Overview This two-year, English-taught Master’s is an international, interdisciplinary programme that examines violent conflict and the strategies used to prevent, manage and resolve it. It is offered jointly by the University of Kent (UK) and Philipps‑Universität Marburg (Germany), combining advanced theoretical study with applied, practice-oriented training.
What you study The curriculum builds advanced expertise in peace and conflict research by drawing on politics and international relations as well as sociology and psychology. You will study major theories and contemporary practice through case studies and focused modules. Typical topics include risk analysis, negotiation, mediation, conference diplomacy, twin‑track diplomacy, third‑party intervention, peacekeeping and peacemaking, and coercive diplomacy.
Skills, structure and career relevance The programme capitalises on the research strengths of the Conflict Analysis Research Centre (Kent) and the Center for Conflict Studies (Marburg), both well-established centres in the field. You will hone analytical skills and practical methods (for example, mediation), take part in dedicated research exercises such as conflict simulations, and normally complete an internship between the first and second years. Graduates are prepared for careers in government, international organisations, NGOs, media, business, consultancy and research.
Programme requirements and key facts
Note: Check the universities’ official pages for specific admission criteria, application deadlines and visa information.
Overview
This is a two-year international joint MA in Peace and Conflict Studies that combines one year at the University of Kent with one year at Philipps-Universität Marburg. The programme mixes theoretical foundations in international relations and peace studies with practical training—students complete taught modules, a minimum 10-week summer internship, and a 14,000-word master’s dissertation. On successful completion you receive an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies from both Kent and Marburg.
Key modules and programme focus
In the first year at Kent you take three 10‑ECTS modules (equivalent to 20 Kent credits) each semester. Core Kent modules include Philosophy and Methodology of Politics and IR, Conflict Resolution in/and World Politics, and Research Methods; optional Kent modules cover topics such as International Relations Theory, International Security, Terrorism and National Security, International Political Economy, EU decision‑making, human rights, negotiation and mediation, regional security, and comparative political systems. The summer between years is reserved for an internship (April–September) of at least 10 weeks in an organisation and location of your choice, providing hands‑on experience in conflict analysis, policy, or peacebuilding work.
Second‑year focus and dissertation
The second year in Marburg emphasizes psychological and applied dimensions of peace and conflict: the required Winter‑semester module is Psychology of Peace and Conflict, alongside two optional modules (examples include Simulating Peace and Conflict, Collective Action and Protest, Development and Peace, or language courses). The programme concludes with a 14,000‑word dissertation submitted in the Marburg summer semester (due by August). Graduates finish with two MA degrees—one from Kent and one from Philipps‑Universität Marburg—positioning them for research, policy, NGO, or international organisation work.
Requirements (concise)
First year (Kent)
Second year (Philipps‑Universität Marburg)
Learning outcomes (summary)
This programme normally requires a strong undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Admissions are made on an individual basis, so additional academic qualifications, professional credentials and relevant work experience can all strengthen an application.
If your first degree was awarded in Germany, specific German qualifications are accepted and the university treats newer degrees as equivalent to UK qualifications (see bullets for details). International applicants should be prepared for their qualifications to be evaluated for equivalence.
Winter Semester (International)
Any time. Early applications are recommended.
Graduates are prepared for careers in government, diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, media, business, consultancy and research. The programme develops analytical and practical skills—such as conflict analysis, negotiation and mediation—supported by a mandatory internship and research experience, which are attractive to employers in peacebuilding, policy analysis, humanitarian and development organisations, and security-related roles.
Alumni may also pursue academic or research pathways (PhD) in peace and conflict studies or related social sciences, leveraging the programme's strong research centre connections and the dual-degree international profile to access opportunities in both the UK and Germany as well as international institutions.