500 fee deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students are responsible for covering any travel, accommodation, and other expenses involved in conducting research for their dissertation, and should account for these costs when planning their finances.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Education and International Development: Conflict, Emergencies and Peace at graduate level
  • why you want to study Education and International Development: Conflict, Emergencies and Peace at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree

together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Education, Practice and Society
Education, Practice and Society

ioe.ma.cep@ucl.ac.uk

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