Master's in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding

Overview

This English‑taught MA combines social‑science research with hands‑on practice in peacebuilding. You will study core theories, concepts and debates from peace, conflict and violence research — including perspectives from political theory, intellectual history, comparative politics and international relations — while also learning how these ideas are applied in real-world conflict transformation and mediation.

What you will learn

The programme examines the actors, causes and dynamics of conflict and violence, and the roles that international, state and non‑state actors play in mediation and peacebuilding. You will analyse political systems, state–society relations, economic and social contexts, and power and violence relations. Training covers both qualitative and quantitative research methods and applies them to concrete conflicts and peace processes, with a particular empirical emphasis on violent intra‑state conflicts (“civil wars”).

Practice and professional skills

Practical experience is integrated throughout the curriculum: practitioners regularly present their organisations and methods, and seminars teach practice‑oriented tools such as project management, programme evaluation and policy consulting. A range of teaching formats plus a mandatory internship give structured exposure to the fields of conflict analysis, conflict transformation and peacebuilding, helping you translate academic knowledge into professional practice.

Requirements & key facts

• Degree awarded: Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Field: Political Science / Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding
• Language of instruction: English
• Methodological training: qualitative and quantitative methods
• Empirical focus: violent intra‑state conflicts (“civil wars”)
• Practical components: practitioner lectures, practice‑oriented seminars (e.g., project management, programme evaluation, academic policy consulting)
• Mandatory internship providing direct experience in conflict analysis, transformation or peacebuilding

This master’s curriculum is structured around five core modules (totaling 50 CP) that establish the programme’s interdisciplinary foundation in conflict studies and peacebuilding, plus targeted practical training, an elective, and a final research project. In sum the programme comprises 120 CP: five compulsory course modules (50 CP), a professional and research practice unit (24 CP), a free elective (22 CP) and a Master’s thesis (24 CP). The design balances conceptual and methodological rigour with opportunities to apply knowledge in professional or research settings.

The five mandatory modules cover:

• Methods in Conflict Studies & Peacebuilding (M1): develops quantitative and qualitative research skills specific to conflict analysis and peacebuilding evaluation, enabling students to design and carry out empirical research.
• Concepts in Conflict Studies & Peacebuilding (M2): introduces core theoretical frameworks and analytical tools used to interpret causes of conflict and approaches to resolution and peacebuilding.
• Political Theory & History of Ideas in Conflict Studies (M3): situates contemporary debates within broader normative and historical traditions, sharpening students’ ability to critique and construct theoretical arguments.
• Conflict, State & Society (M4): examines the relationship between institutions, social structures and conflict dynamics, preparing students to assess governance, social cleavages and post-conflict reconstruction.
• Conflict, Politics & the Global Economy (M5): analyses transnational drivers of conflict and the political economy dimensions of peace and insecurity, equipping students to understand global-level influences.

Complementing these modules, the 24 CP professional and research practice unit offers practical and research-oriented training to bridge theory and application, while the 22 CP free elective allows you to deepen a specific interest or gain complementary skills. The programme culminates in a 24 CP Master’s thesis, through which students demonstrate independent research competence and the ability to contribute to scholarly or policy-relevant debates in conflict studies and peacebuilding.

Program requirements (concise)

• Five compulsory modules (M1–M5): 50 CP
  • M1: Methods in Conflict Studies & Peacebuilding
  • M2: Concepts in Conflict Studies & Peacebuilding
  • M3: Political Theory & History of Ideas in Conflict Studies
  • M4: Conflict, State & Society
  • M5: Conflict, Politics & the Global Economy
• Professional and research practice unit: 24 CP
• Free elective unit: 22 CP
• Master’s thesis: 24 CP
• Total programme workload: 120 CP

Graduates are prepared for careers in conflict analysis, peacebuilding and conflict transformation within NGOs, international organisations, governmental agencies, and policy consultancies. The programme’s combination of methods training and practice-oriented modules equips students for roles in programme design, monitoring and evaluation, mediation support and advisory functions.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for continued academic work or PhD studies in political science, peace and conflict research, and related fields. The mandatory internship and practitioner network foster professional contacts useful for entering applied peacebuilding jobs.