Peace and Conflict Transformation

Admission is competitive, based primarily on academic qualifications (educational background) and secondly on the quality of the Statement of Purpose.

Relevant bachelor education:
Admission to the Master's programme in Peace and Conflict Transformation requires a Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification in the social sciences, humanities, law, education, psychology or public health.

Grade requirement:
Applicants must have a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (2,5) in the ECTS scale.

English proficiency:
Applicants with education from non-Nordic countries must document English language proficiency. You will find more information about the English language requirements on our admissions pages.

Statement of Purpose:
Applicants must provide a Statement of Purpose (maximum of two pages). This Statement must state the applicant’s motivation for pursuing a Master's degree in this programme (i.e. relating prior academic achievements and professional experiences to the core concerns of the programme). There is no need for recommendation letters.

You will find more information about international admission here.

Non-EU students must be prepared to pay tuition fees.

Her finner du all informasjon knyttet til søking og opptak.

Program description

The Master's degree programme in Peace and Conflict Transformation offers critical and interdisciplinary insights into the nature, causes, and effects of conflicts, as well as practical skills for addressing conflicts through peaceful means.

The Norwegian High North provides a unique setting for studying the transformation of relationships between individuals, groups, and institutions—from destructive to constructive bonds. The programme is intentionally based in the city of Tromsø, which has a long history of fostering peaceful co-existence among local ethnic and cultural groups.

During the first year, students will attend compulsory courses that explore core debates and perspectives in the field of peace and conflict studies.

The second year primarily focuses on the Master's Thesis, which students develop with guidance from academic staff, based on their individual interests within the field of peace and conflict.

---

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the programme, the candidate should have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

Advanced knowledge of:

• the history and evolution of peace and conflict studies as a distinct field of study
• the key theories, debates and issues informing peace and conflict studies
• the nature and causes of violent conflict at all levels of human interaction - interpersonal, intergroup, community, national and global
• the diverse mechanisms for transforming conflictual relationships between individuals, groups and institutions into constructive bonds
• the diverse mechanisms for handling the consequences of violent conflict
• the existing state of knowledge in closely related fields of study in an overall multi-disciplinary perspective

Skills

Capacity to:

• think critically and creatively in dealing with peace and conflict problematics
• identify and review relevant literature on specific issues
• formulate research questions and select appropriate theoretical and methodological frameworks
• design and carry out an independent research project, which involves the use of diverse data sources, under supervision
• collect, collate and interpret large amounts of data and communicate results effectively
• assess the quality of theoretical and methodological perspectives underlying other scholarly works

Competence

Ability to:

• present and discuss aspects of one's own work effectively at academic and public arenas
• read and obtain a nuanced understanding of texts, and provide critical and constructive feedback
• analyze relevant academic- and research ethical problems
• apply knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects
• be reflective about their positionality vis-à-vis conflict and peace
• contribute to new thinking and innovation processes

Job prospectives

The MPCT prepares students for challenging careers in sectors as diverse as security and diplomatic services, emergency and humanitarian assistance, international aid and donor agencies, and non-governmental organizations. In addition, MPCT offers transferrable competencies and skills for those who wish to pursue training in professions such as journalism and teaching. Ultimately, MPCT candidates may apply for admission to relevant PhD programmes.

Access to further studies

On successful completion of the degree programme, students may be qualified for admission to a PhD programme in a number of academic areas at UiT the Arctic University of Norway or elsewhere.

---

Related professions

---

Study plan

---

Language of instruction

English

---

Teaching and assessment

The curriculum constitutes a full-time study over two years, requiring approximately 1,500–1,800 work hours per year.

Learning activities include lectures, seminars, student presentations, peer reviews, individual supervision, excursions, and guest lectures.

The teaching and learning methods are problem-based, utilizing real-world cases and issues as teaching materials. These methods include lectures, seminars, and self-directed readings, all designed to enhance students' problem-solving and analytical skills, independent thinking, and critical evaluation. The programme's faculty includes renowned experts in their fields, both from the Centre and international institutions. The diverse teaching methods aim to strengthen students' problem-solving capabilities.

Each student will be assigned a thesis supervisor during the first year of study, primarily from one of two research groups affiliated with the Centre: the Peace Research Group and The Grey Zone. Supervision is provided through seminars and individual tutorials.

Studying abroad as part of an exchange programme will make you more competitive in the job market. It enhances learning outcomes, improves language skills, and provides unique adventures and international experience.

The Master’s degree programme in Peace and Conflict Transformation has bilateral exchange agreements with universities abroad, allowing students to take modules that can be approved as part of their degree. The programme facilitates outbound student exchange in the third semester, with some reservations regarding the availability of modules at the partner university.