Peace and Conflict Studies

Entry requirements

• Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
• Every applicant shall have qualified for the Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science with credit or distinction, or have equivalent qualifications acceptable to the Board of Studies for Medical Laboratory Science.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies is an inter-disciplinary programme providing students with an advanced qualification in peace and conflict studies, development and peace building. Drawing upon national and international expertise in the field, this programme will position graduates for a wide range of career options in the public and private sectors as academic researchers and as practitioners and policy makers in fields such as conflict analysis and resolution, peace-building, and post-conflict transformation.

This programme is 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.

This programme (which replaces the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) in Peace and Conflict Studies) combines theory and practice with a solid research component and is regionally focused on Asia and the Pacific.

Structure of the Programme

The programme of study shall consist of two core papers and two elective papers, worth 120 points, together with a 60 point research dissertation, or 60 point practicum and research project:

• PEAC 501 Theories of Peace and Conflict (30 points)
• PEAC 502 Conflict Analysis and Conflict Resolution Theory (30 points)
• PEAC 590 Research Dissertation (60 points) or PEAC 595 Practicum and Research Report (60 points)

and two of

• PEAC 503 Conflict Resolution Practice (30 points)
• PEAC 504 Development and Peace-building (30 points)
• PEAC 505 Peace Education (30 points)
• PEAC 506 Special Topic (30 points)
• PEAC 507 Critical Terrorism Studies (30 points)
• PEAC 508 Psychology of Peace and Conflict (30 points)

Total 180 points

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.

Students are eligible for the Otago International Excellence Scholarship.