Study Peace and Conflict: The Ultimate Student Guide (2026)
Have you considered studying peace and conflict abroad? If you want to use your skills to make the world a better place, peace and conflict studies might be for you!
Have you considered studying peace and conflict? This interdisciplinary field combines theory and practice to address real-world issues ranging from interpersonal conflicts to large international disputes. If you want to work in a field that can make the world more peaceful and just, you might enjoy a career in peace and conflict studies.
Peace and conflict studies is a diverse field that combines a wide range of skills and disciplines. They pursue careers where they work to resolve conflicts quickly and judiciously, mitigate applications in both the private and public sectors, in government and business. Those who study peace and conflict can go on to careers where they will work to end conflicts quickly and judiciously, alleviate the impact of conflict on individuals and groups, and prevent emerging conflicts from escalating. The field has a direct impact on people’s quality of life and wellbeing, and the ultimate goal of peace and conflict studies is to develop systems and practices that make the world peaceful and conflict-free.
As an interdisciplinary subject, peace and conflict studies offers a wide range of entry points for students. Undergraduate and graduate programs allow students to delve deeply into the subject, while courses and training modules can enhance other degrees and offer specialized applications of the theories and practices of peace and conflict studies.
Maybe you’re wondering how to get a degree in peace and conflict studies, or asking yourself: what can I do with a degree in peace and conflict studies? In this peace and conflict studies guide, we’ll cover what a peace and conflict studies degree entails, what kind of career paths it could open for you, and how to know if a peace and conflict studies degree is the right choice for you.
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Discover programs →What is a peace and conflict studies degree?
What do you imagine when you think about peace and conflict studies? Delegates gathering at the UN? World leaders shaking hands while holding a peace treaty? Or soldiers in blue helmets patrolling in a war zone? Maybe you think of humanitarian aid workers handing out food and medicine to refugees. Or your mind turns to tribunals investigating war crimes and human rights abuses. Perhaps you think of specific instances of conflict between individuals or focus instead on world or civil wars. In short, peace and conflict studies encompass all these things and much more.
Peace and conflict studies train students to understand the nature of peace and conflict, the political, social, and psychological factors that foster peace or allow conflict to develop, and the theories and practices that can be used to intervene in conflict situations or establish the foundations for peace. Studying peace and conflict allows you to work in a wide variety of organizations and positions, and while most peace and conflict studies students go on to positions in international peacebuilding or mediation and conflict resolution, there are opportunities closer to home in business, medicine, law, and education.
The origins of peace and conflict studies
The academic discipline of peace and conflict studies has its origins in the post-war period of the twentieth century. The First and Second World Wars fundamentally altered the way that both warfare and armistice were conducted, and the emergence of nuclear warfare in particular created a very real threat to humanity as a whole.
The establishment of international organizations like the League of Nations in 1920 and the United Nations in 1945 allowed for more formalized analysis of peace and conflict studies, and the first academic program dedicated to the discipline was established in 1948 at Manchester University in Manchester, Indiana. Since then, degree programs have developed at hundreds of universities and institutes around the world, and the academic output of these programs has become the foundation of the research, analysis, and operations of numerous international organizations.
What’s the difference between peace and conflict studies and diplomacy?
A common question that students might have when considering a degree in peace and conflict studies is: What are the differences between studying peace and conflict and studying diplomacy? The two fields are intertwined, but offer distinct paths for students.
In short, diplomacy is both an individual discipline and a tool that is often used by those who pursue careers related to peace and conflict studies. While peace and conflict studies explore a wide and multidisciplinary approach to understanding conflict and promoting peace, diplomacy is a specific approach utilized in international relations and peacebuilding.
As a discipline, diplomacy employs negotiation, communication, strategy, and mediation to create, repair, or improve relationships between nations, groups, and individuals. It has wide-ranging applications in sectors ranging from international relations to human resource management. Graduates with degrees in diplomacy might work in politics, criminal justice, law, education, business management, and many other fields.
Students who earn degrees in diplomacy may also go on to become diplomats, a title that applies to people who officially represent their country in other countries or international organizations, like the United Nations. Diplomats work to foster ties with other nations and uphold their country’s interests abroad. Diplomatic roles may be political appointments or governmental employees, and diplomats are key players in many operations that deal with peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
What is the difference between peace and conflict studies and conflict resolution?
