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Master's Degree in

Humanitarian action and peacebuilding

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The programme in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding, developed jointly by Oxford Brookes University and UNITAR, addresses the interconnected challenges of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and humanitarian response. It emphasises cultural sensitivity and fosters collaboration and innovation in these critical fields. With a focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, the programme equips students to contribute effectively to global efforts for sustainable peace and conflict resolution, with a special emphasis on the triple nexus of humanitarian action, peacebuilding, and development. 

Complex man-made crises, conflicts, violence and unrest have become a major concern for the international community. Designing interventions in these extremely volatile contexts requires specific knowledge and skills that would enable involved professionals to minimise negative impacts and maximise opportunities for positive and sustainable changes.

Built on the expertise of UNITAR and Oxford Brookes University (OBU), the programme in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding explores the interactions between these two fields, by linking theory with practice and applied knowledge. The programme envisages online lectures, discussions with key practitioners, experience sharing, and critical reflections – all within the framework of an action research-based approach. The aim of the programme is to enhance reflective practices by combining the art of conflict-sensitive approaches to humanitarian and peacebuilding programming with the appreciation of the wider context in which these interventions unfold.

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The programme in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding, developed jointly by Oxford Brookes University and UNITAR, addresses the interconnected challenges of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and humanitarian response. It emphasizes cultural sensitivity and fosters collaboration and innovation in these critical fields. With a focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, the program equips students to contribute effectively to global efforts for sustainable peace and conflict resolution, with a special emphasis on the triple nexus of humanitarian action, peacebuilding, and development. 

Complex man-made crises, conflicts, violence and unrest have become a major concern for the international community. Designing interventions in these extremely volatile contexts requires specific knowledge and skills that would enable involved professionals to minimize negative impacts and maximize opportunities for positive and sustainable changes.

Built on the expertise of UNITAR and Oxford Brookes University (OBU), the programme in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding explores the interactions between these two fields, by linking theory with practice and applied knowledge. The programme envisages online lectures, discussions with key practitioners, experience sharing, and critical reflections – all within the framework of an action research-based approach. The aim of the programme is to enhance reflective practices by combining the art of conflict-sensitive approaches to humanitarian and peacebuilding programming with the appreciation of the wider context in which these interventions unfold.

DURATION

This is a fully online programme, mostly asynchronous with some synchronous activities for engagement and support. Modules run from September to December, January to March, and April to July. The dissertation spans two terms.

Master's Diploma

Minimum Duration:

18 months

Typical completion time:

30 months

Maximum Duration:

5 years

Postgraduate Certificate

Typical completion time:

1 year

Maximum Duration:

2 years

Do you have any questions about this programme?

F.A.Q.

APPLICATION

Applications are open throughout the year and students are accepted on a rolling basis. However, deadlines exist to be considered for a specific semester.

For 2024 Cohort

Apply Before:

Semester Start:

For 2025 Cohort

Applications Open:

Apply Before:

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Curriculum

Core Modules (20 Brookes Credits or 10 ECTS each) 

  • Culture-Sensitivity in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings
  • From Conflict Sensitivity to Conflict Transformation
  • Leadership, Team and Self-Management in Conflict Settings

 

Optional Modules (20 Brookes Credits or 10 ECTS each) 

  • Protection of Civilians in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings
  • Post-Conflict Stabilization and Recovery
  • Humanitarian and Peacebuilding Programmes in Urban Conflicts
  • Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, and Well-being in Conflict-affected Areas
  • Forced Migration, Protection, and Humanitarianism
  • Triple Nexus, Localization, and the Local Turn
  • Concepts and Principles of International Humanitarian Law
  • Independent Study

 

Master’s Degree

The master programme exit and entry award requires the successful completion of three core modules, three issue-based modules as well as a research methods module as preparation for the dissertation. Each module corresponds to 20 Brookes Credits or 10 ECTS (European Credit Transfer Scheme), which equates to approximately 200 hours of student workload per each module.  

The research component, which equates to 600 hours of student workload made of: 

  • Research Methods module (corresponding to 10 Brookes credit or 5 ECTS)
  • Dissertation/Practice based Final Work (corresponding to 50 Brookes credit or 25 ECTS).

 

Diploma  

Awarded after completing three core modules and three issue-based modules, totalling 120 Brookes Credits or 60 ECTS. 

