COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPaCS) is a two-year program designed to provide advanced knowledge and practical skills for understanding, analysing, and addressing contemporary conflict and peacebuilding challenges. The degree is structured as a 32-unit program comprising foundational, core, flexible, and elective study areas, with a strong emphasis on both theoretical grounding and applied practice. Students begin with 8 units of foundational courses, including Writing Politics and Foundations in Politics, Policy and International Relations, which establish critical analytical and academic writing skills. The program’s 10-unit core includes key areas such as Security and Development, Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding, the Politics and Power of Nonviolence, and Gender, Peace and Security in Global and Local Perspective, ensuring a deep understanding of conflict dynamics and peace processes. Students then complete 4 to 14 units of flexible core courses, selecting from areas such as Mediation, International Crisis Management, Indigenous Politics, Environmental Change, and International Politics in Practice, allowing tailored specialisation. The remaining 0 to 10 units are drawn from program electives, which may include research methods, internships, independent study, or a research thesis, as well as related interdisciplinary subjects from international relations. The program develops strong analytical, research, and policy skills, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, NGOs, international organisations, mediation, and peacebuilding roles globally.