Like diplomacy, conflict resolution is directly connected to peace and conflict studies as a tool or approach used to end or mitigate conflict. Peace and conflict degree programs often include modules or specialties in conflict resolution where students learn techniques and skills that can help them resolve conflict between disputing parties.
Conflict resolution is a valuable and extremely transferrable skill that can open careers in law, business, politics, and even medicine. Students who earn degrees in conflict resolution may go on to work in mergers and acquisitions, human resources management, law enforcement, or psychological counseling.
Within the field of peace and conflict studies, mastering the techniques of conflict resolution can lead to roles like peacebuilding officer, policy analyst, and diplomat utilizing skills like problem-solving, negotiation, cultural sensitivity, and interpersonal communication.
What is the difference between peace and conflict studies and political science?
You may be wondering what the difference is between peace and conflict studies and political science. Essentially, peace and conflict studies is a specialty within the discipline of political science.
Political science is a broad social science that focuses on the theories and practices related to government. Political science looks at how human societies distribute power and exercise governance. Within political science, there are many subspecialties like public policy, international relations, public administration, political theory, and peace and conflict studies.
Someone who studies political science may decide to specialize in peace and conflict studies, or may examine how different political systems apply theories of peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Similarly, political science is not necessarily a prerequisite for peace and conflict studies, but it will inform much of the coursework and theories that are studied. Understanding the basics of political science provides a good foundation for peace and conflict studies degrees.
For students pursuing political science as a path into international relations or international diplomacy, peace and conflict studies is often an essential component of their education. And because many peace and conflict studies programs are offered at the graduate level, many students come to the field with an undergraduate degree in political science.
Which areas of peace and conflict can you study?
As discussed above, many students come to peace and conflict studies programs with a background in political science. There are also direct correlations between peace and conflict studies and other liberal arts and social science subjects like psychology, economics, history, law, human rights, and religious studies.
And while peace and conflict studies is itself a specialization within political science, there are several subspecialities within the field that students can pursue. Here’s a breakdown of some other popular peace and conflict studies specialties and why they might appeal to you.
If you want to pursue a legal profession:
Human rights 🙌🏽
Human rights are universal and fundamental rights that apply to everyone and cannot be removed. By studying human rights, you will learn how these rights were identified and established, how they are upheld and protected, and what can be done when they are violated.
This field revolves around laws and principles that apply across national borders. International law governs how independent states operate with each other and what happens when international laws are broken.
Mediation and conflict resolution 🤝🏽
Studying mediation and conflict resolution will give you the skills and insight to help resolve disputes and disagreements between two or more conflicting parties. Mediation and conflict resolution employ communication skills, negotiation, and neutrality to help resolve conflicts and find mutually agreeable solutions to disputes.
Social justice examines root causes of injustice and inequality and seeks to establish a more equitable and fair society so that every individual can thrive and live with dignity.
If you want your career to be hands-on:
Humanitarian aids step in when crises like conflicts or natural disasters threaten human life, dignity, and rights. Humanitarian assistance is focused on making sure that people in conflict zones or disaster areas are safe, treated with dignity and respect, and that their suffering is reduced or eliminated.
This multidisciplinary field works to improve the quality of life for people in areas of low development, or where natural disasters or conflicts have degraded infrastructure and living conditions. International development focuses on economic and social progress, as well as sustainable development and self-sufficiency.
In international relations, international security refers to the actions and protocols implemented by nations and organizations that protect their sovereignty and security. International security usually includes both military and diplomatic activities.
Social workers help to meet the needs of vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals and groups. In the context of peace and conflict studies, social workers might work as or alongside humanitarian aid workers and focus on specific groups or individuals within a larger population of displaced or threatened people.
If you have political aspirations:
Diplomacy ♟️
Diplomacy is used to align nations and groups to achieve the goals of either one or both parties. Diplomacy seeks to establish relationships and avoid or resolve conflict in non-violent ways and utilizes things like negotiations, communication, and peacebuilding to further the interests of the respective parties.
Government 🏛️
Governments are groups or bodies set up to manage the laws and systems of a community. Governments exist in many forms and, in the context of peace and conflict studies, are usually examined from a theoretical perspective to understand how different governmental structures respond to conflict and maintain or establish peace.
