Master's Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies

120 credits
Why is there armed conflict? How do we reach sustainable peace? Peace and Conflict Studies is a young research field addressing crucial issues in a troubled world. The Master's Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies gives you a broad skill-set with specialised knowledge in conflict management and peacebuilding at both a national and global level.
The Programme has a distinct international character and it prepares graduates for a professional career as analysts or researchers in both the private and public sector, both nationally and internationally. The degree qualifies graduates to apply for doctoral studies in Peace and Conflict Studies or International Relations. The Swedish National Agency for Higher Education concluded in its 2012 national evaluation of higher education that the education at the Master programme is of highest quality, receiving the highest mark available on all criteria for evaluation.
APPLICATION TO THE PROGRAMME
There are two application periods for the Master's Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies. The first application period is open from 16 October 2020 to 15 January 2021. Applications are made through the University Admissions in Sweden's English website. Application code: UU-M2482. We strongly encourage international students to apply during the first application round, as they will have sufficient time to apply for and receive their residence permits (if needed) before the start of the academic semester. See the University Admissions in Sweden's website for detailed information on pertinent deadlines and how required documentation has to be submitted. Additional information on application, eligibility and selection criteria can be found on the Master's Programme website (English version).
The second application round will be open from 15 March to 15 April 2021. Applications are made through University Admissions in Sweden's Swedish website "antagning.se". Application code: UU-P2061. Application code: UU-P2061. Students who are citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA are not encouraged to apply in the second round, as they will most likely not have enough time to apply for and receive their resident permits before the start of the academic semester. Swedish students can apply in both rounds. See the University Admissions in Sweden's Swedish website for detailed information on pertinent deadlines and how required documentation has to be submitted. Additional information on application, eligibility and selection criteria can be found on the Master's Programme website (English version). The Swedish version will be available later in the fall.
TIMELINE & COURSES
Year 1
Autumn term
The fall term (Term 1) consists of Causes of War (15 credits) and Methods (15 credits), which run in parallel. Causes of War is a core course that gives a first specialisation in Peace and Conflict Studies. There are two alternative Methods tracks. The main option is to enrol in Methods I (7,5 credits) followed by Methods II (7,5 credits). Students with significant knowledge in statistical analysis can enrol in an alternative option of Methods I followed by Methods II, Advanced (7,5 credits). Students who take the alternative option in Term 1 have the possibility to enrol in Advanced Quantitative Methods as an elective course in Term 2.
Spring term
In the spring term (Term 2), students begin by studying International Conflict Resolution (15 credits), which focuses on how conflict parties move from violent interactions to durable peace. Having studied both the causes of war (in the autumn) and international conflict resolution (in the spring), our Master's students have a firm basis to stand on and now choose two out of six elective 5-week (7.5 credits) courses for the remaining 10 weeks of the spring. The aim is to give students the opportunity to study courses of their particular interest, in greater depth and breadth.
Students wishing to conclude their studies with a one-year’s Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies take International Conflict Resolution in the first half of Term 2 and write an essay during the second half of the term (15 credits).
Year 2
Autumn term
Students may devote the third term to gaining practical experience as an intern in an international organisation, private company or governmental institution in Sweden or abroad for all or half of the semester (30 or 15 credits). Alternatively, students can choose to take elective courses offered by the Department or other departments at Uppsala University.
Spring term
The fourth term is devoted entirely to a degree project: The Master's Thesis course (30 credits).
Courses
Courses offered by the Department of Peace and Conflict Research for the Master's Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies. Note that changes may occur.
Compulsory courses
- Causes of War (15 credits)
- Methods I (7.5 credits)
- Methods II (7.5 credits) or Methods II Advanced (7.5 credits)
- Master's Thesis (30 credits)
Elective courses
Second term
- International Conflict Resolution (15 credits)
- Non-Violent conflicts: Causes, Strategies, and Outcomes (7.5 credits)
- Advanced Quantitative Methods (7.5 credits)
- International Interventions and Protection of Civilians (7.5 credits)
- Causes of Peace (7.5 credits)
- Gender, War and Peace (7.5 credits)
- Emerging Security Threats (7.5 credits)
Third term
- War and Development (7.5 credits)
- Peace from Below (7.5 credits)
- Social Psychological Foundations of Intergroup Conflict (7.5 credits)
- Negotiation and Mediation in Practice (7.5 credits)
- Reviewing a Research Field (7.5 credits)
- Internship in Peace and Conflict Studies (30 credits)
- Internship in Peace and Conflict Studies (15 credits)
Contact Information
Ms. Ingalill Blad Ögren
Programme Administrator
E-mail: ingalill.blad-ogren@pcr.uu.se
Phone: +46 (0)18 471 23 49
Fax: +46 (0)18 69 51 02
P.O. Box 514
SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
Ms. Liana Lopes
Programme Coordinator
E-mail: liana.lopes@pcr.uu.se
Phone: +46 (0) 18 471 23 77
Fax: +46 (0)18 69 51 02
P.O. Box 514
SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
Student Office, Department of Peace and Conflict Research
Due to Covid-19, the student office is closed for drop-in services during the current spring semester.
Students needing advice can contact the counsellors by email correspondence, or to book a Zoom meeting via email.
For bachelor-level courses: Chris Chau, chris.chau@pcr.uu.se
For master-level courses: Ingalill Blad Ögren, ingalill.blad-ogren@pcr.uu.se