Armed Conflict or Small Arms Focused Masters Programs

[SampleText]

Hey Gradcafe,

I had previously made a post regarding Security Studies PhD programs (great information, thanks all!) but thought it best to get some additional advice on Masters as well. 

My interest in broadly in peace and conflict, security studies, and development, but I'm specifically trying to find programs with some sort of armed conflict, small arms and light weapons, or non-state actor coursework or research centers.  I know it's niche and likely requires PhD-level research just to get any sort of "in," but regardless I'm curious to hear what you all think.

 

This is my curated list so far from self research and recommendations from professors and professionals:

• Graduate Institute of Geneva (IHEID) - Master in Development Studies - Power, Conflict, and Development track

Great international affairs and development school, hosts the Small Arms Survey, coursework that is a great hybrid between my narrow interests in conflict and more broad interests in development, located in the heart of diplomacy, but I've heard mixed things from current students regarding their poor handling of COVID when it comes to things like vaccine distribution and in person/online coursework (plan on fall 2022 intake so fingers crossed)

• King's College London - Master in Conflict, Security, and Development 

The place to go for war studies but I'm worried about relevance to my specific interests, it's a September-to-September program meaning limited course options and no scheduled internship, though I may consider the SciencesPo PSIA dual degree option in either Intl. Dev. or Human Rights and Humanitarian Action to broaden the coursework.  My undergrad program sends many students here for either exchange semesters or to go on for MA programs

• Uppsala University - Master in Peace and Conflict Studies

Rotary Peace Center, hosts the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, seems to be focused more on armed conflict than other similar Peace/Conflict/Security programs, has a unique monthly course structure that I think I'd appreciate, affiliated with PRIO/UiO

• University of Oslo (UiO) - Master in Peace and Conflict Studies

Closely affiliated with PRIO with the option baked into the program of working/researching alongside them for your thesis, regional connection to Uppsala

 

Is there anywhere else that I should be looking?  I know there are a few programs in Ireland and England, such as Trinity College Dublin, University of Essex, or University of Bradford, that appear to be relevant, but I am unsure of their reputation in the peace/conflict/security environment and how closely their coursework and research aligns with my interest.  

I haven't been able to find any US schools that meet my niche interests as well as or better than the list above, so that combined with the drastic price difference has me looking solely at European programs.  That being said, if any US-based programs have any sort of small arms research teams, I'm definitely interested.

Ultimate goal would be working in an IGO/NGO (peacebuilding, arms control/proliferation, post-conflict development) or some sort of research position more narrowly focused on small arms and light weapons, with the second path requiring going down the PhD path.  I don't think an MPA or MPP is in line with my goals/interests, nor do I think a more general international relations or political science program is what I'm looking for.

Edited March 7, 2021 by SampleText
clarified

[GradSchoolGrad]

4 hours ago, SampleText said:

Hey Gradcafe,

I had previously made a post regarding Security Studies PhD programs (great information, thanks all!) but thought it best to get some additional advice on Masters as well. 

My interest in broadly in peace and conflict, security studies, and development, but I'm specifically trying to find programs with some sort of armed conflict, small arms and light weapons, or non-state actor coursework or research centers.  I know it's niche and likely requires PhD-level research just to get any sort of "in," but regardless I'm curious to hear what you all think.

 

This is my curated list so far from self research and recommendations from professors and professionals:

• Graduate Institute of Geneva (IHEID) - Master in Development Studies - Power, Conflict, and Development track

Great international affairs and development school, hosts the Small Arms Survey, coursework that is a great hybrid between my narrow interests in conflict and more broad interests in development, located in the heart of diplomacy, but I've heard mixed things from current students regarding their poor handling of COVID when it comes to things like vaccine distribution and in person/online coursework (plan on fall 2022 intake so fingers crossed)

• King's College London - Master in Conflict, Security, and Development 

The place to go for war studies but I'm worried about relevance to my specific interests, it's a September-to-September program meaning limited course options and no scheduled internship, though I may consider the SciencesPo PSIA dual degree option in either Intl. Dev. or Human Rights and Humanitarian Action to broaden the coursework.  My undergrad program sends many students here for either exchange semesters or to go on for MA programs

• Uppsala University - Master in Peace and Conflict Studies

Rotary Peace Center, hosts the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, seems to be focused more on armed conflict than other similar Peace/Conflict/Security programs, has a unique monthly course structure that I think I'd appreciate, affiliated with PRIO/UiO

• University of Oslo (UiO) - Master in Peace and Conflict Studies

Closely affiliated with PRIO with the option baked into the program of working/researching alongside them for your thesis, regional connection to Uppsala

 

Is there anywhere else that I should be looking?  I know there are a few programs in Ireland and England, such as Trinity College Dublin, University of Essex, or University of Bradford, that appear to be relevant, but I am unsure of their reputation in the peace/conflict/security environment and how closely their coursework and research aligns with my interest.  

