Peace & Conflict Studies
This internationally renowned programme is offered by leading academics from the International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE) at Ulster University. It is a unique opportunity to undertake an interdisciplinary graduate programme characterised by academic excellence, within the context of a vibrant and culturally rich society emerging from conflict. Attracting students from a range of countries and a wide variety of academic backgrounds, it has a strong focus on critically assessing the causes and consequences of conflict, and examining the theories and practices of post-violence peacebuilding.
You will work to address 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, and the location of Northern Ireland ensures that there is an open door between classroom and experiential learning.
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.
For further course details please see "Course Web Page".
Subjects taught
Year one
Foundations of Peace and Conflict Studies
Conflict Analysis
Foundations of Social Science Research
Peacebuilding: Concepts and Approaches
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
This module will provide the development of the analytical and theoretical skills to understand the importance of memory in constituting identities and how it can be used
Survey and Quantitative Methods This module is optional
Qualitative Research Methods This module is optional
Entry requirements
Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
A second class Honours degree or above or equivalent recognised qualification in Social Sciences, Humanities, Law or a cognate discipline. Allowance may be made for special qualifications, experience and background, and students with other academic backgrounds will be considered, where applicants can demonstrate their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) or accreditation of prior learning (APL).
Applicants whose first language is not English Language requirements for international students: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550.
Application dates
Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink").
Enrolment dates
Start Date: September 2024
Post Course Info
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.