Master's Degree Programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research
Vaasa, Finland
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 10,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* the application period begins from 8 Jan 2025
** for non EU EEA students
Key Summary
Introduction
Targeted at those seeking to create a positive impact on society, this master’s degree programme aims to prepare its students for professional activity in both interpersonal and international conflict situations. Developed with the challenges of modern-day society in mind, students of this course will gain a deeper understanding of the role that human behaviour plays in altering civilization and how peace, mediation and conflict resolution are essential to the growth of society and the creation of a better quality of life for its inhabitants.
Taking a largely psychological and anthropological approach, students of this programme can look forward to engaging with far-reaching and highly relevant topics such as the escalation of war and its effect on cultural and social dynamics. The programme aims to help students understand the mechanisms behind conflict and encompasses the teaching of mediation, negotiation, and peacebuilding from an objective and balanced perspective. Other areas of focus include subjects such as the evolution and escalation of aggression – the interdisciplinary nature of which provides a solid platform for students to base further independent research.
Skills learned throughout this two-year programme (which is based at the Vasa campus of Åbo Akademi University), are highly significant and purposeful within today’s society. The studies not only encourage students to garner new perspectives on human interaction and relationships but also, teach students how to facilitate the improvement of these relationships on a scale of their choosing. Successful completion of this programme will result in students being awarded a Master of Social Science degree.
Admissions
Curriculum
Advanced Studies i Developmental psychology
- Introduction to Peace and Conflict Research
- The power of nonviolence
- International Governance of Marine Resources and Dispute Settlement Mechanisms(in English)
- Psychology of Evil
- Scientific writing
- Restorative Justice and Mediation
- Qualitative Methods in Peace Research
Other Studies
- Violence, Aggression and Psychopathology
- Torture and its treatment
- Environmental Justice and Civil Society in Natural Resources Conflicts
- Nonkilling
- Extractive Violence and Environmental Justice
- War Trauma in Children
Scientific Specialisation
- Thesis seminar
- Master´s thesis, part 1
- Master´s thesis, part 2
- Master´s thesis, part 3
- Language Response for Master's Thesis
Elective Studies
- Internship I(in English)
- Internship II
- Domestic violence: War in the homes
- Refugee psychology
- Peace education
- Psychology of religion, peace and violence
- Peace Literature Studies I
- Peace Literature Studies II
- Gender Equality, Media, and Peace
- Advanced quantitative research methods
- Nordic perspectives on migration, citizenship and inclusion
Career Opportunities
Whilst the aim of this programme is to prepare students for professional activity in both interpersonal and international conflict situations, many graduates have also gone on to study at PhD level, conducting advanced research within the field of social science.
Graduates who have chosen to start working right after graduation have also had a great deal of success, with many now enjoying challenging careers in areas such as teaching, policy-making and advocacy work within the public sector and private organisations. Other areas that students have thrived in include grassroots organisations, NGOs, intergovernmental organisations and even the establishment of their organisations.
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Tuition fee-paying (non-EU/EEA) applicants applying to our master's degree programmes can apply for the Finland scholarship (in connection with applying for studies at Åbo Akademi University).
Finland scholarship/100% Tuition Fee Scholarship (waiver), awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)
- Number of scholarships to be granted: 1/programme
Finland Scholarships awarded by Åbo Akademi University are part of the national Finland Scholarship programme. This scholarship will be awarded to the most merited applicant in each programme.
The Finland scholarship covers 100% of the tuition fee for two years, the second year is conditional and requires that the student has earned at least 55 ECTS during the first year of studies.
In addition, the applicant is awarded a one-time 5000€ relocation grant, which will be paid to the student, to a Finnish bank account, once they have arrived in Turku/Vaasa and enrolled as present for the academic year.
To be considered for the Finland scholarship, you must apply for it as part of your application for admission during the application period. Applicants will find, in the application form, a set of questions evaluating motivation and communicative skills, academic goals and general interest in the field. The applicant’s answers will be assessed by the programme and the scholarship committee. The committee decides which applicants will be awarded a Finland scholarship. The decision on the granted scholarship will be included in the admission letter.
Please note that if you are exempted from paying tuition fees, you will no longer be eligible for Finland scholarships.
80% Tuition Fee Scholarship (waiver), awarded for the whole length of the study right
- This scholarship is granted to all admitted applicants liable to pay tuition fees, who have not received a 100% Tuition Fee Scholarship.