The Master in Conflict, Peace and Security is a unique opportunity designed to enhance the understanding of conflicts in all their dimensions and to explore innovative approaches to their management, resolution and transformation, with the help of world-leading academics and experts. Built on the combined expertise of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), the Master's programme in Conflict, Peace and Security aims to equip participants with a broad analytical skillset, first-hand knowledge and unique expertise from the field.
The Master’s Degree and related qualifications (Postgraduate Certificates and Specialization Courses - please, see below for more information) are suitable both for professionals working in conflict-prone environments within the framework of international, regional, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and for graduate students, young researchers or other academics interested in enhancing their understanding of conflicts and acquiring skills to better address them. By choosing the Master in Conflict, Peace and Security, students gain access to a broad community of alumni spread across the world. Becoming a part of this community will be a valuable asset for a lifetime.
Approach
The programme is grounded in a distinctive student-centred, multidisciplinary approach, in which the workplace is used as the main learning environment. Using the Internet as a medium, students, practitioners and scholars are brought together in a unique virtual learning environment designed to foster experiential and collaborative learning.
Distinctive features of the Master and related academic programmes include:
- Full online delivery, allowing for a flexible schedule designed to fit the specific needs of full-time working professionals;
- Student-centred approach, in which the learner and the learning experience are at the core of the programme;
- Leading-edge insights into prevailing theories and practices;
- Lifelong learning approach, in which the workplace is used as the main learning environment;
- Multi-cultural pedagogy, particularly attentive to the diversity of paradigms, perceptions and intellectual traditions; Multi-disciplinary approach.
Curriculum
Students benefit from an experienced faculty of scholars and practitioners, peer-to-peer collaboration, and a curriculum that reflects current theory and practice.
UN.000 Understanding Conflict and Conflict Analysis
UN.001 Conflict Resolution
UN.002 Introduction to Peace Operations and Milestones in UN peacekeeping
UN.004 Human Security in Post-Conflict Interventions
UN.006 Gender Matters
B1.044 Media and Conflict
B1.042 Philosophy of Peace and Non-Violence
B1.048 Game Theory
B1.046 Economy, Environment and Migration
B1.055 Research Methods
B1.049 Intercultural/Ethnic Conflict and the Management of Diversity
B1.051 Corruption, Conflict and Security
B1.050 Prevention and Transformation of Conflict
B1.101 Mandate Evaluation/ Leadership and Strategic Planning
B1.045 Crisis Management
B1.700 Master's Final Project
The Master in Conflict, Peace and Security is awarded upon the completion of 60 ECTS.
The Master in Conflict, Peace and Security is a UOC Certified Master’s Degree, awarded according to the rules and regulations set by the Spanish education system. Giving its specificity, it does not give general access to Doctoral studies (PhD and similar). Validation of credits for access to such programmes can be requested from competent institutions. For more information, please contact conflictology@unitar.org.
Students may alternatively opt for any of our shorter academic programmes:
- Postgraduate Certificate – Specialization in Armed Conflict - 31 ECTS
- Postgraduate Certificate – Specialization in Crisis Management and Strategic Planning - 31 ECTS
- Specialization Course in Conflict, Peace and Gender - 13 ECTS
- Specialization Course in Strategic Conflict Management - 16 ECTS
- Specialization Course in Intercultural Conflict Management - 14 ECTS
- Specialization Course in Human Security and Peace Operations - 13 ECTS
*For more information about the short programmes above, please consult this page.*
Duration
The Master in Conflict, Peace and Security programme has a flexible duration with an average of 2 years needed to complete all the requirements. However, the programme can be extended to up to 6 semesters (3 years). The minimum and maximum duration of both the Postgraduate Certificate – Specialization in Armed Conflict and the Postgraduate Certificate – Specialization in Crisis Management and Strategic Planning is 1 to 2 years, respectively. Each Specialization Course has a duration of 4 months.
How to register:
In order to be considered for the Master in Conflict, Peace and Security and related qualifications, students must have completed an undergraduate degree, be fluent in English, and possess a valid passport or national ID card.
Same requirements and deadlines apply for the other shorter programmes.
Application Deadlines
To be considered for the Fall term: 15 August
To be considered for the Spring term: 15 January
Applications received after the final deadline are evaluated case by case on a rolling basis.
Application Instructions
The Project Manager is available to help students during the application process. Students are encouraged to email the Project Manager at conflictology@unitar.org with any questions.
All applicants are required to apply online at: http://ptpreg.unitar.org/auth/login. Students must complete all required fields and uploads prior to submission.
More information can be found at https://www.unitar.org/courses-learning-events/individual-learners/master-degree-related-qualifications/master-conflict-peace-and-security-and-related-qualifications