find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses

University of Aberdeen: Peace and Conflict Studies

Institution University of Aberdeen View institution profile
Department School of Social Science
Web https://www.abdn.ac.uk
Email pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk
Telephone 01224 272090
Study type Taught

Summary

MSc Peace and Conflict Studies is designed for students wishing to develop an advanced knowledge of the intellectual terrain of conflict resolution and post-conflict peacebuilding. Reconstruction and reconciliation are vital to effective conflict resolution, or "peace-making," as is understanding and addressing the underlying causes of said conflict.

The MSc in Peace and Conflict Studies familiarises students with the dynamics of well-developed approaches to conflict resolution (or "peace-making") and the more recent mechanisms of post-conflict peacebuilding which have developed over the past twenty years.

You will explore the processes through which state and non-state actors have attempted to define and build peace in areas affected by conflict and examine the intersection and overlap between peacebuilding theory and these processes. You will also learn to critically examine the limits to and challenges of administering mechanisms for peace, justice and development within conflict-affected societies, and the ongoing challenges for both of local ownership, evaluation, and sustainability.

This MSc programme will provide you with in-depth knowledge of peacebuilding theories and methods, as well as the skills necessary to pursue a career in conflict intervention and peacebuilding practice. It will also provide an essential base for those wishing to pursue PhD and related studies in Peace and Conflict Studies, conflict resolution or peacebuilding in the social sciences.

MSc

University of Aberdeen

Overview

The University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth  oldest in the UK. Founded by Bishop William Elphinstone in 1495, the beautiful campus attracts a diverse international community of over 14,000 students from over 130 countries.

The University of Aberdeen is ranked as a Top 15 UK university by the Guardian University Guide 2025 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. It also ranks second across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for student satisfaction in The National Student Survey 2024.

University of AberdeenUniversity of Aberdeen

Postgraduate Programmes

Aberdeen offers an

View Profile

Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com

Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.

Click here