I haven't been able to find any US schools that meet my niche interests as well as or better than the list above, so that combined with the drastic price difference has me looking solely at European programs.  That being said, if any US-based programs have any sort of small arms research teams, I'm definitely interested.

Ultimate goal would be working in an IGO/NGO (peacebuilding, arms control/proliferation, post-conflict development) or some sort of research position more narrowly focused on small arms and light weapons, with the second path requiring going down the PhD path.  I don't think an MPA or MPP is in line with my goals/interests, nor do I think a more general international relations or political science program is what I'm looking for.

Georgetowns Security Studies Program masters should have everything are looking for.

That being said, I think you are much better suited with a PhD given how the stuff you are looking for requires intense research. A masters program just prepare you for a government job and there is only so much research time available. 

[SampleText]

53 minutes ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

Georgetowns Security Studies Program masters should have everything are looking for.

That being said, I think you are much better suited with a PhD given how the stuff you are looking for requires intense research. A masters program just prepare you for a government job and there is only so much research time available. 

Sort of the problem I'm running into is that the majority of PhD programs I've been looking at require a masters degree to be eligible.  This is both the case for the European programs and many of the US programs I have on my shortlist (not all though).  Only a few US PhD programs I've looked into (mostly all Poli Sci) are open to applicants straight out of undergrad.

I think going for a masters first is probably in my best interest regardless as my undergrad was very light on quant coursework and I'd be worried about going into a PhD program without a somewhat developed background in methods.

That's why I've been trying to figure out which masters programs would give me that needed extra quant background while also maybe having a sprinkling of armed conflict/SALW/peacekeeping in coursework or faculty.  None of my close professors have the most relevant background to recommend schools or faculty on this narrow interest and literature is seemingly more sparse than I imagined.  Additionally, I'm looking into masters programs to gain more exposure into the industry side of things, with some of these programs having internship semesters, a much more direct access to organizations than I had during undergrad, and a helping of practical courses and workshops in the curriculum.  To be clear, I'm not 100% sold on the PhD path yet, but I'm realizing more and more that it's likely the best path if I want to narrow down from conflict/development to my niche interest.  

Georgetown SSP was something I had looked at in detail at the recommendation of professors, but the cost is very hard to swallow and my understanding is that the school is very stringent on funding, especially for masters programs.  It seems like the best program by far within the US, but I'm not sure if I could justify it.  $70-80k + housing is expensive.  Additionally, I had sort of been trying to avoid the GRE for now as I realized the overwhelming majority of programs (even domestic) did not require it and felt that I would need more time to prepare than I have before the application cycle.  I had not planned on graduating this year, but my situation has changed and the need to decide on grad programs has sprung up over the past few weeks.  

 

Edited March 7, 2021 by SampleText

[EscapingBrexit]

If you are averse to US applications then I particularly like the GHEID & KCL options listed, and the idea of a joint degree at Sciences Po just sounds like an amazing experience to me. I think you've highlighted some of the best courses. 

I think LSE & UCL also have decent courses but I could be wrong. 

[GradSchoolGrad]

26 minutes ago, EscapingBrexit said:

If you are averse to US applications then I particularly like the GHEID & KCL options listed, and the idea of a joint degree at Sciences Po just sounds like an amazing experience to me. I think you've highlighted some of the best courses. 

I think LSE & UCL also have decent courses but I could be wrong. 

This is the Catch 22. Bottom line, if you want funding, you will have to PhD - period. Instead of focusing on school, what I recommend is that you identify experts with University affiliations and ask them what they recommend you do. 

Send them a very direct question - if I want to do a PhD on this, where should I go across the English speaking world (don't dither about asking about Master's degree vs. PhD). 

That being said, I do know people who did research similar to you at Oxford

[EscapingBrexit]

It would be helpful to know where you are from, @SampleText, for funding purposes. 

Edited March 7, 2021 by EscapingBrexit

[SampleText]

10 hours ago, EscapingBrexit said:

If you are averse to US applications then I particularly like the GHEID & KCL options listed, and the idea of a joint degree at Sciences Po just sounds like an amazing experience to me. I think you've highlighted some of the best courses. 