Learners can choose three issue-based modules from the catalogue of the different optional modules offered. Note that one these modules could be replaced by an independent study, should you wish to investigate a specific issue in depth.  

 

PG Certificate  

Awarded after completing the three core modules, totalling 60 Brookes Credits or 30 ECTS. 

 

Short-Course Certification 

Offers four options, each including three modules and totalling 60 Brookes Credits or 30 ECTS: 

  1. Triple Nexus, Localisation, and the Local Turn; Culture-Sensitivity in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings; Independent Study
  2. Leadership, Team and Self-Management in Conflict Settings; Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, and Well-being in Conflict-affected Areas; Independent Study
  3. Protection of Civilians in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings; Concepts and Principles of International Humanitarian Law; Independent Study
  4. Humanitarian and Peacebuilding Programmes in Urban Conflicts; Forced Migration, Protection, and Humanitarianism; Independent Study 

 

Individual Module Certification  

Applicants can enrol as associated students for individual modules, each worth 20 Brookes Credits or 10 ECTS.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Interconnectedness of humanitarian action, peacebuilding, and development 
  • Cultural sensitivity and diversity 
  • Collaboration and innovation in conflict resolution 
  • Practical skills for humanitarian response and peacebuilding 
  • The triple nexus: humanitarian action, peacebuilding, and development 
  • Addressing emerging challenges in conflict resolution 
  • Mental health, psychosocial support, and well-being in conflict-affected areas 
  • Forced migration, protection, and humanitarianism 
  • Localisation and the role of local actors 
  • Concepts and principles of international humanitarian law 

 

Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 

  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, focusing on preventing and resolving conflicts and strengthening institutions for peacebuilding. 
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being: Indirectly contributes to health and well-being by addressing conflicts and crises, ensuring access to essential services, reducing violence, and promoting stability. 
  • SDG 4: Quality Education: Provides quality education and training in humanitarian action and peacebuilding, developing knowledgeable and skilled professionals. 
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Addresses conflicts and crises that exacerbate inequalities, promoting stability, social cohesion, and addressing root causes of conflicts. 
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Highlights the collaboration between UNITAR and Oxford Brookes University, demonstrating the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development objectives. 

This programme is ideal for: 

  • Practitioners working in the fields of humanitarian action and peacebuilding, though is also open to personnel working in related fields: such as military and police officers deployed or about to be deployed in field operations, civil servants – including diplomats – in charge of humanitarian affairs, academics teaching humanitarian affairs, journalists, etc.) who seek to develop a more holistic understanding of critical issues related to humanitarian action and peacebuilding.   
  • Practitioners working within other professional sectors, interested in exploring opportunities in the fields of humanitarian action and peacebuilding.

Graduates of the MA in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding will be able to: 

  • Identify contexts of humanitarian action and peacebuilding  
  • Recognise theories and practices related to the different dimensions of humanitarian action and peacebuilding – with a specific focus on protection actions.  
  • Operate methods and tools (for mapping, assessment, management, etc.) needed by practitioners working in the fields of humanitarian action and peacebuilding to address current and emerging challenges.

The Master Diploma typically takes 30 months to complete, with a minimum duration of 18 months and a maximum of 5 years. The PG Certificate can be completed in 12 months, with a maximum duration of 2 years. The programme is fully online, mostly asynchronous, with some synchronous activities for engagement and support. Modules run from September to December, January to March, and April to July, except for the dissertation, which spans two terms. 

The programme is organized on a modular credit system. Modules will offer a range of taught material, self-led study, group discussion, webinar, group and individual tutorials, virtual coffees, group work and personal reflection.  

The course is structured to be fully online and mainly asynchronous, allowing students to access lectures, readings, and assignments at their convenience, and in their own time. This format offers significant flexibility, accommodating working professionals and catering to various learning and studying styles. However, to maintain a human-centred approach and accommodate those who prefer synchronous interaction, certain activities are also offered in real-time. This ensures that all students, regardless of their preferred learning style, have opportunities for engagement and support. The modules run from September to December, January to March and April to July, except for the dissertation module that runs over two terms.  

