The Master of Arts (MA) in Peace and Conflict Studies and Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPCS) are inter-disciplinary programmes providing advanced qualifications in peace and conflict studies, development and peace building. They focus on the sources of social and political violence and war at local, national and international levels and how these might be prevented, managed and transformed in more peaceful directions.
These courses will address the challenges of maintaining a peaceful multicultural Aotearoa New Zealand, while imbedding wider discussions in terms of New Zealand's place in the South West Pacific and South East and East Asian regions. The Centre is dedicated to combining theory, research and practice so students going through these courses can choose to specialise in courses that lead either to practitioner and or research roles.
The MA and MPCS programmes are theoretically informed, practically and policy oriented. They offer opportunities for independent research and experience in collaborative problem-solving. The programmes will enhance understanding of theory, methodology, ethical procedures, practical analytic and intervention skills, data collection, evidence based analysis and writing within the area of peace and conflict studies.
See the full list of Peace and Conflict Studies (PEAC) papers.
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEAC501 | 2025 | Theories of Peace and Conflict | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| PEAC502 | 2024 | Conflict Analysis and Conflict Resolution Theory | 30 points | Not offered in 2024 |
| PEAC503 | 2024 | Conflict Resolution Practice | 30 points | Not offered in 2024 |
| PEAC504 | 2024 | Development and Peacebuilding | 30 points | Not offered in 2024 |
| PEAC505 | 2024 | Peace Education | 30 points | Not offered in 2024 |
| PEAC506 | 2024 | Special Topic | 30 points | Not offered in 2024 |
| PEAC507 | 2024, 2025 | Critical Terrorism Studies | 30 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| PEAC508 | 2024 | Psychology of Peace and Conflict | 30 points | Not offered in 2024 |
| PEAC509 | 2025 | Introduction to Peace and Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| PEAC510 | 2025 | Indigenous Approaches to Peacemaking and Reconciliation | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| PEAC590 | 2025 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 16 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 29 June 2026) |
| PEAC595 | 2025 | Practicum Project and Research Report | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 16 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 29 June 2026) |
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa | National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies
Email peaceandconflict@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/humanities/ncpacs/
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.
