Why choose this programme?
The programme offers studies of peace and conflict related issues through two study options, one in political science and one in history. Conflict between groups and states is a recurrent worldwide phenomenon. Why do some of these conflicts turn violent, while others remain non-violent? Peace and conflict studies aim at answering this and a wide range of other questions about the causes of conflicts and the conditions for peace.
The Master's Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies is a two year full-time academic programme that leads to a Master of Philosophy in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Why is it possible to solve some, but not all conflicts by means of negotiations and diplomacy? What, if anything, is new in ‘new wars’? How does the distribution of power among states affect the likelihood of inter-state war? How has warfare changed over time? Under what conditions are decisions concerning use of force likely to be the result of misperceptions? Are democratic states more peaceful than authoritarian states?
When you have successfully completed the Master’s Programme Peace and Conflict Studies, you have acquired theoretical and methodological tools that enable you to analyse these and similar questions in a scientific manner.
The programme aims at providing a background for work in voluntary organizations, research, inquiry and information activity, civil and military administration and the educational system.
Two study options: History and Political Science
The programme offers studies of peace and conflict related issues through two study options, one in political science and one in history. Both tracks combine mandatory and elective courses.
Through the common mandatory courses all students acquire a firm common knowledge base, while the elective courses make it possible to specialize in one field.
Language of instruction
The Programme's language of instruction is mainly English.
As of 2012, all the courses taught under the political science programme option will be taught in English, while some of the courses taught under the history programme option will be taught in Norwegian only.