  • Online Delivery: Offers flexibility in location, time, and space, with diverse methods and personalised learning. 
  • Learning From the Workplace: Uses the workplace as the main learning environment, emphasising action research and hands-on exercises. 
  • Student-Centred Approach: Focuses on group work, participation, and a mixed team of facilitators. 
  • Innovative Multicultural Pedagogy: Emphasises cultural diversity and innovative teaching methods. 
  • Multi-Disciplinary Study: Integrates social sciences, peace and conflict studies, humanities, and more. 
  • Web-Based Learning Community: Encourages collaborative work and peer-to-peer learning with an international faculty. 

2024 / 25 

  • Home (UK) Distance Learning: £5,250 (MA year 1 & Certificate) 
  • International Distance Learning: £5,250 (MA year 1 & Certificate) 

Fees are quoted for the first year only. Fees for the second year will remain the same. 

2025 / 26 

  • Home (UK) Distance Learning: £5,500 (MA year 1 & Certificate) 
  • International Distance Learning: £5,500 (MA year 1 & Certificate) 

Fees are quoted for the first year only. Fees for the second year will remain the same. 

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics, and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

For more information about the Tuition Fees, Financial support and Scholarships please visit Oxford Brookes Website: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/humanitarian-action-and-peacebuilding. 

The programme is open to all candidates who fulfil at least one of the following conditions: 

  • hold an approved honours degree (or equivalent) at 2:1 or above in a relevant discipline, and preferably some experience in the field of humanitarian action and peacebuilding or related fields 
  • hold a relevant recognised diploma and/or certified professional qualification and 3 to 5 years’ experience in humanitarian action and peacebuilding or related fields 
  • have substantial and proven field experience (minimum 10 years) in humanitarian action, peacebuilding and related fields. 

In exceptional circumstances, where applicants can show that they have qualifications or experience or both that demonstrate that they have knowledge and capabilities equivalent to those listed above, they may be admitted onto the course. 

Please also see the University’s general entry requirements. 

English Language Requirements 

If the first language of a student is not English, he/she must prove his/her English-language competency by providing evidence of an IELTS level of 6.5 or a recognised equivalent.  

Please see the Oxford Brookes University’s standard English language requirements. 

In exceptional circumstances, where applicants can show that they have qualifications or experience or both that demonstrate that they have knowledge and capabilities equivalent to those possessed by holders of the qualifications listed above, they may be admitted with a dispensation from the requirement to possess those qualifications. 

To be considered for the programme apply before: 30 August 2024. 

Applications received after the final deadline are evaluated case by case on a rolling basis. 
 

All applicants are required to apply online through the UK Pass. Students must complete all required fields and uploads prior to submission. 

Apply Online – Oxford Brookes University 

The Programme Coordinator is available to help students during the application process. Learners are encouraged to email the Programme Coordinator at mahap@unitar.org or mahap@brookes.ac.uk with any questions.

Testimonial

Dr. Brigitte Piquard, HAP Programme
Director, Oxford Brookes University

Contacts

UNITAR

United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Av. de la Paix 7 bis, 1202 Genève, Switzerland
website link

Ms Alexandra Severino, Programme Coordinator 
Online Learning and Education Team
email

Oxford Brookes University 

School of Architecture  
Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment
Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane  
Oxford, OX30BP 
website link

Master’s Degree Coordinating Team 
email

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European Economic and political integration

The dissertation is a largely self-directed piece of work that enables a student to explore an issue or theme in depth, building on the skills developed in other modules and the expertise gained through field practices. The dissertation or practice-based final work needs to be embedded in practice or addressing practice-based issues, preferably based on field research. Action-research and work-based research are strongly encouraged.

Elections and Voting as Instruments of Governance

The module presents an account of the history of electoral policy and practice; an overview of the policy elements which comprise an electoral process and their relationships; and an analytical framework for the development of skills in electoral policymaking, administration, and evaluation.

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Final Project

The dissertation is a largely self-directed piece of work that enables a student to explore an issue or theme in depth, building on the skills developed in other modules and the expertise gained through field practices. The dissertation or practice-based final work needs to be embedded in practice or addressing practice-based issues, preferably based on field research. Action-research and work-based research are strongly encouraged.

Direct Democracy (optional)

This module provides information necessary for electoral practitioners and administrators on procedures of modern direct democracy available in a growing number of jurisdictions worldwide. Two types of broad procedures are addressed: those initiated by citizens themselves, like citizens’ initiatives and popular referendums, and and those initiated by governments as mandatory referendums and non-mandatory plebiscites.