Politics 🗳️
Political activity in a society is broadly defined as how people organize the individuals involved in government and how decisions are made. Politicians are often engaged in activities that result in either conflict escalation or peacebuilding, and understanding the politics of a group or nation can be instrumental in successful conflict resolution or peacekeeping.
If you want an academic career:
Comparative cultural studies 🫖
This field of study examines various cultural markers within a society and compares them to those of other societies to identify similarities and differences. In the context of peace and conflict studies, comparative cultural studies can help inform strategies and approaches and may be used to identify interconnectedness between two parties in conflict.
Migration and immigration studies 👣
Migration and immigration studies look at the movement of people and groups both historically and in contemporary society and try to understand what causes movement, how people move from one place to another, and the consequences of movement both on the individuals, their society, and the societies they move to.
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) 🧠🫅💰
This is a common foundation for peace and conflict studies. PPE looks at how the three components of the field - philosophy, politics, and economics - interact to define social activities and functions. It's an interdisciplinary field that can lead to many different careers and roles.
This approach to historical analysis shifts the focus of history from individual nations to the interconnected and cross-border factors that lead to historical events and movements. It employs a variety of historical theories, as well as incorporating other disciplines.
Fields of study that combine with peace and conflict studies:
Anthropology examines what it means to be human. Anthropologists study human evolution, as well as social structures, language development, and philosophies and belief systems. For peace and conflict studies students, anthropology can inform analysis of cultural and social responses to conflict and help to establish policies that lead to peace.
Peace and conflict studies students might choose to study a specific area for their specialization. For example, focusing on one global region allows for in-depth understanding of the language, culture, history, and value-systems that define a research and drive conflict with other regions.
Human resources 🧑🏾💼
Human resources is a field that deals with the management of employee lifecycles in organizations. Humanitarian and government agencies employ human resource professionals, and skills learned in peace and conflict studies programs are directly applicable to both international and domestic human resource roles.
Journalism includes all activities surrounding collecting, analyzing, and publishing news and information for public consumption. A journalist student might specialize in peace and conflict studies to inform and direct their research and writing, and journalism is used to produce and disseminate information about peacebuilding and conflicts.
While the field of pastoral care has its origins in Christian traditions and ministry, it has since evolved to include a much wider approach and religious or faith-based context. In short, pastoral care refers to the professional practice of caring for and supporting the spiritual as well as emotional and physical needs of others. It may be religious or secular, and can be studied and practiced by individuals of any or no faith affiliation.
Political historians study political systems, structures, and developments and examine their impact on both societies and individuals throughout history. For peace and conflict studies students, political history can help inform the understanding of current political situations and the cultures and societies in their sphere of influence.
How long does it take to get a peace and conflict studies degree?
The length of time it takes to earn a peace and conflict studies degree depends on the degree you choose and where you decide to study. Peace and conflict studies degrees and programs are offered at all levels of higher education, ranging from short courses for career development to doctoral research.
Here’s a breakdown of the length of time it takes to study at each level, the requirements for different degree types, and where you can find different types of peace and conflict studies degrees and qualifications.
Bachelor’s degrees in peace and conflict studies
Peace and conflict studies undergraduate degrees are offered at colleges, universities, and specialized schools and institutes around the world. Depending on the country and institution, these degrees usually take between three and four years to complete. In the USA, for example, most undergraduate degrees are bachelor’s degrees and take four years to complete if you study full-time. In the UK and other countries, bachelor’s degrees usually take three years to complete, although joint-honors programs might last for four years.
Some common undergraduate degrees in peace and conflict studies include:
- Bachelor's in Peace and Conflict Studies
- BA in Peace and Conflict Studies
- BSc in Peace and Conflict Studies
Master’s degrees in peace and conflict studies
There are many peace and conflict degrees offered at the graduate level. Students who have studied history, political science, sociology, or other subjects at the undergraduate level can use a graduate degree in peace and conflict studies to build on their knowledge and skills to transition into specific sectors or roles.
Graduate degrees in peace and conflict studies usually take between one and three years to complete, depending on where you study. In the USA, graduate programs like a Master of Arts usually take between two and three years to complete, while graduate degrees in the UK may be one- to two-year programs. Graduate degrees in peace and conflict studies may require a dissertation or final research project, and may include hands-on experience like an internship or job-shadowing assignment.
