Peace and Conflict Studies

The Master`s in Peace and Conflict studies (PECOS) provides analytic tools and empirical insights to understand global peace and conflict. The combination of advanced training in research methods and theory with practitioner perspectives equips students for a variety of careers. PECOS is suited for students who wish to combine rigorous analysis with practical perspectives on complex conflict-related challenges in an international context.

Peace and conflict studies aim at answering a wide range of questions about the causes of conflicts and the conditions for peace. How has warfare changed over time? How does the distribution of power among states affect the likelihood of inter-state war? Are democratic states more peaceful than authoritarian states?

• The master`s in peace and conflict studies provides you with skills and knowledge to study and analyse the multifaceted nature of peace and conflict
• The programme has a strong focus on methods and empirical analysis
• You will be given lectures and guidance from top researchers in the field of peace and conflict research
• We cooperate with other important research institutions, such as PRIO, IFS, NUPI, Fafo
• You can do an internship as part of your degree
• You can do field work related to you master`s thesis
• The small number of students allows for more attention to each and a close knit, collaborative environment

The master`s programme in Peace and Conflict will make you highly attractive in both public and private sector. You can apply for jobs within sectors and institutions like:

• Government agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• International organisations, such as the UN and NATO
• NGOs and aid organisations
• Research institutions
• Media
• The programme qualifies for the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Read more about Work-life-Relevance, Competence Awareness, and Practical Components in our Studies

Preparing for life after graduation is a process that takes time and starts early. We have created a program to make it easier for you to discover your options along the way and make way for good choices later. You will learn more about how you can plan and set goals for yourself, and what you may not be able to plan for. You will gain insight into what may be relevant experiences on the way forward and how you can use your time to explore your options for further education or work. You will also get concrete tools along the way that you can use to find your direction.

Read more about career courses

• You will be part of a small class and an intimate study environment
• Your fellow students are highly skilled and motivated students from around the world
• You have a student council that constantly works for a social and good learning environment
• Read more about student experiences here

Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master`s degree with anhonours certificate worth 20 credits. You take the certificate concurrently with the master`s programme.