Policy Advice and Electoral Reform

In contrast to the previous modules that focus on substantive issues related to the electoral process, this module addresses the ways in which election practitioners might apply this knowledge in real world situations in order to improve the electoral process in their own or other countries around the world. Specifically, the module provides an overview of how practitioners may develop strategies to effect change in the electoral process for the benefit of voters and in support of democratic rights.

Electoral Observation, Evaluation, and Validation

This module provides students with an overview on the history and evolution of international and domestic election observation, the rationales for undertaking different types of monitoring efforts, and the varying operational approaches that are being used by practitioners in the field. At the same time, the module touches upon the evaluation criteria that can be used to render informed judgment on the quality of an electoral process.

Electoral Justice Systems

This module provides students with the knowledge and skills required to examine the models of electoral justice systems, alternative electoral dispute resolution mechanisms and adjudication procedures in order to be able to design, manage and monitor these systems. This course offers a comprehensive overview of formal and informal mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes, as well as policies and practices of preventing them.

Electoral Security and Conflict Prevention

Through case studies and examples, the module provides participants with an overview of the nature of electoral conflict and the vulnerabilities which can trigger such conflict; the analytical skills and frameworks to profile incidents of electoral conflict; and the tools and best practices to prevent, manage, or mediate electoral conflict.

Electoral Integrity and Malpractice

This module aims to identify the vulnerabilities and types of electoral malpractice and mispractice, and to introduce techniques and mechanisms that can prevent or manage such practices. More specifically, the module provides an overview of the typologies of electoral malpractice, the tactics used by perpetrators and investigation techniques used by enforcement stakeholders to prevent (or reveal and halt) electoral malpractice.

Media and Elections

The module is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to develop, manage, and monitor media regulations, media relations and rumour control. To do so, the module reviews media-engagement strategies; media relationships and communications techniques; traditional and new media, and their role at all stages of the electoral cycle; media monitoring mechanisms; and future challenges and opportunities.

Civic and Voter Education

The module is designed to provide students with an overview of guiding principles for civic and voter education, and an understanding of the educational mandate as well as legislative frameworks. On the basis of detailed context assessment, it focuses on the evaluation of educational and voter needs, message development as well as potential education programme preparation and implementation.

Elections and Technology

This module combines both a conceptual and practical approaches to understanding election technology applications and the impact and challenges of managing these technologies in different political environments. More specifically, the module focuses on the conceptual frameworks that allow to define election technologies, identify stakeholders, and compare types of applications, and formulate the criteria that guide the assessment, selection and implementation of election technologies.

Marginalized Electorates and Special Voting Programs

The module aims at providing students with: an overview on the sources and types of political marginalization that occur during elections; an explanation of the importance of marginalized electorates, special voting programmes and inclusive electoral environments; and an account of the most relevant principles for designing and implementing administrative and political mechanisms that can inform, enfranchise and empower these otherwise marginalized electorates.

Electoral Operations

This module provides an overview of substantive principles and the most fundamental technical issues, related to planning and implementing electoral operations. It systematically explores the options for the major activities that an electoral management body (EMB) must undertake at election time, and approaches to pursuing them effectively. In doing so, the module takes a substantial operational focus, emphasising the interconnectedness of the various areas of electoral management body (EMB) activity.

Voter Registration and Identification Systems

This module provides the exploration of the conceptual, legal, and administrative aspects of, and models for, voter registration and identifications systems in election administration. Twelve lessons help students to obtain the necessary skills to design, manage, and monitor voter identification/registration systems, and prevent and solve potential problems related to voter registers.

Electoral Planning and Budgeting

This module explores integrated electoral planning and budgeting and presents methodologies to enhance the democratic quality and technical efficiency of electoral administration through effective planning initiatives. More specifically, the module systematically explores the major factors that influence and structure the process of planning and budgeting for (and financing of) elections.

Political Parties, Campaigns, and Political Finance

This module focuses on the nomination and campaign stages, and gives particular attention to the rules governing political parties and candidates throughout the whole electoral process. More specifically, the module provides an overview of political party system features and options, and the impact of political party systems (and methods of financing them) on electoral campaigning and administration.

Understanding and Managing Boundary Delimitation

The module focuses on an overview of the concept of boundary delimitation, including the potential for political controversy and past abuses; a discussion of the analytical techniques that can detect, or measure the impact of, manipulation; and an analysis of the mechanisms that can enhance the credibility and legitimacy of delimitation and prevent potential abuse.