In many cases, peace and conflict studies graduate degrees are offered at specialized peace or political science institutes, either within a university or as independent institutions. These institutes usually specialize in peace and conflict studies, as well as politics and social sciences, and may be involved in policy-making, peacebuilding, and other active international political activities.
Some common graduate degrees in peace and conflict studies include.
- Master of Peace and Conflict Studies
- MA in Peace and Conflict Studies
- MSc in Peace and Conflict Studies
Many universities and institutes offer their own branded peace and conflict graduate programs, which may be abbreviated to things like: MPACS, MPCS, PACS, or similar.
Doctoral-level peace and conflict studies degrees
Most careers focused on peace and conflict studies will not require a doctoral-level degree for entry. However, for those wishing to pursue academic careers like professor or researcher in peace and conflict studies, or for those who want to advance their careers in policy-making or government, a PhD in peace and conflict studies can be a good choice.
Like graduate degrees in peace and conflict studies, PhDs in peace and conflict studies are usually offered at universities and specialized peace institutes. These degrees are terminal degrees and usually take between three and seven years to complete, depending on where you study and your pace of study. In many cases, these PhD programs will include taught modules that are required before students can pursue original research.
A PhD in peace and conflict studies will usually require original research into a specific topic or theory, and students will be expected to publish or defend their research.
Courses and certificates in peace and conflict studies
Because peace and conflict studies is a specialization within political science, it is not unusual to find short courses, certificates, or diploma programs in the field. These types of programs can be used by professionals to obtain a specific skill or specialization, to transfer into careers related to peace and conflict studies, or to qualify for more advanced positions within their sector.
Courses and qualifications in peace and conflict studies can take between a few weeks to several years to complete, depending on the type of qualification, where you study, and the pace at which you study. These types of programs are offered at colleges, universities, and specialized institutes, and they may be taught in person or online.
Some common courses and qualifications in peace and conflict studies include:
- Certificate in peace and conflict studies
- Diploma in peace and conflict studies
- Graduate certificate in peace and conflict studies
- Postgraduate certificate in peace and conflict studies
- Graduate diploma in peace and conflict studies
- Postgraduate diploma in peace and conflict studies
You might also find introductory training courses in subjects related to peace and conflict studies. These might include risk or emergency management training, communication or negotiation training, peacebuilding certification, or other skill-building courses aimed at professionals working in the peace and conflict sector.
These will usually range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the training course, and may be offered in conjunction with things like conferences, symposiums, or research exchanges. You will find these types of training programs at colleges, universities, specialized peace institutes, and even the United Nations.
Why study peace and conflict abroad?
There are many great reasons to study abroad. So why study peace and conflict abroad? Here are some reasons why a peace and conflict studies degree abroad might enhance both your education and your future career.
Gain international experience
While the skills you learn in a peace and conflict studies degree are transferrable to roles that are not international (like HR), the majority of students pursue peace and conflict studies programs to work in an international capacity. Earning your degree abroad will give you a jump-start on living and working abroad, learning about culture, and practicing your skills in intercultural communication.
Learn to see things from another perspective
One of the most important skills for peace and conflict studies students is the ability to see things from someone else’s perspective. Studying abroad is a great way to learn and practice this skill. Whether it’s seeing how people live or study in another culture, learning how historical events were experienced or understood in another country, or finding ways to communicate when you don’t understand the language, studying abroad will give you experiences and knowledge that you can bring to your practice.
Get outside your comfort zone
Other important skills peace and conflict studies graduates will need include confidence, adaptability, and the ability to problem-solve, all of which can be acquired by learning to succeed through adversity and discomfort. Studying abroad is guaranteed to put you into uncomfortable situations, challenge your world view, and force you to think on your feet.
Get hands-on experience
You will find peace and conflict studies programs at universities and institutes around the world, and many of these are directly connected to ongoing situations or services related to international politics, diplomacy, peacebuilding, or crisis management. Studying abroad means you might have the opportunity to volunteer at a migrant center, intern at an embassy or NGO, or job-shadow politicians or diplomats.
Learn a new language
Speaking a second (or third) language isn’t always necessary for careers in peace and conflict studies, but in many instances, being able to understand or communicate in another language will be a big bonus. Studying abroad is one of the best ways to learn a new language because it forces you to immerse yourself. You can enroll in a language course, use an app or online training program, or find a local who will tutor you.
