Programme structure
The Master's in Peace, Conflict, and Democracy is a full time program. Learning activities are organized according to the following plan for 120 credits in total. This page shows the programme structure for students starting in autumn 2027.
| 4. semester | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3. semester | STV4030A / B / C | STV4911 - Design seminar | |
| 2. semester | Optional course | Optional course | Optional course |
| 1. semester | STV4001 – Introduction to Peace, Conflict and Democracy Research | PECOS4025 - Analytic perspectives on peace and conflict | PECOS4022 - Applied Statistics for Peace and Conflict Studies |
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | |
Mandatory courses
The following courses are mandatory:
- STV4001 – Introduction to peace, conflict and democracy research
- STV4002 – Analytic perspectives on peace, conflict and democracy
- STV4003 – Applied statistics for peace, conflict and democracy studies
- STV4911 – Design Seminar
- STV4096 – Master's Thesis in peace, conflict and democracy research
You have to choose one of the following courses:
- STV4030A - Digital Data in Political Science
- STV4030B - Qualitative Data in Political Science
- STV4030C - Survey design for political scientists
Optional courses
Political science
The entire portfolio of master's level courses at the Department of Political Science is open to students in both the Master in Peace, Conflict, and Democracy (PECOD) and the Master in Political Science programmes. The only exceptions are the mandatory methods courses in the first semester, as well as master's thesis courses, which are reserved for students in their respective programs.
See our course catalogue for this and upcoming semesters at
Master's courses in Political Science
Admission to external courses
It is possible to take the optional courses at other Departments/Faculties at UiO or other Universities/University colleges in Norway.
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching methods in the programme are based on lectures, seminars and workshops.
Master Thesis
The individual supervision of your master's thesis spans two semesters. You and your supervisor will normally meet approximately ten times during the course of these two semesters.
You will find further information about supervision and everything else related to the master's thesis on a separate website, Master Thesis in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Forms of examination and assessments
Examination forms in the programme are mainly written, invigilated exams and term paper assignments. The evaluation of the thesis is based on an assessment of the written thesis as well as an oral examination, during which the students will have the opportunity to defend the thesis.
Leave of absence from studies
Students have the option to apply for a leave of absence from their studies. Because of how the programme is structured, an undocumented leave of absence generally requires applying for two semesters off.
The only exception is after completing the third semester, when it is possible to apply for a single semester of undocumented leave. Taking a leave of absence at this stage normally interrupts supervision. Any such interruption must be agreed with the supervisor and the department, and cannot exceed one semester.
Diploma and degree
This programme leads to the following degree: Master of Philosophy in Peace, Conflict and Democracy Studies.
Evaluations
Quality assurance in Peace, Conflict, and Democracy studies.
Earlier programme options
Structure for students starting autumn 2026 and earlier.