Electoral Systems and Managing Representation

Building on both an extensive literature and on the practical experience of EMBs around the world, the module focuses on an explanation of the importance of electoral systems in translating the democratic right to vote into practice; an overview on the main types of electoral systems; and an account of the most relevant approaches to the analysis and the key policy issues behind the design of these systems.

Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs)

This module focuses on Electoral Management Bodies’ (EMBs) structure and organisation as well as how they can protect their autonomy, exercise management control, safeguard integrity, maintain transparency, ensure efficacy, and professionally implement rules and procedures while keeping the system voter friendly.

Electoral Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

The module presents the sources and contents of the international legal framework, including regional obligations and commitments, to pave the way for subsequent courses that draw on comparative national practices. Moreover, the module profiles stakeholders of electoral legal frameworks, explores their interests, and illustrates how these interests impact the contents of legal frameworks and their implementation.

Elections and Voting as Instruments of Governance

The module presents an account of the history of electoral policy and practice; an overview of the policy elements which comprise an electoral process and their relationships; and an analytical framework for the development of skills in electoral policymaking, administration, and evaluation.

Post-Conflict States and Public Services

This module covers ways to repair the state, cities and public infrastructure after conflicts, and to preserve natural resources during and after wars. It also touches upon the actors involved in such processes and how they are financed. Numerous case studies like the Soviet Union, Iraq, Somalia, and Sudan are examined among else.

Migration, Borders and Refugee Law

Migration has become a major political, economic and security subject in the past 20 years, particularly in Europe and to a lesser extent in the United States. This module explores migration as the result of conflicts, humanitarian and economic crises.

Media, Journalism and Information in Times of Crisis

The media and in particular the new digital media influence significantly the opinion of countries and people internationally. How to deal with media in the age of fake news, tweets, and actors who deliberately twist the news? What is the status of and what to think about the news coming from journalists “embedded” in conflict zones?

Democracy, Gender and Conflict Prevention

Democratic systems have historically proven to be good protections against internal or external conflicts. Representative democracy, multi-party system, free elections – all are assets allowing for less recourse to violence. Is it still the case in the contemporary world since the emergence of new players on the international arena?

Human Societies, Religious or Ethnic Conflicts

Since the 1960s, the phenomenon of decolonization has been accompanied by numerous violent conflicts with the 2000s having seen the explosion of violence, especially on religious grounds. The module covers this historical overview as well as the areas of current tensions and the ways to prevent latent and future conflicts.

Natural Resources, Environment and Sources of Conflict

Access to drinking water, oil, natural and agricultural resources has become sources of tensions between states or components of the same state. The module is devoted to studying these phenomena that can be found on all continents.

Major Players in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation Skills

The module addresses the following questions: Who are the historical players in conflict negotiation? Have there been any new players in the past 20 years? Is the UN in crisis? What role for NGOs?

Independent Study*

This module is designed to offer the opportunity for in-depth evaluation and analysis of specific or cutting-edge topics not offered in detail in the taught curriculum.

Concepts and Principles of International Humanitarian Laws (from Sept 2023)

This module will facilitate the legal literacy of learners to understand the concepts and principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and its relation with humanitarian action and peacebuilding.

Triple Nexus, Localisation and Local Turn (from Sept 2023)

This module aims to investigate how local actors can bridge the gaps between humanitarian, peacebuilding and development initiatives and focus the importance of the localisation and local turn agenda to shape new standards, sustainability and the humanitarian architecture.

Mental health, Psychosocial Support, and Wellbeing in Conflict-affected Areas (from Jan 2022)

This module aims to explore, through a culturally sensitive lens, the impact of mental health and psychosocial problems on the wellbeing of humanitarian and peacebuilding practitioners as well as on the affected populations.

Forced Migration, Protection, and Humanitarianism (from April 2022)

This module explores the experience of refugees and other forced migrants displaced by conflict. It examines the causes of contemporary forced migration in order to understand the nature of migration flows and the corresponding humanitarian response.

Practice-based Study/Dissertation

The dissertation is a self-directed piece of work that enables students to explore an issue or theme in depth building on the skills developed in other modules and the expertise gained through field practices.