Careers in peace and conflict studies
You might be wondering: What can I do with a peace and conflict studies degree? Here are some potential job titles for peace and conflict studies degree graduates:
- Academic researcher
- Ambassador
- Community organizer
- Community violence specialist
- Conflict manager
- Conflict resolution specialist
- Dialogue facilitator
- Diplomat
- Director of people
- Disaster specialist
- Foreign affairs officer
- Healthcare manager
- Human rights advocate
- Human rights officer
- Humanitarian aid worker
- Human resource manager
- Human rights lawyer
- Intake coordinator
- International aid worker
- International development officer
- International mediator
- International social worker
- Legal advocate
- Mediator
- Mental health counselor
- Nonprofit director
- Peace advisor
- Peacebuilder
- Policy analyst
- Political advisor
- Political affairs officer
- Political researcher
- Public relations officer
- Resettlement officer
- Restorative justice officer
- Security advisor
- Shelter specialist
- Social worker
- Trauma counsellor
- University professor
- Victim advocate
Because peace and conflict studies is an interdisciplinary subject, careers and positions in the field often attract people from a wide variety of backgrounds. You might find yourself working with lawyers, politicians, historians, medical professionals, and even celebrities.
What are the salaries for graduates with a peace and conflict studies degree?
Salaries for peace and conflict studies graduates will vary depending on your role, where you work, and your level of expertise. For example, a humanitarian aid worker will likely earn significantly less than a diplomat. You should also keep in mind that the field includes many voluntary positions with paid expenses, and that remuneration for field work may be paid in either the local currency or that of the host organization. Below are some salary ranges for popular peace and conflict study graduate careers.
Humanitarian aid officer 🆘
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £22K-50K | ||
| USA (USD) | $27K-45K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €34K-56K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $38K-79K |
Peacebuilding officer 🕊️
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £27K-42K | ||
| USA (USD) | $67K-106K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €40K-70K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $75K-100K |
Policy analyst 📊
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £36K-40K | ||
| USA (USD) | $45K-150K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €40K-70K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $81K-150K |
Diplomat 🧕
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £48K-73K | ||
| USA (USD) | $44K-200K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €86K-113K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $60K-150K |
Non-profit director 🧑🏾💼
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £55K-77K | ||
| USA (USD) | $59K-150K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €34K-100K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $120K-210K |
Social worker 🫂
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £32K-48K | ||
| USA (USD) | $65K-74K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €48K-55K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $85K-100K |
Security advisor 🛡️
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £30K-70K | ||
| USA (USD) | $39K-80K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €52K-78K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $82K-162K |
UN Peacekeeper* 🪖
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £27K-42K | ||
| USA (USD) | $33K-93K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €32K-70K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $82K-155K |
*Peacekeepers are often soldiers or military personnel from their home country and are usually paid according to rank and experience. The UN currently reimburses national militaries $1,428 per month for personnel.
Mediator 🤝
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £20K-70K | ||
| USA (USD) | $46K-134K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €42K-76K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $74K-132K |
Disaster specialist 🦺
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £24K-40K | ||
| USA (USD) | $68K-90K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €64K-114K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $80K-140K |
Tips for choosing a peace and conflict studies degree
Peace and conflict studies is a diverse field, and it's important to know how you want to use your degree when you pick your program. Choosing the right degree program and the right university or peace institute can be a deciding factor when it comes to succeeding in the field of peace and conflict studies.
If you’re planning to study peace and conflict, here are some questions to ask yourself that might help you pick the right degree program.
- Why am I interested in studying peace and conflict?
- What kind of impact do I want to make with my degree and career?
- Do I have any experience in this field, like volunteering for aid organizations, participating in model UN, or interning at an NGO?
- Do I have a background in the military?
- Do I want a hands-on career or a more academic career?
- Do I want to work in politics or government?
- Do I enjoy or excel at subjects like history, politics, philosophy, or psychology?
- Do I have strong problem-solving, communication, negotiation, or analytical skills?
- How do I react to conflict and violence?
- Am I prepared to deal with human rights abuses, human tragedy, or natural or man-made disasters?
- Will I need to take out student loans to study peace and conflict?
- Do I need to travel or relocate to study peace and conflict?
- What are the key components of the first year of a peace and conflict studies degree?
- What can I do with a peace and conflict studies degree after graduation?
