Peace and Conflict Studies PGDip at Coventry University

The MA Peace and Conflict Studies is the flagship programme at Coventry University’s largest research centre, the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations. It aims to provides students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of issues, theories and practices in peace and conflict, and to develops the ability to apply theory and case studies to peacebuilding in complex situations. The programme is designed to enhance the skills, knowledge and competencies of those working to achieve and strengthen peace around the world.

The MA is studied through blended learning – a mixture of face-to-face and distance study – allowing students to study flexibly around work and personal commitments. We also provide the opportunity to study through our fast-track (APEL*) route which allows students to gain accreditation for their prior experience and learning, including what they have achieved in their careers so far.

Qualifications available:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies (8 months by blended/distance-learning).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies (16 months by blended/distance-learning).
• Full Term MA Peace and Conflict Studies (24 months by blended/distance-learning).
• Fast-Track MA (APEL) Maritime Security (16 months).

*Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is the process by which Coventry University awards credits towards a qualification based on a student’s prior learning and experience in, for example, their career, previous qualifications and other, relevant life experience. For this course, Coventry University is able to award a third of the credits of the qualification based on a student’s reflection on the outcomes of their prior experience and learning, providing a fast-track option and an opportunity to complete a master’s degree in 16 months rather than 2 years. For more information on our APEL route or this course, contact our team on study.ctprs@coventry.ac.uk or speak to Heather, our Postgraduate Programmes Manager, on  +44 (0) 2477659059.

Course information

The MA Peace and Conflict studies is the flagship programme at Coventry University’s largest research centre, the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations. The programme builds on the critical history and legacy of Coventry, known worldwide as the City of Peace and Reconciliation and, as such, is underpinned by a commitment to promoting integrity and courage in today’s society.

The programme aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge and an understanding of peace and conflict theories, issues and practices, and to develop the ability to apply theory and case studies to peacebuilding in complex situations. It is designed to enhance the skills, knowledge and competencies of those working to achieve and enhance peace around the world.

As well as being active researchers in this dynamic field, our teaching team has a wealth of experience as practitioners in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Our team works hard to provide a highly interactive and supportive learning environment, focusing on the skills and knowledge that help enhance students’ practice and careers. Building upon their existing experience, this programme aims to equip students to develop key skills and personal attributes for a wide variety of careers, which could include international development, all levels of government, charities and social movements. If you’re looking to study peace and conflict, Coventry University is the place to come.

If you take the full route, the whole course will take two years. If you take the APEL fast track however, you don’t study the PGDip and you start all modules within one 12 month period.

Qualifications available:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies (8 months by blended/distance-learning).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies (16 months by blended/distance-learning).
• Full Term MA Peace and Conflict Studies (24 months by blended/distance-learning).
• Fast-Track MA (APEL) Peace and Conflict Studies (16 months).

Career prospects

The MA in Peace and Conflict Studies is taught by experts in the broad field of peace and conflict studies and is informed by their research, practice and activism. As such, the programme is able to provide a deeper insight into both theoretical and practical perspectives of the contemporary peacebuilding challenges.

Further to this, the course ultimately seeks to create a learning community, where ideas can be interchanged and debated amongst academic staff, alumni, and current students, lasting well beyond the timespan of the academic programme itself.

If you are already a practitioner, you will have the opportunity to broaden your professional network, which is very likely to be useful to you in the workplace, whilst also gaining a formal accredited postgraduate qualification, which may be required for further progression in your career. If you are an individual with an interest in peace and conflict, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter into jobs within a broad spectrum of organisations, including: international non-government organisations, multi-national government organisations like the United Nations, regional communities such as the European Union or the Economic Community of West African States, faith group organisations, community organisations, the private sector, think tanks, and indeed also academia.