The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies is an inter-disciplinary programme providing students with an advanced qualification in peace and conflict studies, development and peacebuilding. Drawing upon national and international expertise in the field, this programme will position graduates for a wide range of career options in the public and private sectors as academic researchers and as practitioners and policy makers in fields such as conflict analysis and resolution, peace-building, and post-conflict transformation.
This programme (which replaces the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) in Peace and Conflict Studies) combines theory and practice with a solid research component and is regionally focused on Asia and the Pacific.
Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPCS)
Admission to the Programme
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
Every applicant must either
be a graduate with a minimum of a B average in the final year of their degree, or
have relevant experience to the satisfaction of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be given to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualifications and the option for which a successful applicant might be permitted to enrol (see 1(b)), as well as the applicant's performance in the programmes. A minimum grade of B or higher over the final year is normally required but relevant practical experience may also be considered where this minimum is not met.
Structure of the Programme
The programme of study shall consist of:
PEAC 501 Theories of Peace and Conflict (30 points)
PEAC 509 Introduction to Peace and Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand (30 points)
either:
PEAC 590 Research Dissertation (60 points) or PEAC 595 Practicum and Research Report (60 points)
and one of:
HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities (30 points)
HUMS 503 Key Debates in the Humanities (30 points)
INGS 501 Indigenous Theory and Practice (30 points)
POLS 501 The 'Political': Theory and Practice (30 points)
A full-time candidate shall normally complete the requirements of the degree within twelve months. A part-time candidate shall normally complete the requirements of the degree within twenty-four months.
Examination of the Research Dissertation or Practicum Project and Research Report
The Co-Director of Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa | National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (or nominee) shall appoint a Convener of Examiners who shall oversee the examination of each research dissertation or practicum project.
The research dissertation shall be examined by at least two examiners, one of whom may be external to the University.
The practicum project shall be examined by at least two examiners who are normally internal to the University, one of whom may be the Convener.
Where both examiners are internal to the University, the examined dissertation shall be subject to external moderation.
The candidate's supervisor shall not be an examiner.
Each examiner shall supply a written report on the research dissertation and recommend a mark and grade on the basis of the work as submitted.
Where the examiners cannot agree on a result, the Co-Director should so report to the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Humanities) or nominee who shall arrive at a decision after consulting a referee who should normally be external to the University.
Withdrawal from the Programme
Where a candidate withdraws from the programme after completing the prescribed papers, but does not complete the research dissertation or practicum project, the Pro- Vice Chancellor (Humanities) or nominee may recommend the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects, or determine which papers shall be credited towards the Diploma.
Level of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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