Peace & Conflict

This programme uses comparative political science models and methods to analyse patterns of conflict and settlement, with a focus on internal violent conflicts, past and present.



This course allows analysis of the different ways that religion, ethnicity and inequality combine to generate violence.



Specialist resources in the study of theories of ethnicity, identity, conflict; comparative ethnic conflict; Northern Ireland, Western Europe and relevant cognate specialisms in civic republicanism, justice and human rights, international security, European politics, and development studies.



Includes additional research components and is particularly suitable if you want a career in research or academia..

Stage 1 Core Modules



POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn 10

POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn 10

POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring 10

POL42060 International Security Spring 10

POL42310 Thesis Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:



Select 2 option modules.



LAW42280 International Refugee Law Autumn 10

POL40100 Politics of Development Autumn 10

POL40130 Poverty, Development and Global Justice Autumn 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Autumn 10

POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn 10

POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn 10

POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn 10

POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn 10

GS40120 Decoloniality and Intersectionality Thinking Spring 10

POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring 10

POL40370 International Political Economy Spring 10

POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring 10

POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring 10

POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring 10

POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity Spring 10

POL42500 Politics of Authoritarianism Spring 10

POL42580 Arab Perceptions of Conflict Spring 10

SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change Spring 10

A primary degree with at least Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1). 2H1 is equivalent to 60 per cent, B minus or 3.08 GPA - in American system: B or 3.00 GPA.



Your application will be considered on its individual merits and relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.



English language requirements: applicants whose first language is not English should have met TOEFL, IELTs, or computer-based TOEFL requirements (600, 6.5, or 250 respectively), or the Cambridge English Test (Certificate in Advanced English at a minimum of Grade B, or Certificate of Proficiency in English at Grade C). Applicants who obtained a previous degree from an English-speaking university may be exempted from this requirement. Click here for further info.



Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Application Deadlines



Deadline for EU applicants: Monday, 7 September 2026 (The first day of the term)



Deadline for non-EU applicants: The end of August, 2026



Deadline for non-EU applicants who require an entry visa in advance:



In some countries, it takes a few months to process visa applications. We strongly advise that you apply well in advance, ideally as early as March. Please contact the Irish Embassy in your country or the UCD Global Regional offices for further information.



Non-EU citizens who have been living in Ireland or the EU must go through the EU Fee Assessment process before their applications can be assessed. This process takes a few weeks.



Apply online.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

1/2 years, FT/PT, On Campus.

W408 MSc Peace and Conflict Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught



W409 MSc Peace and Conflict Master of Science Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught

Graduates work with international bodies, non-governmental organisations and state agencies in roles such as: government social researchers, diplomatic advisors and public affair consultants.



Recent graduates of UCD School of Politics & International Relations now work in:



United Nations

World Trade Organisation

IMF

European Commission

Asia Development Bank