Peace Studies

SOAS University of London

Humanitarianism, Aid & Conflict: The MSc Humanitarianism, Aid and Conflict builds on the strength of existing expertise in violence, conflict and global development within the Department of Development Studies and SOAS in general. The programme is designed to provide you with analytical training and an in-depth understanding of the challenges of contemporary humanitarian aid, its interaction with conflict and development and new directions in the field. The programme presents students with comprehensive knowledge of the history of the architecture of aid in humanitarian contexts, key local, regional and international actors, and engages with theoretical, conceptual and policy debates relating to the political and logistical challenges of the global responses to conflict, natural disasters and complex emergencies, the diverse range of critiques that have been made of it, emerging innovations, context-specific challenges and agendas from the Global South.

 Violence, Conflict & Development: This programme examines the analytical, political and policy relationships between violence, conflict and development. The core module addresses empirical trends, difficulties of data collection and the importance of categorisation and boundaries to matters of violence. It goes on to present foundational theories on conflict and violence, including gender perspectives, debates about the origins of human violence (anthropological, historical, psychological sources of violence) and the role of violence in historical change. The focus then shifts to the means, mechanisms and markers of violence, including themes related to boundaries, war economies, inequality, land and the environment. This provides the basis for analysing interventions in the violent conflict including humanitarian aid, conflict resolution and reconstruction. 

Politics of Conflict, Rights & Justice: The programme is designed for Masters students who are interested in the politics of human rights, humanitarianism and international and transitional justice especially in conflict and post-conflict states. It is also highly relevant to anyone working or intending to work in international NGOs, international organizations, think tanks and advocacy groups in the areas of rights, humanitarian assistance and transitional justice. It also looks more broadly at the future of global human rights in a world where, many claim, the influence of the West is declining and asks critical questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms and humanitarian intervention. Students on this programme are able to participate in all of the activities of the Centre on Conflict, Rights and Justice – including closed and public seminars, workshops, expert briefings and professional training, a student-led blog, regular social events and the Centre’s internship scheme (for a small group selected through a competitive application process).

The University of Manchester

MA Peace and Conflict Studies: This interdisciplinary MA explores the processes through which actors have attempted to define and build peace in areas affected by war and violence, particularly since the end of the Cold War. Drawing on expertise from the fields of politics, history, anthropology and the arts, this newly revamped course will offer you the opportunity to engage with conflict management, conflict resolution, conflict transformation, peacebuilding and statebuilding theories and practices. Moreover, the programme will critically address the conceptualization of peace and the implementation of peacebuilding projects by global, regional, national and local actors, including the UN, the International Financial Institutions, development agencies and donors, INGOs, and local organisations in conflict-affected environments. In particular, it will focus on social agency for peace, the question of the nature of the `peaceful state', and the ever-fraught question of the reform of the international system.

University of Bradford

Advanced Practice in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution: The MA Advanced Practice in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution is offered by the internationally recognised Department of Peace Studies and International Development, drawing on over 40 years of experience as a leading centre of peace research and education. The programme will develop your understanding of the causes and dynamics of social conflict, with a strong focus on case-study analysis. It will allow you to develop informed judgements about when and how to engage constructively with conflict, recognising the strengths and limitations of different approaches to intervention. And you will consider critical questions surrounding and problematising efforts to build peace in different contexts, and in the light of contemporary trends, including converging environmental, economic and political developments. Through a diverse programme of study, including a significant applied, practical element, you will develop and demonstrate knowledge and recognised competencies essential to effective, ethically-aware practice within conflict engagement and peace practice - locally, nationally or internationally.

Peace, Conflict and Development: The MA in Peace, Conflict and Development Studies provides an advanced understanding of the inter-relationships between conflict, development, security, and governance in developing, fragile, transitional and/or conflict affected regions and countries. You’ll gain the understanding and skills you need to pursue or develop a career in what is now a major area for international, national and local policy and practitioner communities. You’ll be equipped to work across many sectors including

Peace, Resilience and Social Justice: Our MA in Peace, Resilience and Social Justice is designed for those seeking an advanced understanding of the intersecting crises of climate change/ecological degradation, inequality and injustice, conflict and violence. The programme critically examines how different actors are responding to these challenges, including efforts to rethink the assumptions and practices that shape our ways of life, public engagement, contentious collective action and practical efforts to design and create more resilient, sustainable and equitable communities.

University of Kent

MA Peace and Conflict Studies (International Joint Award). The MA in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Kent is an international joint degree run with the Philipps-Universität Marburg. Students spend one year in Canterbury and one in Marburg, graduating with a degree from both universities, and receive training in the analysis of violent conflict and the theory and practice of conflict resolution within Europe's peace research community.

University of Leeds

MA Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding. The MA in Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding at the University of Leeds School of Politics and International Studies examines what happens when security and development converge in war-affected societies. Students analyse how security, development and humanitarian actors adapt to instability, study regionally differentiated responses to conflict, and engage with debates on aid, governance and the role of international organisations in peacebuilding.

University of St Andrews

Peacebuilding and Mediation: Peacebuilding and Mediation critically explores the relationship between formal and official peacebuilding and mediation initiatives and informal, unofficial, and community-based efforts.

University of York

MA Peace and Conflict Studies. The MA in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of York's Department of Politics and International Relations carries forward the legacy of York's pioneering Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit and its renowned MA in Post-war Recovery Studies. The programme focuses on the political, economic and social challenges of post-war recovery, peacebuilding and statebuilding, and prepares students for research and practice in conflict-affected environments.

American University, School of International Service

MA International Peace and Conflict Resolution. The MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution at American University's School of International Service in Washington DC, founded in 1995 by Abdul Aziz Said, is one of the largest programmes of its kind. Students combine analysis of the causes of war and political violence with applied training in peacebuilding, negotiation and reconciliation, taking advantage of the school's location at the heart of US policy and international NGO communities.

Brandeis University, Heller School

MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence. The MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence (COEX) at Brandeis University's Heller School for Social Policy and Management is a sixteen-month practice-oriented programme training responsible peacebuilding practitioners. With a strongly international student body, it combines coursework in conflict analysis, negotiation and intervention design with a field practicum, and offers dual degree options including one with the UN-mandated University for Peace.

Columbia University

MS in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. Columbia University's MS in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution takes an applied, practice-oriented approach to conflict at interpersonal, organisational and international levels. Grounded in coordinated theories of negotiation, mediation and conflict dynamics, the New York based programme trains professionals to design processes for resolving disputes and transforming conflict across sectors.