- Do I understand the roles and responsibilities of different professions within the peace and conflict studies sector?
- Do I want to live and work abroad?
It is a good idea to talk to current peace and conflict students at the school or institute you’re considering to understand what it is really like to study peace and conflict. You might also talk to professionals in the field or people who are working in roles related to peace and conflict studies to learn more about the necessary qualifications and career paths.
Reflect on your own goals and priorities before you start looking for a program. Peace and conflict studies can lead to some very hands-on, meaningful, and exciting careers, but these usually come with challenges and stress related to the positions. Some peace and conflict studies careers might put you in dangerous or emotionally charged situations, so it’s important to understand the career paths and whether you want to pursue a hands-on role or one that will be more theoretical.
Peace and conflict studies professionals spend their careers working to improve the lives of people and groups. They’re purpose is to understand the origins of conflict, analyze threats to peace, and mitigate the consequences of ongoing or emerging conflicts. In some roles, you might find yourself challenging powerful organizations or individuals. In others, you may need to work to find compromises or mediate between two opposite viewpoints. Working in peace and conflict studies will challenge your problem-solving skills, your ability to communicate and negotiate, and your patience.
Types of accreditation and licensing for peace and conflict studies degrees
Peace and conflict studies degrees do not usually require specific accreditation, nor do international bodies like the United Nations accredit individual programs. Similarly, there is no specific licensing required for peace and conflict practitioners, though licensing or qualifications may be required for select roles or professions within the field. For example, a human rights lawyer working will need to pass the bar exam or equivalent in the jurisdiction in which they practice.
In most cases, accreditation of a peace and conflict studies program will be done by the usual accreditation body of higher education programs in the country of study. You can find a list of these below for select countries:
The United Kingdom
In the UK, the individual constituent countries maintain lists of higher education institutions (HEIs) that are recognized as able to award degrees. Individual degrees are usually recognized by the HEI that oversees them, and a system of quality assurance, known as the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), oversees the systems each university or school uses to accredit its degrees.
The United States of America
In the USA, degrees are usually recognized and accredited by regional accreditation bodies. These are, in turn, overseen by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the US Department of Education (USDE).
CHEA and USDE also oversee accreditation bodies that are based on institution type as well as career and program types. For example, a number of peace and conflict studies programs in the USA are offered by faith-related HEIs. The following is a list of accreditation bodies for faith-based institutions that are recognized by both CHEA and USDE:
- Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools
- Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation
- Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
- Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools Accreditation Commission
Germany
The German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) accredits higher education institutions and authorizes agencies that accredit higher education programs. Programs and HEIs may also be accredited by the Accreditation, Certification, and Quality Assurance Institute (ACQUIN) or through individual internal accreditation systems.
Australia
Like the USA, HEIs and degree programs in Australia are accredited at a regional or state level, as well as by a national quality assurance organization, known as the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
Professional organizations for peace and conflict studies graduates
There are several professional organizations dedicated to the study of peace and conflict. They offer resources, networking opportunities, further education, and career support to those working in fields related to peace and conflict studies. Here's a selection of professional organizations for peace and conflict studies students and graduates:
- Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP): Based in Washington, DC, AfP is a non-profit network of more than 225 organizations working to end conflict and foster sustainable peace. They organize numerous publications, initiatives, resources, and awards within the field of peace and conflict studies.
- Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR): ACR works to promote practices surrounding conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution through networking, professional associations, conferences, and initiatives for practitioners of conflict resolution.
- International Peace Research Association (IPRA): The IPRA works to promote peace and alternatives to violence by supporting research and academics in the field. The foundation offers both grants and fellowships as well as networking opportunities.
- The Peace and Justice Studies Association (PJSA): This is a professional association for academics and scholars whose work centers on peace, conflict, and justice. They offer open-access resources, events, professional networks, and professional journals and publications.
- Peace Science Society (International) (PSS(I)): Based out of the University of North Texas, this organization supports scholars and academics in the field of peace and conflict studies.
