Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Humanitarianism and Conflict Response at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in interdisciplinary studies, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in interdisciplinary studies.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Career opportunities
HCRI Job Sectors Graduates pursue careers across a wide spectrum of organisations tackling some of the world's most pressing challenges. The combination of critical thinking, practical skills, and interdisciplinary perspective you develop here is precisely what employers in this field are seeking. Where our Graduates Work Humanitarian Organisations Médecins Sans Frontières, Mines Advisory Group, British Red Cross, Save the Children, and the Refugee Council Government and Public Sector Local and central government such as the UK Health Security Agency or the Manchester City Council Health Services In the UK and internationally Security and Defence Intelligence Fusion and defence forces Private sector Consultancy Read more about our graduate career destinations . Find out more on the careers and employability page and see where some of our graduates are now working on the alumni page. Career Support Throughout your studies, you will have access to the University of Manchester Careers Service , which also supports you 2 years after graduation. You will have access to personalised advise and training on writing your CV, interviews, job searching, and professional development. The skills you develop â research, analysis, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration â are highly transferable. Check what Manchester can offer you as opportunities to boost your employability .
Associated organisations
Through our partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), industry bodies and policymakers, we are able to make a meaningful impact in the field and reach many key humanitarian decision-makers internationally. Find out more about our collaborative partners . HCRI also has a network of associate fellows based in relevant organisations and academic institutions around the world.
Program Curriculum
Course overview
Develop versatile critical thinking skills sought by employers What makes this programme distinctive is its truly interdisciplinary design. You will learn from a team of researchers and practitioners who all engage with what the United Nations calls the âtriple nexusâ - humanitarian response, development and peace. Cultivate practical skills to boost your employability Develop skills in communication, research, decision-making, planning. Build your professional network and experience through guest-lectures from practitioners, simulations, field trips, and volunteering. Build your professional credentials The University of Manchester ranks among the world's top 50 universities, and its graduates are sought after by employers internationally. Manchester is a dynamic, diverse and affordable city. Loading Study MA Humanitarianism and Conflict Response
Contact details School/Faculty School of Arts, Languages and Cultures Contact name PG Taught Admissions Email MASALC@manchester.ac.uk Website http://www.hcri.manchester.ac.uk/ School/Faculty overview See: About us
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas. Humanitarianism and Conflict Response
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
An upper Second Class Honours Degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised university or its equivalent. Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements above but have relevant professional experience are considered and encouraged to apply. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Find information about country-specific requirements and admissions contacts here: Postgraduate applications | International | The University of Manchester
English language
IELTS and TOEFL are accepted. An overall grade of 6.5 in IELTS with 6.5 in writing and no less than 6.0 in all skills is required or 93+ in the TOEFL iBT with a minimum writing score of 22 with no skill below 20. If you have obtained a different qualification, please check our English language requirements to ensure that it is accepted and equivalent to the above requirements.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 14,500/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MA (full-time) UK students (per annum): £14,700 International, including EU, students (per annum): £30,700 MA (part-time) UK students (per annum): £7,350 International, including EU, students (per annum): £15,400
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Information on university funding, loans, and scholarships available on the Masters student funding page ; Please visit the school funding page for more information on subject funding available; Other funding for EU and international students is on our country-specific pages .
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MA (full-time) UK students (per annum): £14,700 International, including EU, students (per annum): £30,700 MA (part-time) UK students (per annum): £7,350 International, including EU, students (per annum): £15,400
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Information on university funding, loans, and scholarships available on the Masters student funding page ; Please visit the school funding page for more information on subject funding available; Other funding for EU and international students is on our country-specific pages .
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date September 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)