Peace & Conflict Studies

About

One of the core strengths of the MSc programme in Peace and Conflict Studies at Ulster University is its location. Northern Ireland is a society emerging from conflict. Students on the programme can explore the theoretical debates of conflict transformation and peacebuilding in the classroom and how peace is negotiated and delivered at both political and community levels and practice in the real world. With exit points at PgCert and PgDip levels, this programme provides a structured learning opportunity to analyse the dynamic and constantly changing field of conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Focusing on the latest research and concepts in peace and conflict studies and practice, participants are invited to compare, contrast and learn from different contexts and perspectives.



The emphasis of the INCORE programme is consistent with the vision of Ulster University to be a leading provider of professional education for professional life and the geographical scope of INCORE’s work in research, policy, and practice is both local and global.



The programme stresses the development of skills relevant to graduates who want to go on to be practitioners, researchers and policymakers in the peace and conflict field. The overall approach seeks to develop the critical, theoretical and analytical skills necessary for working in conflicted societies – in ways that are grounded in real-life applications and case studies.



Students in the programme have access to leading academics and practitioners working to address both the causes and consequences of conflict locally and internationally, and to promote better peace-making and peacebuilding strategies. The experience of engaging with leading academics and practitioners in the field is a hallmark of the programme. The programme's location in Northern Ireland ensures an open door between classroom and experiential learning.



Students' knowledge and capacities are transferable across sectors and regions, making their skill set mobile and flexible within a globalised job market. Graduates of the programme will have key research and practice skills which will equip them to pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including conflict resolution, human rights, community and economic development, social justice, psychosocial interventions, education, law, social work and politics, among others. Development and humanitarian organisations, in particular, increasingly recognise the value of employing staff with a strong understanding and knowledge of conflict resolution and peacebuilding issues, particularly given the prevalence of tensions and conflict in developing countries. The knowledge and skills gained during the MSc in Peace and Conflict Studies also has applicability and desirability for employers within the public and private sector, particularly in negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution.



Work placement / study abroad

INCORE has strong working relationships with a range of organisations working on issues of peace and conflict, and can help facilitate internship opportunities for those students who wish to gain practical work experience during, or after, the programme.

Full-Time Programme

Year One

Foundations of Peace and Conflict Studies

Peacebuilding: Concepts and Approaches

Conflict Analysis

Foundations of Social Science Research

MSc Dissertation

Social Action for Peace and Justice: A Community Development Approach - This module is optional

Memory, Identity and Dealing with the Past - This module is optional

Survey and Quantitative Methods - This module is optional

Qualitative Research Methods - This module is optional



Part-Time Programme

Year One

Foundations of Peace and Conflict Studies

Peacebuilding: Concepts and Approaches



Year Two:

Conflict Analysis

Foundations of Social Science Research

MSc Dissertation

Social Action for Peace and Justice: A Community Development Approach - This module is optional

Memory, Identity and Dealing with the Past - This module is optional

Survey and Quantitative Methods - This module is optional

Qualitative Research Methods - This module is optional

Attendance

The MSc takes one calendar year in full-time mode. You will normally be expected to attend class for 4-6 hours on two days a week during Semester One (Sept-Jan) and Semester Two (Jan-May). Students conduct their dissertation during Semester Three (June-Sept). The programme will be supplemented with seminars and lectures by visiting academics and practitioners, as well as field visits.

Start Date: September 2025.

Career options

Students of an interdisciplinary programme such as the MSc in Peace and Conflict Studies are well placed to follow a number of distinct career opportunities, based on their specific interests and core strengths. The past decades have seen tremendous changes in the global context. As a result, the demand for well-trained individuals to work on the myriad of peace and conflict issues continues to rise. The knowledge and capacities developed by INCORE peace and conflict studies students are transferrable across sectors and regions, making their skill set mobile and flexible within a globalised job market.