Knowledge
After completing the Master’s programme in Peace, Conflict, and Democracy, the candidate:
- has advanced knowledge of central theories, concepts, and empirical research on political regimes, armed conflict, and peace;
- has in-depth understanding of the causes and consequences of war, political violence, democratization, autocratization, and regime change;
- has knowledge of how political institutions and regime types shape patterns of conflict and peace at both domestic and international levels;
- is familiar with ethical challenges and normative considerations in peace research and democracy research;
- has insight into current global challenges related to democratic backsliding, political repression, and violent conflict.
Skills
After completing the programme, the candidate:
- can formulate clear and researchable questions related to peace, conflict, and political regimes;
- can select, justify, and apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods for empirical analysis;
- can obtain, process, analyse, and critically assess different types of data, including incomplete or imperfect data;
- can evaluate existing research by identifying methodological strengths, limitations, and implications for inference;
- can communicate complex academic arguments clearly in both written and oral form.
General competence
After completing the programme, the candidate:
- can conduct independent and systematic analysis of complex empirical and theoretical problems related to peace, conflict, and democracy;
- can apply scientific values such as transparency, precision, and critical reflection in research and analysis;
- can provide constructive feedback on others’ work and integrate feedback into their own research;
- can collaborate with others in academic and applied research settings;
- is prepared to apply academic knowledge and analytical skills in professional contexts, including government, international organisations, NGOs, research institutions, or further academic studies;
- has experience with practical components of research, such as internships or fieldwork, where relevant.
Different learning outcomes apply to students who started their studies in autumn 2026 or earlier.