IR7010 - Contemporary Challenges in Conflict and Security

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the most significant challenges to peace and order that we face today, recognising the changing nature of such challenges. Conflict and issues of security (or indeed insecurity) appear to go through phases, with some issues ebbing and rising over time. You will understand and conceptualise these through various lenses of security, for example nuclear security during the Cold War or ethnic conflict during the 1990s. This module aims to respond to broad trends in conflict and security, analysing their nature and impact on policy-making throughout the world. This may include (but is not limited to) issues such as global military interventions, migration, health security, gender, and cybersecurity.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, workshops, and independent learning. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to engage critically with contemporary and emerging news stories of conflict and security challenges. You will engage in critical discussion and analysis with the lecturer and your peers in guided interactive workshops and seminars. Your learning will be supported by the electronic learning platform (eLP) and electronic reading lists. You will receive formative feedback during lectures, workshops and seminars, and also summative feedback that will assist you in improving future work in response to your assignments.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your tutors will support you throughout your time at Northumbria. Module tutors are available for feedback and consultation during set office hours, and you will be allocated a personal tutor for the duration of your degree with whom you may discuss your progress, your specific learning interests, and any personal or professional issues. Skills development will be part of your programme, in particular in relation to the dissertation.
The university additionally offers an extensive range of support service, including careers services, disability support services and learning support services (Library and skills).

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically analyse and discuss the nature of contemporary challenges in conflict and security
2. Evaluate the impact of contemporary and emerging challenges in conflict and security on UK, European and/or global policy-making

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Apply frameworks of analysis to emergent and contemporary challenges in order to present information to a professional audience
4. Synthesise and deploy a broad range of material and evidence to deconstruct academic and public arguments, as well as policy proposals, and propose new hypotheses

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Apply discipline and inquiry knowledge to complex problems in their discipline and its professional practice in order to identify appropriate solutions, which are sustainable and justifiable

How will I be assessed?

A 1000 word critical review of an academic article on contemporary challenges in conflict and security.

A 3,500 word essay will assess your ability to contextualise contemporary security challenges, understand and interrogate policy implications.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

What is security? What makes us insecure? Why does war continue, and how do conflicts elsewhere affect our security? This module analyses the concept of security and its changing nature. It responds to emerging security issues, analysing how a range of issues – some not at all related to the use of weapons – create situations of insecurity to which the international community responds.
Through this module you will interrogate the meaning and practice of security, and develop in-depth analyses of global issues and perceived threats, designed to support your professional development; for example as a government analyst.

Course info

Credits 30

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
2 other options available

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

 

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

 

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints