Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa | the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies offers two Masters' programmes:
- Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (coursework and dissertation), and
- Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies (research)
Master of Peace and Conflict Studies
The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies qualification can be completed in one year of full-time study or part time over a longer period. Students are required to complete four papers, two of which are compulsory, and either a dissertation or a practicum placement and report.
Study can begin in either semester 1 (February) or semester 2 (July).
Full course details and application
The field of Peace and Conflict Studies is primarily concerned with an analysis of the origins and nature of violent conflict within and between societies. The MPCS is an inter-disciplinary programme providing students with an advanced qualification in peace and conflict studies, development and peacebuilding. It will position graduates for a wide range of career options in the public and private sectors. Students must complete two core papers in Peace and Conflict Studies, a 60-point research dissertation and one or two elective papers from within the Centre or from a list of approved courses in other Departments.
Eligibility for a Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPCS)
The MPCS is aimed at candidates who have completed a degree with at least a B average (or equivalent) over the final year. Relevant practical experience may be considered where this minimum is not met. Candidates may also apply if they have alternative qualifications or experience, subject to approval by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Humanities).
Scholarships/Study Awards
- Master of Peace and Conflict Studies Study Awards 2025 (deadline to apply 4 December 2024)
- Postgraduate scholarship database
- Scholarships for international students
For enquiries, please contact:
Email peaceandconflict@otago.ac.nz
Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies
The Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies (MA) is a research‐based degree with a minimum duration of one year.
Students engage in a programme of research and learning leading to the production of a thesis of 30,000 to 40,000 words which is internally and externally assessed. The MA can be done on a full‐time or a part‐time basis, and enrolment can take place at any time during the year.
Eligibility for the Master of Arts (MA) in Peace and Conflict Studies
The MA is aimed at candidates who have completed a four‐year degree with at least a B average (or equivalent) overall for their first degree, and have achieved at least a B+ in a major research essay or dissertation during the last year of their first degree. Acceptance as a candidate for the MA degree depends upon the University being able to provide adequate expert supervision in the intended area of research.
For enquiries, please contact:
Email peaceandconflict@otago.ac.nz
Further information about master's study
- More information about the Master of Arts programme at the University of Otago
- Research thesis advice and support from the Central Library
Completed Masters' theses
- Hydro-development and Conflict: the Mekong Basin, S Pearse-Smith.
- The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission: Improving Coherence and Coordination?, H Gordon.
- The Shanti Path: an exploration of internal and external aspects of peace, S Gibb
- Where is R2P grounded in international law?, A Judson.
- Cultural and National Identity in the face of climate change: A case study of I-Kirabati migrants in New Zealand, I Fedor.
- Nonviolent Discipline: A comparative analysis of Tiananmen Square 1989 and Gwangju 1980, A Mitchell.
- Gender-based Violence in a Militarized context: East Timor/Timor-Leste 1974-2011, A Wong.
- Learning from the past: an investigation of organisational learning in a non-government organisation in Sri Lanka, M Nissanka.
- Nonviolent Tactics and Violent State Repression 1989-2010, J Sutton.
- The role of New Zealand Official Development Assistance in the Building of Sustainable Peace, P Bedggood
- The Concept of Otherness in Time of War in Djebar's Modern Novel: La Femme Sans Sepulture or The Woman Without Grave, A Haderbache
- Unintended Impacts: Resource Extraction Wealth, Polygyny and Violence Against Women in the Hela Province of Papua New Guinea, A Kirkham
- Sincere or Negligent Friend: 1962 Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa, M Ligaliga
- Peace Journalism in the Pacific, C Wilson
- Forgiveness in Peacebuilding: What is it? Does it work?, R Francis
- Generative Tensions: Meaning making in a social movement, A Parker
- Reintegrating with Hostile Minds? An examination of the role of Social Psychology in Ex-Combatant Management in Rwanda and Burundi, D Ohs
- How is the concept of hybridity useful in thinking about third party humanitarian interventions? Case Studies: Bougainville and Solomon Islands, L Quinger
- Building Relationships: Quaker Peacebuilding in a Pacific Context, G Connolly
- Working with the impasse in couple relationships while working towards world peace, J Batson
- Mediator's culture and the ability to be effective in the process of international mediation, A Mnyanyi
- Nonviolent revolutions and democratisation: The effect of state seizure and campaign size on post-revolution democracy, J Llewellyn
- Security for whom? A gender perspective on the merging of security and development in the NZ community policing programme in West Papua, Indonesia, C Donovan
- Social Justice Narrative and the Mainstreaming of Fair Trade Globalisation within the market or alternative globalisation: assessing the radical hiding in plain view, J Taylor