The Master's degree programme in Peace and Conflict Transformation (MPCT) offers interdisciplinary insights into the nature and causes of conflicts, as well as skills for handling conflicts by peaceful means.

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

During the first year, students will attend compulsory courses to learn about the core debates and perspectives in the field.

The second year focuses mainly on Master's Thesis projects. These thesis projects are designed by the students themselves, depending on their individual interests and experiences. The programme offers opportunities to collect data from any part of the world to support Master's Thesis projects.

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

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.

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 who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand: An average grade C as a minimum requirement,
• Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in countries other than the above mentioned region/countries: An average grade B as a minimum requirement. Check admission information

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.

The programme is English-taught. Applicants must provide proof of proficiency in English. 

Set curriculum makes a fulltime study for 2 years, approximately 1500-1800 workhours per year.

Activities are lectures, seminars, student presentations and peer reviews, individual supervision, excursions, and guest lectures.

The teaching and learning methods are problem-based, i.e. using problems and issues informing everyday life as teaching materials. The teaching involves lectures, seminars and self-readings. The variety of teaching methods are designed to enhance the students' problem-solving capabilities. Every student will be assigned a thesis supervisor in the first year of study. Supervision is given through seminars and individual tutorials.

English

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

Exchange studies abroad will make you more attractive on the job market. Studies abroad will increase your learning outcomes, improve your language skills, give you unique adventures and international experience.

The Master’s degree programme in Peace and Conflict Transformation (MPCT) has bilateral exchange agreements with universities abroad where the student may take modules that will subsequently be approved as part of the degree. In this degree programme, we make room for exchange outbound student exchange in the 3rd semester. We make certain reservations concerning what modules the exchange university has to offer.