Well-known peace institutes and centers
There are many specific private, public, and international institutions whose objectives are to promote peace and support research and policy development that leads to peacebuilding. Some of these institutions also offer degrees or training in peace and conflict studies. These may be attached to a university or HEI, or may be independently operated as a non-profit or non-government organization. Here's a selection of some of the most well-known institutes and centers:
| Institute/Organization | Headquarters | Website | Type | Degrees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Endowment for International Peace | Washington, DC, USA | https://carnegieendowment.org/ | Think tank | N/A |
| Center for Peace and Conflict Studies | Siem Reap, Cambodia | https://en.uit.no/enhet/peace | NGO | MA, PhD |
| Center for Strategic and International Studies | Washington, DC, USA | https://www.csis.org/ | Think tank | N/A |
| Human Rights Academy (Amnesty International) | Online | https://academy.amnesty.org/learn | Online courses | Free courses |
| Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) | Sydney, Australia | https://www.economicsandpeace.org/ | Think tank | Free courses, ambassador program, and joint degree programs |
| International Peace Institute (IPI) | New York City, USA | https://www.ipinst.org/ | NPO | N/A |
| Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) | Oslo, Norway | https://www.prio.org/ | Research institute | N/A |
| Peninsula Peace and Justice Center (PPJC) | Los Altos, USA | https://peaceandjustice.org/ | NPO | N/A |
| Rand Corporation | Santa Monica, USA | https://peaceandjustice.org/ | NPO | RAND School of Public Policy |
| Rotary Peace Centers | Australia, Japan, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda, UK, & USA | https://www.rotary.org/en/seven-centers-peace | Institutions | Master's and Certificates |
| Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) | Stockholm, Sweden | https://www.sipri.org/ | Institute | N/A |
| swisspeace | Basel, Switzerland | https://www.swisspeace.ch/ | Research institute | Short courses and diplomas |
| United Nations (UN) | New York City, USA | https://www.un.org/en/ | Intergovernmental organization | United Nations University (UNU) - Graduate and Doctoral degrees |
| United States Institute of Peace (USIP) | Washington, DC, USA | https://www.usip.org/ | NPO | Certificate and training programs |
| Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) | Geneva, Switzerland | https://www.wilpf.org/ | NPO | N/A |
Popular universities to study peace and conflict studies
Africa
Location: Banjul, the Gambia
Pan Africa Christian University
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
St. Augustine College of South Africa
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Université Francophone du Congo
Location: Kinshasa, Congo, DR
Asia
Location: Incheon, South Korea
International Christian University
Location: Mitaka, Japan
Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University
Location: Lam Sai, Thailand
Nanyang Technological University
Location: Singapore
Location: Osaka, Japan
Location: Hachioji, Japan
Location:
Europe
Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin
Location: Berlin, Germany
Location: Rome, Italy
Location: Castelló de la Plana, Spain
Location: Leeds, UK
Location: Kalmar, Sweden
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Location: Headington, UK
Location: Prishtina, Kosovo
Location: London, UK
Location: Tampere, Finland
Location: Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany
UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Location: Tromsø, Norway
Location: Bradford, UK
Location:
Location: Oslo, Norway
Location: Valladolid, Spain
Middle East and Central Asia
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Location: Amman, Jordan
Social Sciences University (SSUA)
Location: Ankara, Turkey
Location:
North America
Location: Cheltenham Township, USA
Location: Berea, USA
Location: Worcester, USA
Location: Omaha, USA
Location: Greencastle, USA
Location: Durham, USA
Location: Harrisonburg, USA
Location: Fresno, USA
Location: Fairfax, USA
Location: Lamoni, USA
Hawaii Tokai International College
Location: Kapolei, USA
ITESO – Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara
Location: Tlaquepaque, Mexico
Location: Milwaukee, USA
Mount Saint Vincent University
Location: Mi’kma’ki, Canada
Location: Victoria, Canada
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Location: Salisbury, USA
Location: Swarthmore, USA
Location: Ciudad Colón, Costa Rica
Location: Chapel Hill, USA
Location: Notre Dame, USA
Location: Saint Paul, USA
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Oceania
Australian National University
Location:
Location:
Location:
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Location: Sydney, Australia
South America
Location: Manizales, Colombia
Location: Bogotá, Colombia
Location: Medellin, Colombia
J. Emilio Valderrama University Corporation of Sabaneta (UNISABANETA)
Location: Vegas de La Doctora, Colombia
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Elizabeth Koprowski, PhD
Author
Elizabeth is a content campaign specialist at educations.com with more than 20 years of experience in international higher education and study abroad. Her background in travel writing and travel history helps guide her research and content creation. Elizabeth is committed to helping students worldwide find the right study abroad experience.
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