Conflict and Post-conflict Research: Methods and Ethics

This module aims to advance knowledge and understanding of research ethics, theory and practice and describes methods available when doing research in conflict and post conflict settings on a chosen subject area.

Post-conflict Stabilisation and Recovery

The module specifically looks at the role of different actors, involved at different levels and in different capacities in post-conflict stabilisation and recovery processes.

Protection of Civilians in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings

This module reviews the critical issues related to the protection of civilians in conflict and post-conflict contexts by exploring different conceptual and operational frameworks.

Leadership, Team and Self-management in Conflict Settings

This module will allow you to critically examine some of the personal skills (or ‘soft skills’) needed by professionals working in humanitarian action and peacebuilding.

Humanitarian and Peacebuilding Programmes in Urban Conflicts

This module aims to provide an understanding of how to analyse the city and its physical, social, economic, political, cultural and symbolic spaces that play a relief role during a conflict, for urban-based forced migration and for peacebuilding.

Culture-Sensitivity in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings

This module allows you to understand and deal with core issues related to culture, communication, trust building and culture-sensitivity.

From Conflict Sensitivity to Conflict Transformation

This module equips you with a sound understanding of the complexity of conflicts, including of conceptual frameworks and theoretical debates related to humanitarian action and peacebuilding in complex environments.

Master's Final Project

To complete the Master’s Programme, students are required to write the Master Final Project on a relevant topic of interest. For their dissertation, a personal supervisor will be appointed to mentor the students. The Master in Conflict, Peace and Security is subsequently awarded upon the completion of 60 ECTS.

Crisis Management

The end of the Cold War gave way to the emergence of new geostrategic realities with the proliferation of crises and conflicts, often related to ethnic or religious differences. In this international context, crisis management has become an indispensable political and military requirement. This course addresses the ways to identify, describe and critically assess some of the key current debates in the field of crisis management and related challenges facing the world today.

Mandate Evaluation/ Leadership and Strategic Planning

This course explores methods and challenges in the evaluation of peacebuilding and conflict resolution programmes. It provides an evaluation framework as well as practical suggestions for data collection and analysis, as well as the dissemination of findings.

Corruption, Conflict and Security

This course introduces students to the concept of conflict transformation and how it differs from conflict resolution, management, and prevention. It examines how conflict offers opportunities for constructive change and explores different tools and methods that can be used to seize them. Furthermore, it explores the role of communities and movements that exclude violence in seeking sustainable change.

Corruption, Conflict and Security

This course aims to provide a basic understanding of the concept of corruption, including its definition and measurement, the links between corruption and security, and between corruption and poverty, whilst also laying the foundation for some policy actions aimed at breaking the poverty/corruption cycle. Furthermore, the course examines how civil society could be harnessed to reduce instances of corruption.

Intercultural/Ethnic Conflict and the Management of Diversity

This course explores the intersection among multiculturalism, social conflict, and mediation/dialogue. It explores the nature of modern diversity in relatively stable, mostly democratic, societies, where there are “claims of culture”, that is, where claims to rights, practices, freedoms, entitlements, and benefits are based largely on the cultural attributes and cultural differences of the claimants.

Research Methods

The course encompasses both quantitative and qualitative methods in the discussion of the basic components of the research process: conceptualization and measurement, sample selection, and casual modeling. In addition to teaching techniques and conventions of doing research, the course also familiarises students with the critical issues in the philosophy of science, ethical questions, and how to write a research proposal.

Economy, Environment and Migration

Effective interventions need not necessarily address climate change, migration, and conflict simultaneously but must recognise the layers of relationships among them. The course examines what role mediating factors such as economic opportunity, levels of development, health indicators, and legal status play in the nexus between the environment and migration.

Game Theory

This course examines decision making in interactive environments. Although game theory is mostly economical strategy it has been used in many other branches too, including many military conflicts since its existence.

Philosophy of Peace and Non-Violence

The course is designed to provide the essential knowledge required by civilian, military and police personnel to function effectively in a UN peace operation. The objective of the course is to advance a shared understanding on the basic principles, guidelines, and policies that allow UN peace operations to function effectively in a coherent manner.

Media and Conflict

The media plays a major role in creating the perceptions and views of the “other”, and those perceptions are also often mentioned as causing or contributing to conflicts. Peace journalism is a relatively new transdisciplinary field that might be of interest to professional journalists in both developed and developing countries and to civil society activists, university researchers and others interested in the conflict-media nexus.

Gender Matters

The course relies on the underlying idea that the two fields of gender and conflict are critically interconnected. This connection is important to understand not only to grasp how gender may impact the emergence and unfolding of conflict, but also to assess how conflict affects women, girls, boys and men and sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) in what concerns violence, health impacts, economic activity, and political and civic inclusion.

Human Security in Post-Conflict Interventions

Stemming from the acknowledgement of the complex character of contemporary violence, human security focuses on the protection of individual lives and recognizes that threats to human security can arise from various sources. The goal of the course is to present the concept of human security in terms of an organising standard and to introduce the principles that inform the planning, implementation, and evaluation of human security-oriented interventions in post-conflict settings.

Introduction to Peace Operations and Milestones in UN peacekeeping

The course is designed to provide the essential knowledge required by civilian, military and police personnel to function effectively in a UN peace operation. The objective of the course is to advance a shared understanding on the basic principles, guidelines, and policies that allow UN peace operations to function effectively in a coherent manner.

Conflict Resolution

The course explores the different explanations offered by researchers regarding the emergence of conflicts as an almost unavoidable facet of human life. It outlines the main conflict theories, their core elements as well as the conflict resolution mechanisms that some of them entail. In subsequent stages, tools that can be used to understand conflicts and to design adapted conflict resolution initiatives are described.

Master in

CONFLICT, PEACE AND SECURITY

TOPICS

When inter- and intra-state conflicts are not handled carefully, systematic violence can affect the political, social, and economic realms of a country or region. By understanding the dynamics of a conflict, practitioners working in the field can develop plans that are more grounded in the actual context. The goal of the course is to provide participants with an advanced knowledge of conflict analysis principles and skills.

The course explores the different explanations offered by researchers regarding the emergence of conflicts as an almost unavoidable facet of human life. It outlines the main conflict theories, their core elements as well as the conflict resolution mechanisms that some of them entail. In subsequent stages, tools that can be used to understand conflicts and to design adapted conflict resolution initiatives are described.

The course is designed to provide the essential knowledge required by civilian, military and police personnel to function effectively in a UN peace operation. The objective of the course is to advance a shared understanding on the basic principles, guidelines, and policies that allow UN peace operations to function effectively in a coherent manner.

Stemming from the acknowledgement of the complex character of contemporary violence, human security focuses on the protection of individual lives and recognizes that threats to human security can arise from various sources. The goal of the course is to present the concept of human security in terms of an organising standard and to introduce the principles that inform the planning, implementation, and evaluation of human security-oriented interventions in post-conflict settings.

The course relies on the underlying idea that the two fields of gender and conflict are critically interconnected. This connection is important to understand not only to grasp how gender may impact the emergence and unfolding of conflict, but also to assess how conflict affects women, girls, boys and men and sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) in what concerns violence, health impacts, economic activity, and political and civic inclusion.

The media plays a major role in creating the perceptions and views of the “other”, and those perceptions are also often mentioned as causing or contributing to conflicts. Peace journalism is a relatively new transdisciplinary field that might be of interest to professional journalists in both developed and developing countries and to civil society activists, university researchers and others interested in the conflict-media nexus.

The overall objective of this course is to provide students with some theoretical-philosophical tools that will enable them to make informed and critical analyses of concrete situations of peace and violence in human relations, and to recognise and nurture the human competences to transform conflicts peacefully.

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This course examines decision making in interactive environments. Although game theory is mostly economical strategy it has been used in many other branches too, including many military conflicts since its existence.

Effective interventions need not necessarily address climate change, migration, and conflict simultaneously but must recognise the layers of relationships among them. The course examines what role mediating factors such as economic opportunity, levels of development, health indicators, and legal status play in the nexus between the environment and migration.

The course encompasses both quantitative and qualitative methods in the discussion of the basic components of the research process: conceptualization and measurement, sample selection, and casual modeling. In addition to teaching techniques and conventions of doing research, the course also familiarises students with the critical issues in the philosophy of science, ethical questions, and how to write a research proposal.

This course explores the intersection among multiculturalism, social conflict, and mediation/dialogue. It explores the nature of modern diversity in relatively stable, mostly democratic, societies, where there are “claims of culture”, that is, where claims to rights, practices, freedoms, entitlements, and benefits are based largely on the cultural attributes and cultural differences of the claimants.

This course aims to provide a basic understanding of the concept of corruption, including its definition and measurement, the links between corruption and security, and between corruption and poverty, whilst also laying the foundation for some policy actions aimed at breaking the poverty/corruption cycle. Furthermore, the course examines how civil society could be harnessed to reduce instances of corruption. 

This course introduces students to the concept of conflict transformation and how it differs from conflict resolution, management, and prevention. It examines how conflict offers opportunities for constructive change and explores different tools and methods that can be used to seize them. Furthermore, it explores the role of communities and movements that exclude violence in seeking sustainable change.

This course explores methods and challenges in the evaluation of peacebuilding and conflict resolution programmes. It provides an evaluation framework as well as practical suggestions for data collection and analysis, as well as the dissemination of findings.

The end of the Cold War gave way to the emergence of new geostrategic realities with the proliferation of crises and conflicts, often related to ethnic or religious differences. In this international context, crisis management has become an indispensable political and military requirement. This course addresses the ways to identify, describe and critically assess some of the key current debates in the field of crisis management and related challenges facing the world today.

To complete the Master’s Programme, students are required to write the Master Final Project on a relevant topic of interest. For their dissertation, a personal supervisor will be appointed to mentor the students. The Master in Conflict, Peace and Security is subsequently awarded upon the completion of 60 ECTS.

Understanding Conflict and Conflict Analysis

When inter- and intra-state conflicts are not handled carefully, systematic violence can affect the political, social, and economic realms of a country or region. By understanding the dynamics of a conflict, practitioners working in the field can develop plans that are more grounded in the actual context. The goal of the course is to provide participants with an advanced knowledge of conflict analysis principles and skills.

Scuola Superiore Santanna

In Italy is a public university that works in the field of applied sciences and offers PhD programmes, Master degrees, professional courses and continuing education programmes. The Scuola Sant’Anna’s scientific and research activities in the field of social sciences concentrate on conflict management, human rights, emergency response, democratisation, and good governance. Ever since 1998, the Scuola has developed extensive experience in electoral policy, practice, assistance and studies. Main activities carried out in this field include electoral trainings to election missions support and mentoring, technical assistance to national electoral commissions as well as capacity building of national observers.

Programmes in partnership: Master’s Degree in Electoral Policy and Administration

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Institute For Democracy And Electoral Assistance

Is a global intergovernmental organization with a mission to support sustainable democracy building. It has 29 Member States representing Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.

Programmes in partnership: Master’s Degree in Electoral Policy and Administration.

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Technological University Dublin

Deeply embedded in our region, TU Dublin has campuses in Dublin City Centre in Grangegorman, Aungier Street and Bolton Street, and one each in Blanchardstown and in Tallaght, and, through our major infrastructural development plan, we are currently investing over €500 million in new, state-of-the-art, technology-enabled facilities to enhance our students’ experience.

While TU Dublin is already a leader in STEM disciplines, the University also supports the largest cohort of students of business, media, culinary arts, and the creative and performing arts. We are passionate about life-long learning and, as the largest provider of part-time education, we make an important contribution to the economic life of Ireland, enabling capacity building for the future.

Programmes in partnership: Master’s Degree in Global Sustainability Leadership

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Oxford Brookes University

is a public university located in the United Kingdom. Set in a historic student city, Oxford Brookes is one of the UK’s leading modern universities and enjoys an international reputation for teaching excellence and innovation as well as strong links with business and industry. Oxford Brookes has been named as one of the top 50 young (under 50 years old) universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2018 – and is the only UK university to make the list. The Master’s programme is run by the Centre for Development and Emergency Practice (CENDEP), which is based within the School of Architecture and which provides a unique academic setting for the study of international development, conflict, disaster management, urbanisation, humanitarianism and human rights.

Programmes in partnership: Master’s Degree in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding.

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The Open University of Catalonia

(Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, UOC) in Spain is an innovative Internet-based university that offers lifelong learning opportunities meant to help society advance and accelerate its development into the knowledge society. Its educational model is based on interactive e-learning methodologies, cutting-edge research, and personalization, which effectively enables students to become more competitive in their respective professional fields. The UOC forms part of an integrated network otf open universities globally and actively contributes to and benefits from this shared global knowledge space.

Programmes in partnership: Master’s Degree in Conflict, Peace and Security

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