Department of Geography | MA Risk, Security and Politics

MA Risk, Security & Politics at Durham University

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Explore risk and resilience in a political context, focusing on the use of risk in governing populations and how uncertainty plays a critical role in modern society.

The MA in Risk, Security & Politics explores the concepts of risk and resilience by focusing on their political resonance and revealing how risk can be used as a political tool to govern societies across the globe. It also examines the ways in which uncertainty contributes to the make-up of contemporary society.

This interdisciplinary course is an ideal choice if you have a social science or geography background, and it is equally accessible to those who previously studied in the arts and humanities. It develops the essential skills and knowledge needed to make a critical analysis of risk as a tool of government in tackling a range of global challenges from climate change, displacement and disasters to geopolitics, security and terrorism.

You will study taught modules over one year full-time or two years part-time in subjects that include the understanding, managing and preventing of risk, the social dimensions of risk, and the latest skills and techniques involved in working with geographic information. You will also complete either a research-based dissertation by conducting original independent study or produce a vocational dissertation that combines independent research with a practical external placement.

The core programme is delivered by a team of subject specialists in the Department of Geography and Durham University's Institute of Hazard, Risk & Resilience - a team of research experts who work at the forefront of risk theory and practice. Together, they provide specialised training on the latest theories, concepts and methods relating to security, politics and risk.

You can also tailor the course to your interests with the option to choose approved modules from the School of Government & International Affairs and Department of Sociology.

Studying in a Department with a global reputation for the quality of research, our postgraduates are well placed to continue research at a higher level or progress into a rewarding professional career.

Taught courses are designed to develop the transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers such as the ability to analyse and communicate information and make decisions, and our postgraduates are much valued in areas such as government, non-governmental organisations and the charity sector.

Other roles in which postgraduates make a real difference to people and communities include property and surveying, environmental consultancy and management, conservation, town planning, geopolitical risk, market research, development work, health, public policy, social research, logistics, youth and community work, education, energy, utilities, tourism, banking, law, PR, IT, publishing, journalism and the media.

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