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Studies & Degrees in Peace and Conflict Studies

Peace and conflict studies asks two questions: why do wars and other violent conflicts start, and how can they be ended in a way that lasts. Uppsala Universitet, which has a department dedicated to the field, calls it a relatively young research field. It draws on political science, international relations, law, sociology and history, and it looks at conflict at every scale. The minor at Wayne State University, for example, covers conflict resolution at the interpersonal, national and international levels.

Students learn to analyse the causes and dynamics of armed conflict, both between states and inside them, and to assess the tools used to manage it: diplomacy, law and negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Typical topics are peacebuilding, international interventions and the protection of civilians, human rights, security, arms control, social justice, and gender in war and peace. Most programmes also train students in research methods, because much of the work in this field consists of collecting and analysing data on conflicts.

Qualifications and levels

The subject is offered at every university level, but most specialised programmes are master's degrees.

  • Minors and courses. In the United States the subject is often a minor or a concentration that is combined with a major. At Wayne State University in Detroit the Minor in Peace and Conflict Studies is run by the Department of Political Science.
  • Bachelor's degrees. Uppsala Universitet offers a Bachelor Programme in Peace and Development Studies of 180 credits. Its programme page with courses and admission is in Swedish, so applicants should check the language of instruction with the university.
  • Master's degrees. The Master's Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies at Uppsala Universitet has 120 credits and runs for two academic years (the autumn 2026 intake studies from 31 August 2026 to 4 June 2028). The Universitat Jaume I in Castellón de la Plana teaches the Màster Universitari en Estudis Internacionals de Pau, Conflictes i Desenvolupament (international studies in peace, conflict and development), also 120 credits, with 40 places. London Metropolitan University offers an MA in Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy at its Holloway campus, full-time or part-time, with entry points in January and September 2027 and a 15,000-word dissertation.
  • Doctorate. A master's degree in the field is a qualification for doctoral studies in peace and conflict studies or international relations, according to Uppsala Universitet.

In Spain, official degrees follow the national structure: a bachelor's degree (grado) of 240 ECTS credits and master's degrees of 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.

Admission

Master's programmes expect a bachelor's degree, usually in a social science. Students in the Uppsala programme come from fields such as political science, international relations or global studies. Uppsala also asks for 30 credits in peace and conflict studies or the equivalent, and for a bachelor's thesis or academic essay. Selection is based on previous university studies and a statement of purpose. The application deadline for the autumn 2027 intake is 15 January 2027.

Fees depend on the country and on the student's nationality. At Uppsala, citizens of countries outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland pay application and tuition fees; the total tuition fee for the master's programme is SEK 228,000. Other applicants should ask each university for its current fees.

Where to study it

SpainExchange lists 11 active schools for peace and conflict studies: five in the United States, two in Spain, two in the United Kingdom, one in Germany and one in Sweden. The programmes named here in Sweden and the United Kingdom are taught in English. The Universitat Jaume I lists English as the teaching language of its master's degree and also describes teaching in English and Spanish, with international teaching staff and students. Its programme is linked to the UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace.

When comparing programmes, look at the balance between research and practice. Some are research-oriented and prepare for a doctorate. Others bring in practitioners: at London Metropolitan University, part of the teaching is given by staff of International Alert, a non-governmental organisation that works on conflict resolution. Check as well whether an internship is possible and which elective courses are offered. Uppsala lists electives such as Gender, War and Peace, Causes of Peace, and Negotiation and Mediation in Practice.

Careers

There is no single profession for graduates, and no official employment statistics exist for this field alone. Universities name the same broad group of employers. According to Uppsala Universitet, its alumni work at international organisations such as the United Nations and the World Bank, in national ministries and government agencies, and in national and international non-governmental organisations, often as analysts, programme officers or researchers. London Metropolitan University says its course prepares for work in mediation practice, foreign aid, journalism, foreign offices, international bodies and the public sector.

A master's degree is the usual entry level for analytical roles. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that political scientists, a related occupation, typically need a master's degree to enter the occupation.

Frequently asked questions

What do you study in peace and conflict studies?

The causes, dynamics and resolution of violent conflict, and the tools used to manage it, such as diplomacy, negotiation and mediation. Programmes also cover human rights, security, peacebuilding and research methods.

Do I need a bachelor's degree in the same subject to enter a master's programme?

Not always, but requirements differ. Uppsala Universitet asks for a bachelor's degree with 30 credits in peace and conflict studies or the equivalent. Check the entry requirements of each programme.

Can I study peace and conflict studies in English in Spain?

Yes. The Universitat Jaume I in Castellón de la Plana lists English as the teaching language of its 120-credit master's degree in peace, conflict and development studies, and also describes teaching in English and Spanish.

Where do graduates work?

Universities mention international organisations, ministries and government agencies, non-governmental organisations, mediation, foreign aid and journalism. Some graduates continue to a doctorate.