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, novelist and former BBC World News presenter, Associate Professor Jake Lynch; the challenges of transforming conflict, building peace and reconciliation after mass violence with leading trauma and transitional justice scholar, Dr Wendy Lambourne; and the role of human rights and the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security with genocide studies scholar, Dr Eyal Mayroz.
Informed by the latest research, the coursework program focuses on developing theoretical understanding and practical skills that can be applied to the increasingly diverse and growing field of peace and conflict studies. The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies degree can be studied part-time or full-time via distance learning online or on-campus face-to-face teaching, over a full semester or intensively over a shorter period. Students have the option of undertaking a research path, including a dissertation, or can gain professional experience through an internship in a local or international organisation. Many of our graduates 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 or government departments and agencies.
Award and requirements
Please refer to the course rules for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.
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 selective units of study
- a maximum of 24 credit points from elective units of study, which can include an optional specialisation as listed in the unit of study table
- 6 credit points from capstone 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 from core or capstone units of study
- a minimum of 18 credit points from selective units of study
- a maximum of 12 credit points from elective units of study
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 from core or capstone units of study
- a maximum of 12 credit points from selective 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 or selective units of study, previous study or professional experience must have been completed in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies. Reduction in requirements may be granted on a case by case basis by Departmental approval to a maximum of 24 credit points.
|
Level of prior learning |
Full-time duration |
Credit points to complete |
Requirements for completion of degree |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AQF Level 7 e.g. a bachelor's degree in a directly relevant field in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Medicine |
1.5 years (dependent on the specialisation selected) |
72 |
|
|
Relevant professional experience |
N/A |
N/A |
Reduction in requirements may be granted on a case by case basis by Departmental approval up to a maximum of 24 credit points. |
|
AQF Level 8 e.g. Honours in a relevant discipline |
1 year |
48 |
|
Important note: Master of Peace and Conflict Studies – Distance (online study mode)
The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies, Graduate Diploma, or Graduate Certificate can be studied fully online through distance education.
Enrolment in a PACS degree by distance education is available to domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, citizens of New Zealand) residing outside the Sydney metropolitan area, as well as domestic or international students who are based overseas. International applicants who wish to study offshore should choose the distance education option when submitting their application.
The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies, Graduate Diploma, and Graduate Certificate are each also offered as an on-campus course (CRICOS registered) for international students on a student visa who must select the Camperdown/Darlington Sydney on-campus application option.
Contacts and further information
Website: Department of Peace and Conflict Studies
Email: