Peace and Conflict Studies

Coursework

A degree in Peace and Conflict Studies prepares candidates to engage with issues of conflict, violence, peace, justice and human rights on a local and global scale.

You will learn about how the media can help to resolve conflict with world-renowned peace journalist and former BBC World News presenter, Associate Professor Jake Lynch; the challenges of building peace and reconciliation after mass violence with leading transitional justice scholar, Dr Wendy Lambourne; and from expert commentators and practitioners on everything from the role of the United Nations in international peace and security to community mediation, the psychology of peace and the human right to food.

Informed by the latest research, the coursework program focuses on developing theoretical understanding and practical skills that can be applied to the increasingly diverse field of peace and conflict studies. The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies degree can be studied via a combination of distance learning online and intensive face-to-face teaching, as well as full or part-time study in Sydney. Students have the option of a research path including a dissertation, or can gain professional experience through an internship in a local or international organisation. Graduates can go on to enjoy challenging and rewarding careers as consultants or employees with the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, universities, media organisations, the private sector and government departments and agencies.

Award and requirements

Please refer to the degree resolutions in this Handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.

Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies are required to complete 24 credit points including:

• a minimum of 12 credit points of core or capstone units of study
• a maximum of 12 credit points from core elective units of study

Graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies are required to complete 48 credit points including:

• a minimum of 18 credit points of core or capstone units of study
• a minimum of 18 credit points from core elective units of study
• a maximum of 12 credit points from elective units of study

Master of Peace and Conflict Studies
Candidates for the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies are required to complete 72 credit points including:

• a minimum of 18 credit points from core units of study
• a minimum of 18 credit points from core electives
• a maximum of 24 credit points from elective units of study
• 6 credit points from capstone units of study

Candidates who have completed previous study in a relevant discipline may be eligible for a reduction in the requirements in accordance with the table below. Note that credit will normally only be given for elective units of study. To obtain credit for core units or core electives, previous study or professional experience must have been completed in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies.

Important note: Master of Peace and Conflict Studies – Distance-learning and intensive face-to-face delivery
The following core units and core elective units will be offered online in 2018:

Core units

• PACS6911 Key Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies
• PACS6915 Human Rights, Peace and Justice

Core elective units

• PACS6901 United Nations, Peace and Security
• PACS6904 Dissertation Part 1
• PACS6905 Dissertation Part 2
• PACS6917 Religion, War and Peace
• PACS6923 Human Right to Food
• PACS6924 Democracy in the Developing World
• PACS6925 Peace and the Global Compact

In addition, the following core, capstone and core elective units will be offered in intensive mode during Summer School, Winter School or during semester in 2018:

Core units

• PACS6921 Peace of Mind: The Psychology of Peace

Core elective units

• PACS6913 Conflict in Organisations
• PACS6914 Conflict-Resolving Media
• PACS6928 Community Mediation: Theory and Practice
• PACS6934 Conflict-Sensitive Development Practice

Capstone unit

• PACS6931 Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice

The MPACS by distance is also available to local students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, citizens of New Zealand) residing outside the Sydney metropolitan area. Applicants should contact the Department of peace and Conflict Studies for additional information.

The MPACS degree is also offered as an onshore course (CRICOS registered) for international students on a student visa who must apply through the Admissions Office.

Research

Students must have a substantial background in a relevant academic discipline to be eligible to enrol in research degrees in Peace and Conflict Studies.

Requirements

Please refer to the degree resolutions in this Handbook and to the Faculty Admissions Policy and Procedure for: Doctor of Philosophy: Pathways to admission, for information on the specific admission requirements for different research award courses.

The Master of Arts (Research) is designed to develop students’ disciplinary knowledge and research skills through a program of postgraduate coursework (up to two units of study) and a supervised research project culminating in a thesis of 26,000 – 30,000 words. This degree is suitable for students who have a major in a relevant field but who do not have an honours degree.

The Master of Philosophy is a research degree in which candidates undertake an extended piece of original research, which is the basis for an individually supervised thesis of 40,000 – 60,000 words. Candidates for the Master of Philosophy may apply to upgrade to the Doctor of Philosophy after the first year.

The Doctor of Arts and Doctor of Social Sciences are professional doctorates intended for students with employment or professional experience in a relevant field. Candidates complete five postgraduate coursework units of study and a 50,000 – 80,000-word individually supervised thesis based on an original research project, which makes a significant contribution to the field.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree has the most stringent requirements for entry. Candidates are required to undertake a major original research project and to write an individually supervised thesis of 70,000 – 100,000 words, which makes an original and significant contribution to the field.

Contact

Coursework
Associate Professor Jake Lynch
Phone: +61 2 9351 5440
Email: