Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies

at University of York United Kingdom

Explore what crime means in our culture and society and how it affects our lives.

Look beyond traditional views and develop new ways of thinking about the effects of crime, its impact on individuals and societies and how we respond to it.

Challenge your existing opinions about the nature of crime and disorder and learn to evaluate evidence, think critically and craft arguments – attributes valued by employers.

From identifying and developing story ideas, to analysing and visualising scripts, from working with actors and crew, through to the latest postproduction methods, you'll learn all aspects of directing both fiction and non-fiction projects. You'll collaborate with others to produce professional work and bring your stories to life.

We'll teach you through a mix of workshops, lectures, screenings and masterclasses with leading academics and industry professionals. You’ll use industry-standard facilities in a creative and supportive environment.

You'll develop essential expertise and will be equipped to pursue a career in film and television. Our graduates have gone on to roles in British and European film industries, and in film, TV and commercial production in China, Latin America and the Middle East.

Combining Politics with International Relations allows you to study issues with a global impact.

From conflict to climate change, you’ll get to the core of current events. The latest political thinking will challenge your preconceptions of ideas of justice, power, security, political economy and ethics.

Research, debate and learn from some leading international academics with regional expertise in the European Union, the United States, Latin America and Africa.

You will complete a professional placement in the third year of your course, allowing you to gain valuable experience and skills to improve your employability.

Gain access to exceptional teaching and facilities.

Using your prior knowledge of economics or the natural sciences, this course will give you a thorough grounding in theoretical and applied finance.

The course provides a springboard to a career in international business or finance, as well as ideal preparation for further research.

Material culture tells the story of people and their things: allowing us insights into the significance that objects held for people in the past.

Interweaving practical and theoretical approaches to material culture, this course explores ethnoarchaeological and experimental archaeological approaches to objects, alongside functional analyses of a broad range of artefact types.

You will discover the theories underpinning our understanding of the material world while developing invaluable practical skills such as designing and executing your own experimental archaeology project, the analysis of microscopic wear and residue traces, working with objects from excavations and museum collections or making a short documentary film for the heritage sector.

Whatever your period of interest is, this course will equip you with the skills and experience you need to begin a career in cultural heritage, academia, or commercial archaeology.

Chemistry is often referred to as the 'central science' as it covers topics as diverse as quantum mechanics and the study of atomic particles, to the molecular nature of biological systems and the Human genome project.

Environmental change raises important concerns over the future well-being of our planet. Although it is apparent that some changes result at least in part from human activities, it is equally clear that natural variations also play a major role.

This course will give you the opportunity to learn about the chemical basis of the environment and to understand our impact upon it.

Course Highlights

• Chemical evolution of the Earth
• Chemical oceanography
• Meteorology and climate change
• Archaeological environments in the geological past
• Atmospheric modelling and measuring techniques
• Impact of air pollution on climate and human health

Historical Archaeology explores the emergence of the modern world, from the end of the Middle Ages to the 21st century. It is one of the fastest growing areas of archaeology, dealing with many exciting issues that shape the world we have inherited today.

Drawing together a rich and diverse range of material, documentary and landscape sources, you will have the chance to explore dynamic and globally significant themes, from capitalism to colonialism. You'll gain practical training in analysing and interpreting evidence, from excavations and standing buildings to designed landscapes and artefacts.

The knowledge and skills you'll develop on this course will provide an unrivalled insight into the past and present, giving you a head start in many heritage or historic careers and research, as well as a range of other sectors.

Debate these questions and many others within a lively research environment as you build up your knowledge and experience of early prehistoric societies from three million to 5,000 years ago.

The archaeology of human origins is a fascinating and dynamic area of research, with new evidence and theories constantly changing our interpretation of who we are. 

On this course you'll explore the archaeology and approaches to human origins whilst working alongside internationally renowned specialists in early prehistoric archaeology and human evolution. You'll have the opportunity to work on pioneering studies with the potential for significant media exposure and gain ‘hands on’ experience of museum collections at the York Museum. You'll be able to select modules to allow you to explore your own research interests and have the chance to visit Upper Palaeolithic rock art on a field trip to Creswell Crags.

There has never been greater need for scientists who understand how the Earth system functions and responds to human activities, and who can apply this knowledge in the broader social and economic context of managing the environment to ensure a sustainable future.

Research-led teaching with a multi-disciplinary focus will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex environmental problems such as climate change, air pollution and energy transitions.

Our MA in Modern History combines an advanced level introduction to the methodologies and techniques of modern history with a wide range of thematic modules exploring the 18th to 21st centuries.

You'll gain a sound understanding of various topics of your choice from the modern period, from the history of moving images to the politics of past injustices. You'll analyse important historiographical developments and their impact on modern historical study. Finally, you'll develop practical skills which are not only essential to your studies, but will also prepare you for a diverse range of careers.