UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Master in Peace and Conflict Transformation
Tromsø, Norway
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* no tuition fees for international students
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
The Master's program offers an in-depth understanding of the key issues informing the field of peace and conflict studies. It provides interdisciplinary insights into the nature and causes of conflicts, as well as efforts at building peace and restoring confidence in institutions in conflict-affected societies. It actively recruits students from Nordic and non-Nordic countries to create and promote cross-cultural teaching and learning experiences.
Program description
- Duration: 2 years
- Credits (ECTS): 120
- Admission requirements: Students with a BA or equivalent qualification in social sciences, humanities, law, education, psychology or public health
- Degree Name: Master of Philosophy in Peace and Conflict Transformation
- Application code:
- Norwegian and Nordic applicants: 5059
- International applicants: 2034
The Master's degree program in Peace and Conflict Transformation (MPCT) offers interdisciplinary insights into the nature and causes of conflicts, as well as skills for handling conflicts by peaceful means.
The Norwegian High North provides a unique setting for studying the transformation relationships between individuals, groups, and institutions from destructive to constructive bonds. The program is intentionally based in the city of Tromsø because it has a long history of working towards peaceful co-existence among local ethnic and cultural groups.
During the first year, students will attend compulsory courses to learn about the core debates and perspectives in the field.
The second-year focuses mainly on Master's Thesis projects. These thesis projects are designed by the students themselves, depending on their individual interests and experiences. The program offers opportunities to collect data from any part of the world to support Master's Thesis projects.
Teaching and assessment
The set curriculum makes a full-time study for 2 years, approximately 1500-1800 workhours per year.
Activities are lectures, seminars, student presentations and peer reviews, individual supervision, excursions, and guest lectures.
The teaching and learning methods are problem-based, i.e. using problems and issues informing everyday life as teaching materials. The teaching involves lectures, seminars, and self-readings. The variety of teaching methods are designed to enhance the students' problem-solving capabilities. Every student will be assigned a thesis supervisor in the first year of study. Supervision is given through seminars and individual tutorials.
Access to further studies
On successful completion of the degree program, students may be qualified for admission to a Ph.D. program in a number of academic areas at the UiT The Arctic University of Norway or elsewhere.
Exchange
Exchange studies abroad will make you more attractive in the job market. Studies abroad will increase your learning outcomes, improve your language skills, give you unique adventures and international experiences.
The Master’s degree program in Peace and Conflict Transformation (MPCT) has bilateral exchange agreements with universities abroad where the student may take modules that will subsequently be approved as part of the degree. In this degree program, we make room for exchange outbound student exchange in the 3rd semester. We make certain reservations concerning what modules the exchange university has to offer.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the program, the candidate should have the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge
Advanced knowledge of:
- the history and evolution of peace and conflict studies as a distinct field of study.
- the key theories, debates, and issues informing peace and conflict studies.
- the nature and causes of violent conflict at all levels of human interaction - interpersonal, intergroup, community, national, and global.
- the diverse mechanisms for transforming conflictual relationships between individuals, groups, and institutions into constructive bonds.
- the diverse mechanisms for handling the consequences of violent conflict.
- the existing state of knowledge in closely related fields of study in an overall multi-disciplinary perspective.
Skills
Capacity to:
- think critically and creatively in dealing with peace and conflict problematics.
- identify and review relevant literature on specific issues.
- formulate research questions and select appropriate theoretical and methodological frameworks.
- design and carry out an independent research project, which involves the use of diverse data sources, under supervision.
- collect, collate, and interpret large amounts of data and communicate results effectively.
- assess the quality of theoretical and methodological perspectives underlying other scholarly works.
Competence
Ability to:
- present and discuss aspects of one's own work effectively at academic and public arenas.
- read and obtain a nuanced understanding of texts, and provide critical and constructive feedback.
- analyze relevant academic- and research ethical problems.
- apply knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects.
- be reflective about their positionality vis-à-vis conflict and peace.
- contribute to new thinking and innovation processes.
Job prospectives
The MPCT prepares students for challenging careers in sectors as diverse as security and diplomatic services, emergency and humanitarian assistance, international aid and donor agencies, and non-governmental organizations. In addition, MPCT offers transferrable competencies and skills for those who wish to pursue training in professions such as journalism and teaching. Ultimately, MPCT candidates may apply for admission to relevant Ph.D. programs.