I think LSE & UCL also have decent courses but I could be wrong. 

I haven't found too many downsides to the programs listed in my post, those are the ones I've narrowed it down to from a much larger list of like 40 that I collected when trying to get a broad understanding of what sort of universities and programs may be relevant to my interests and goals.  Sort of my problem now is trying to determine if any particular one of these stands out from the rest, or if there's a school or two that I've completely overlooked.

I looked into LSE a bit and they do have a few programs of interest, mainly MSc Conflict Studies, but my logic in prioritizing KCL over LSE was the reputation of their War Studies department and my understanding that I'd get access to more niche course options and relevant faculty at KCL.  Looking now at the potential course options for LSE Conflict Studies (https://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/programmeRegulations/taughtMasters/2020/MScConflictStudies.htm) and I see that they do offer a wide range of options, including a methods course as part of the require curriculum which KCL seems to lack.  It seems to be overall more well rounded compared to the KCL program.  The focus on intra-state conflict within the core module is particularly appealing.

Their prices for international students are similar as well, so I'll definitely give them further consideration.  If you have any specific input on KCL vs LSE, I would more than appreciate it.

9 hours ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

This is the Catch 22. Bottom line, if you want funding, you will have to PhD - period. Instead of focusing on school, what I recommend is that you identify experts with University affiliations and ask them what they recommend you do. 

Send them a very direct question - if I want to do a PhD on this, where should I go across the English speaking world (don't dither about asking about Master's degree vs. PhD). 

That being said, I do know people who did research similar to you at Oxford

You've hit the nail on the head here ? I've been sending out cold call emails and LinkedIn messages to those currently working with the various IGOs/NGOs/think tanks relevant to my interests, and a handful of current graduate students to hear their inputs.  Uppsala has been recommended by most that I've spoken to so far, alongside University of Essex, ETH Zurich, and Mannheim all specifically for their PhD programs due to having a similar funding structure to the US.  Yale was mentioned as well.

I'll definitely take your advice on straight forward asking about PhD recommendations, that's a much more direct approach than I've been doing.

9 hours ago, EscapingBrexit said:

It would be helpful to know where you are from, @SampleText, for funding purposes. 

I'm from the United States which is one of the biggest reasons I've been looking towards Europe for the masters.  The cost difference, even factoring in the chance of some slight financial aid, is huge comparing a school like Georgetown SSP to something like IHEID.  There's a few MA programs I've found in the US similarly priced to UK programs (eg UNC TAM), but none have as direct of a focus on conflict as I'd like. 

Of course for a PhD that starts to complicate things due to differences in funding practices between countries or schools, so that's why I've been looking at a balance of US and European programs for if I decide to go all the way through.

Edited March 8, 2021 by SampleText

[GradSchoolGrad]

4 minutes ago, SampleText said:

I haven't found too many downsides to the programs listed in my post, those are the ones I've narrowed it down to from a much larger list of like 40 that I collected when trying to get a broad understanding of what sort of universities and programs may be relevant to my interests and goals.  Sort of my problem now is trying to determine if any particular one of these stands out from the rest, or if there's a school or two that I've completely overlooked.

I looked into LSE a bit and they do have a few programs of interest, mainly MSc Conflict Studies, but my logic in prioritizing KCL over LSE was the reputation of their War Studies department and my understanding that I'd get access to more niche course options and relevant faculty at KCL.  Looking now at the potential course options for LSE Conflict Studies (https://www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/programmeRegulations/taughtMasters/2020/MScConflictStudies.htm) and I see that they do offer a wide range of options, including a methods course as part of the require curriculum which KCL seems to lack.  It seems to be more well rounded compared to the KCL program.

Their prices for international students are similar as well, so I'll definitely give them further consideration.  If you have any specific input on KCL vs LSE, I would more than appreciate it.

You've hit the nail on the head here ? I've been sending out cold call emails and LinkedIn messages to those currently working with the various IGOs/NGOs/think tanks relevant to my interests, and a handful of current graduate students to hear their inputs.  Uppsala has been recommended by most that I've spoken to so far, alongside University of Essex, ETH Zurich, and Mannheim all specifically for their PhD programs due to having a similar funding structure to the US.  Yale was mentioned as well.

I'll definitely take your advice on straight forward asking about PhD recommendations, that's a much more direct approach than I've been doing.

