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Peace and Conflict Studies, MSc

Different course options

Full time | University of Aberdeen | 12 months | 23-SEP-24

Study mode

Full time

Duration

12 months

Start date

23-SEP-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Peace Studies War Studies

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

MSc Peace and Conflict Studies is designed for students wishing to develop an advanced knowledge of the intellectual terrain of conflict resolution and post-conflict peacebuilding

The MSc in Peace and Conflict Studies familiarises students with the dynamics of well-developed approaches to conflict resolution (or “peace-making”) and the more recent mechanisms of post-conflict peacebuilding which have developed over the past twenty years. It also addresses and examines the intersection and overlap between peace-making and peacebuilding theory and processes. As such, it subjects the processes of peace-making and peacebuilding to critical reflection by considering the limits to and challenges of administering mechanisms for peace, justice and development within conflict-affected societies, and the ongoing challenges for both of local ownership, evaluation, and sustainability.

The degree works both as a stand-alone programme for students wishing to enhance their knowledge of this area to an advanced level in order to pursue a career in Peace and Conflict intervention practice, as well as providing the necessary bases for students wishing to pursue PhD and related studies in Peace and Conflict Studies, conflict resolution or peacebuilding in the social sciences.

Why Study Peace and Conflict Studies?

The MSc Peace and Conflict Studies is taught by internationally recognized and widely published experts in the field of conflict and peace from the Institute of Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research at the University of Aberdeen.
The MSc draws on the exceptional expertise in religion, political violence, conflict and peace, social movements, identity processes, and global and political sociology within Department of Sociology at the University of Aberdeen
The programme is taught within the context of a range of high-level programmes in related subjects such as International Relations, International Security and Sex, Gender and Violence by staff associated with the Institute of Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research. This allows you to gain a greater understanding of the subject from a broad range of teaching and research specialists at Aberdeen.
The Department of Sociology at the University of Aberdeen enjoys a reputation as one of the leading centres for the study of sociology in the UK, being recognised nationally and internationally for the outstanding quality of teaching and research.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework review, the research quality of the Department of Sociology within The School of Social Sciences was judged as 'Excellent.'

Careers

This MSc programme develops detailed empirical knowledge and analytical skills for understanding the central concepts and processes involved in conflict resolution and post-conflict peacebuilding. Graduates of this programme can apply their skills and knowledge to several careers, including:

International diplomacy and civil service
International institutions, e.g. UN, European Union, African Union
Research centres and organisations
Charities, NGOs and non-profit organisations
International conflict resolution organisations
Think-tanks

Modules

Qualitative Sociology: Philosophy and Methods: This course introduces students to a range of methods used in qualitative social science research (such as participant observation, qualitative interviewing, focus groups, diaries, photography and film, and archived data sources). The emphasis will be on the research process, from project design to analysis and presentation, with methodological issues raised in the context of researchable questions. Issues of reliability, representativeness and validity, and the potential for combining methods will be addressed. Students use the course work to develop their research interests and reflect on their research practices.
Dissertation in Peace - Conflict and Peacebuilding (60 Credits) - Core
Peace and Conflict Studies (30 Credits) - Core

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£11,100

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£23,800

Entry requirements

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body. Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.