Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict

Overview

This Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict programme at Birkbeck, University of London draws on research in comparative politics, history, sociology, cultural and genetic anthropology, political theory and international relations to offer comprehensive, balanced analyses of contemporary political controversies.

Alongside theoretical approaches, we will examine ethnic and national conflict via a wealth of real-world case studies that cover every corner of the globe. The programme provides the analytical tools you will need to examine problems of national, ethnic and religious conflict in their broader political context.

The first core module will give you a deep understanding of the concepts of ethnic group and nation, and the range of approaches and analytical models available to explore case studies from different time periods and places. You will then consider the pressing issue of population change, including its economic, military, political and international implications.

You can then choose two option modules from a wide variety of topics including international security, American foreign policy, globalisation, political theory and sociology, war and conflict, nationalism and religion, and international political economy. The culmination of the programme is to write a dissertation on the subject that interests you most.

Careers and Employability

Graduates can pursue careers in international organisations, policy research, journalism, economic and political forecasting, private sector management, and national or supranational government. Possible professions include Civil Service fast streamer, government social research officer, or public affairs consultant. This degree can also be useful in becoming a newspaper journalist, public relations account executive, or charity officer.