I'm from the United States which is one of the biggest reasons I've been looking towards Europe for the masters.  The cost difference, even factoring in the chance of some slight financial aid, is huge comparing a school like Georgetown SSP to something like IHEID.  There's a few MA programs I've found in the US similarly priced to UK programs (eg UNC TAM), but none have as direct of a focus on conflict as I'd like. 

Of course for a PhD that starts to complicate things due to differences in funding practices between countries or schools, so that's why I've been looking at a balance of US and European programs for if I decide to go all the way through.

One thing you want to keep in mind is the ease / ability for you to come back to the US to do work/research after grad school. Bottom line, if you seek to eventually work (post PhD or Masters) you need to go to a US, UK, Australian, NZ, Canada (Basically Five Eyes) school, otherwise meaningful employment becomes difficult to do (at least in English). 

I know so many people in the social sciences who went to the best University in XYZ country and when they come back to the US, they were shocked to find out how their credentials had no real value. You know those stories of those Uber Drivers with PhDs from a foreign country who find that they can't use their degree --> don't let that be you just so you can be excited about research something.

 

 

Edited March 8, 2021 by GradSchoolGrad

[SampleText]

14 minutes ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

One thing you want to keep in mind is the ease / ability for you to come back to the US to do work/research after grad school. Bottom line, if you seek to eventually work (post PhD or Masters) you need to go to a US, UK, Australian, NZ, Canada (Basically Five Eyes) school, otherwise meaningful employment becomes difficult to do (at least in English). 

I know so many people in the social sciences who went to the best University in XYZ country and when they come back to the US, they were shocked to find out how their credentials had no real value. You know those stories of those Uber Drivers with PhDs from a foreign country who find that they can't use their degree --> don't let that be you just so you can be excited about research something.

 

 

That is one issue I've been trying to deal with over this process.  Right now my goal has been to move overseas and stay for a while (mostly to finally experience urban living, I come from extremely small town USA with practically zero opportunities, development, or density) and luckily most of the schools and IGOs/NGOs relevant to my interests are based out of Europe.  Similarly, most professors and professionals I've had the chance to speak with have recommended these same European schools and IGOs/NGOs.  Really the only exceptions seem to be USAID and certain NYC-based UN programs like UNODA, but they have a large international presence.  Regardless, the chance of one day coming back is still something I've been thinking about.  That's why I haven't given any thought to programs in Asia, just worried the (lack of) reputation and understanding from hiring officers would become a problem.

I've never really thought about becoming a professor, so I'm not sure if prioritizing a US PhD program with teaching experience/credentials is something I should necessarily consider.

Edited March 8, 2021 by SampleText

[GradSchoolGrad]

7 minutes ago, SampleText said:

That is one issue I've been trying to deal with over this process.  Right now my goal has been to move overseas and stay for a while (mostly to finally experience urban living, I come from extremely small town USA) and luckily most of the schools and IGOs/NGOs relevant to my interests are based out of Europe.  Similarly, most professors and professionals I've had the chance to speak with have recommended these same European schools and IGOs/NGOs.  Really the only exceptions seem to be USAID and certain NYC-based UN programs like UNODA, but they have a large international presence.  Regardless, the chance of one day coming back is still something I've been thinking about.  That's why I haven't given any thought to programs in Asia, just worried the (lack of) reputation and understanding from hiring officers would become a problem.

I've never really thought about becoming a professor, so I'm not sure if prioritizing a US PhD program with teaching experience/credentials is something I should necessarily consider.

For IR and conflict studies and etc. it is much more academically accepted and welcome to have careers matriculating outside of academia upon graduation from PhD programs. Honestly, I just don't see a realistically pathway for you to research what you want to research just via a Master's program. Definitely not for a 1 year Master's program abroad. 

Also realistically, no one would respect your research in a master's program for you to easily to matriculate into a career from it (unless you piggy back into a research institute/respectable organization with your research and etc. - however that is much harder than you would imagine)

I started focusing on defense issues in masters' program and realized I had to switch ASAP, because to do meaningful defense research means joining the community (one way or another). You won't have credibility to really do so as a Master's student. Much more likely so as a PhD. 

Also, I just realized another great school for what you are proposing is Tuft's Fletcher PhD.

Maybe you have, but I don't think you have hit up the US defense/conflict/peace resolution community sufficiently. Given that you are American, it makes sense that is your opportunity bread and butter after your time abroad (and more realistically, its where the money, interest, and the community is most robust). 

Edited March 8, 2021 by GradSchoolGrad