Peace Studies

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

MA Peace and Conflict Studies. The English-taught MA in Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at the University of Magdeburg attracts a highly international student body to a programme combining political science and sociology with courses in philosophy, history and cultural studies. Alongside a theoretically grounded education in peace and conflict research, the programme includes an obligatory internship, conflict management training and simulations to build practical skills.

Philipps-Universität Marburg

Peace and Conflict Studies (MA). The Center for Conflict Studies at the University of Marburg runs two master's programmes: the German-language MA in Friedens- und Konfliktforschung and the English-language MA in Peace and Conflict Studies, an international joint degree with the University of Kent. In the joint programme students spend one academic year each in Canterbury and Marburg and graduate with a degree from both universities, combining conflict theory, conflict analysis and management with an extended internship.

University of Hamburg / IFSH

Master of Peace and Security Studies. The Master of Peace and Security Studies (MPS) at the University of Hamburg is coordinated by the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH) and was the first programme of its kind in Germany when it launched in 2002. It remains the only German master's combining security research and policy with a peace studies perspective, supported by a cooperation network of peace research institutions across Germany and abroad.

University of Tübingen

Master of Peace Research and International Relations. The Institute of Political Science at the University of Tübingen offers a four-semester, research-oriented MA in Peace Research and International Relations (MAPIR), taught in English and running since 2004 under its former German name. Topics include concepts of peace and conflict, instruments of conflict transformation, the role of the EU and human rights, complemented by study trips and workshops with practitioners from international organisations, NGOs and think tanks.

Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre

MA in Conflict, Peace and Security. The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra offers an MA in Conflict, Peace and Security, alongside a companion MA in Gender, Peace and Security, in evening, weekend and executive formats. The programmes equip students and working professionals from across Africa with analytical, leadership and managerial skills in conflict prevention, peace operations and security governance, backed by the Centre's training and research expertise.

University of Cape Coast

The Department of Peace Studies at the University of Cape Coast, part of the School for Development Studies, describes itself as a leading centre for peace studies in West Africa. It trains postgraduate students in conflict, peace and security studies, and its staff research peacebuilding, conflict management and transformation, human rights, violent extremism, ethno-political and natural-resource conflicts, and peace and security reforms. Its partners include Ghana’s National Peace Council, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), UNDP, the University of Sussex and the Tampere Peace Research Institute (TAPRI).

Peace and Development Studies

The department’s established programmes, offered at three levels: a MA taught in sandwich (block) mode for working professionals, and a research-based MPhil and PhD. They link the study of conflict and peace with questions of development, governance and justice.

Peace, Security and Development

A newer programme track of the Department of Peace Studies, listed in UCC’s admissions catalogue as an MA, MPhil and PhD. UCC has not yet published full details; see the catalogue for updates.

Sociology of Peace and Security

A one-year MA in Sociology of Peace and Security (sandwich mode, 33 credits), offered by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. It aims to strengthen students’ analysis of peace, conflict, security, social justice and human rights. Core courses cover sociological perspectives on peace, security and violence; international politics and security; transitional justice; gender, security, peace and development; peacekeeping, peacebuilding and conflict transformation; and advanced research methods and data analysis. Electives include human rights, post-conflict reconstruction, African politics and security, communal conflicts and transnational security threats. Graduates work in NGOs, government and the private and public sectors. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with at least a second-class lower division.

University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA)

The Master of Arts in Peace, Security and Intelligence is designed to equip graduates with specialised skills to identify, tackle, and respond to emerging security and intelligence challenges. MPSI offers the option for academic research through innovative and analytical thinking to developing solutions to old and emerging issues in the security and intelligence landscape.

Hamdard Institute of International Studies

Hamdard Institute of International Studies aims to transform education in international relations by offering advanced knowledge and skills pertaining to domain of international studies, global political and world affairs. It prioritizes promoting regional studies focusing on West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and North America. and fostering student engagement in global affairs for peace and democracy.

Jamia Millia Islamia

MA in Conflict Analysis and Peace Building. The Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, launched in 2004 as one of the first university peace centres in India, has offered a two-year MA in Conflict Analysis and Peace Building since 2007. The programme trains students in the analytical and field skills of peacemaking and peacebuilding, with a distinctive aim of bringing Indian traditions of conflict resolution into the mainstream of peace studies.

MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU)

PhD in Peace Studies: the doctoral programme of the Department of Peace Studies at MIT-WPU develops advanced interdisciplinary research on the structural, cultural and epistemic foundations of peace and conflict. Aligned with UNESCO’s Culture of Peace, it examines the links between peace, human rights, development and sustaining peace. Research methodology training is combined with independent enquiry leading to an original doctoral dissertation, supported by research seminars, colloquia and international conferences. MIT-WPU currently offers peace studies at doctoral level only.