Peace and Conflict Studies (master's two years)

Peace and conflict studies aim at answering a wide range of questions about the causes of conflicts and the conditions for peace. How has warfare changed over time? How does the distribution of power among states affect the likelihood of inter-state war? Are democratic states more peaceful than authoritarian states?

It is an interdisciplinary programme, which is an advantage because it provides you with skills and knowledge to study and analyse the multifaceted nature of peace and conflict.
The programme has a strong focus on methods and analysis, and you will acquire theoretical and methodological tools that enable you to analyse the many complex aspects of peace and conflict.
You will be given lectures and guidance from top researchers in the field of peace and conflict research.
You have detailed empirical knowledge of the history of war and peace in the 20th and 21st century and you understand its implications for war and peace in the present and the future
You have in-depth knowledge of key theories of causes of conflict and conditions for peace and can assess their explanatory powers
You have a solid understanding of basic issues pertaining to the purpose and practice of political science
You have deep knowledge of advanced methodological tools within your discipline and can assess their relevance for analyzing a specific research question

The master's programme in Peace and Conflict will make you highly attractive in both public and private sector. You can apply for jobs within sectors and institutions like:

Government agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
International organisations, such as the UN and NATO.
NGOs and aid organisations
Research institutions
Media
The PECOS program at the University of Oslo develops students well prepared to work and lead in a variety of fields. From government positions to leading roles with NGOs, a degree from the master’s programme in peace and conflict studies will make you highly attractive to organizations around the world.

The programme aims at providing a background for work in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), inquiry and information activity, political consulting, governmental work and academia.