School of Social Sciences

Peace and Conflict Studies MA

Year of entry: 2025

Course Length: 12 months full-time | 24 months part-time

About the course

Explore the urgent questions shaping the 21st century. On our MA Peace and Conflict Studies course, you will study how conflict emerges, how peace is built, and how societies recover after violence – from warzones to divided cities and post-colonial states.

You will join one of the UK’s largest Politics departments at a university ranked Top 10 in the UK for Politics and International Studies (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025). This interdisciplinary course brings together political science, history, anthropology and the arts – preparing you with the skills required to analyse, critique and engage with conflict and peacebuilding processes in real-world settings.

Our teaching is research-led and socially engaged. You will learn from academics whose work tackles some of the world’s most pressing issues, including post-conflict justice, international peacebuilding, humanitarianism and security. See the full course profile on our website >

Study a master’s in Politics at a university ranked top 10 in the UK and top 40 worldwide for the subject (Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject 2025)

Join one of the UK’s largest and most prestigious politics departments, situated in a uniquely political city

See peacebuilding and peace formation in action on an academically and culturally enriching international field trip.

Our graduates are among the most targeted by top UK employers

(High Fliers 2024)

Compulsory Units

Peace and Social Agency, Security and Intervention: Theories and Practices;
Practical Approaches to Studying Conflict Affected Societies;
Dissertation.

Optional Units

Humanitarianism and Conflict Response: Inquiries;
Anthropology of Violence and Reconstruction;
Humanitarian Diplomacy and Negotiation in Practice;
Borders, Identities, Citizenship;
Governing in an Unjust World: Justice and International Relations;
The United Nations and International Security;
The Ethics Of Killing;
Global Governance.

These are examples of units offered in 2024/25 and are subject to change.

See the full list of units and find out more on the full course profile >

Where will your degree take you?

In today’s world, there is a growing need for graduates who understand the complexity of conflict and have the tools to contribute to sustainable peace.

On this course, you will develop analytical, research and communication skills that are in demand across a range of sectors – from policy and diplomacy to humanitarian aid. You will graduate prepared to embark on roles which have a real impact.

Our graduates go on to work with global NGOs, peacebuilding charities, development agencies, international organisations such as the UN and EU, and national governments. Job titles include Policy Officer, Humanitarian Affairs Analyst, Conflict Adviser, and Research Fellow.

Many also pursue PhDs or research careers – using their skills to shape global understanding and policy around peace and conflict.

Shannen Ann Enriquez

MA Peace and Conflict Studies Graduate

"What truly sets this program apart is its focus on practical application, which allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping me with the tools I currently use as a peacebuilding practitioner.

The highlight of this programme is the transformative field trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. I learned how to apply conflict-sensitive methodologies and critical approaches to fieldwork, an invaluable skill for those who would like to work in peacebuilding."