IR5830 Researching Conflict and Peace

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Module coordinator

Dr N Brooke

Dr N Brooke
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Hannah Goozee, Danny Hirschel-Burns

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This core module introduces students to the challenges and opportunities in researching conflict and security. It seeks to answer a range of important core questions such as: What causes conflict? What form does it take? How has it changed and why? What is peace? What forms does it take? How is peace built and sustained? Through addressing these, this module provides a foundational grounding for all students on the Conflict and Security in Policy and Practice programme. In addition to examining conflict and security in broad focus, the module introduces students to a series of diverse and ongoing debates on conflict and security, reflecting on different styles of scholarship and a range of methodologies. With a focus on developing or honing practical research skills, the module also creates a range of opportunities for students to build familiarity with postgraduate study, critical research and academic writing.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

There are no fixed weekly contact hours, but students will take part in asynchronous discussions, and optional synchronous sessions.

Guided independent study hours

150

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Critically assess different interpretations and definitions of the terms conflict and security
  • Describe a range of different types of conflict, and explain key differences between these phenomena
  • Explain what security is, who undertakes security, and what is means for an issue to be ‘securitised’
  • Identify relevant high-quality materials for research, and develop a research strategy and/or methodology for preparing high-quality academic work.
  • Present in verbal or written form on key issues relating to conflict and security