Peace and Conflict Studies (MA)

About the Course

If you are interested to learn about the new regional conflicts and global destabilisation, but wanting to focus more on peacebuilding, conflict-resolution and improving the state of global social justice, then this is the course for you.  MA Peace and Conflict studies aims to provide the students with an in-depth understanding of contemporary wars and conflict, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, as well as the most straightforward routes towards peacebuilding. Our cohorts will learn theories and dynamics of conflict, conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction and the role of states, international organisations and other political actors from the Global North and the Global South. Together, we will visualise how global balance can be restored by addressing the issues of exploitation, global inequalities and environmental pollution, which threatens the survival of indigenous communities across the globe. Our feminist and anti-racist outlook gives our course a more up-to date and social justice focused agenda compared to our competitors, taught in a student-centred and supportive environment. We offer an opportunity for the students to write their dissertations in cooperation with the industry, thereby securing valuable contacts and establishing potential for employment in global institutions, NGOs or charities who work on improving the conditions for social justice in the world, and particularly the Global South.

Curriculum Overview

The programme consists of five modules and a dissertation (final research project) totalling 180 credits. Assessment methods will vary and may include essays, presentations, research proposals and a research dissertation. 

Modules

• Religion and Conflict (15 credits) and The Role of Political Communication in Conflict and Peace Building’ are two short modules designed in cooperation with the ‘Politics and International relations’ team, which analyse crucial contexts in Europe and the Middle East, where religion either plays a part in conflict, reconciliation or both. The modules provide an overview of key models, theories and research explaining relationships between states, international organisations and mainstream media in contemporary conflicts.

• Advanced Research for Social Change (30 credits) – This module trains the students to use research methods in order to design and carry out socially relevant and socially transformative research. Here, the students will learn about a range of innovative research techniques and become equipped with the skills to design a high-quality research dissertation.
• Gender and immigration (30 credits) This module uses post-colonial feminist theory to look at the issues of displacement of women and girls, and diasporic gender identities. Here, the students will analyse issues such as sweatshops, feminisation of poverty, diasporic identities, modern slavery and the impact of pollution on regional conflicts.
• Advanced Social Theory (30 credits) – Students will acquire knowledge and the ability to critically evaluate a variety of contemporary political economies and think about the ways these can be changed. Whether it is capitalism or socialism, we teach our students to understand the roots of contemporary social issues, such as poverty, marginalization and women’s rights against a relevant political-economic backdrop.
• Dissertation/Research Project (60 credits) – The focus of the dissertation will be on an issue of relevance to the study of global conflicts. We are offering the 60-credit dissertation as a piece of research conducted in cooperation with employers (diplomatic and political international organisations such as the UN, international and local NGOs, charities, etc.), thus significantly improving employability prospects.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

International Entry Requirements

Possess a degree from an overseas institution that is judged by the Registrar or Nominee to be equivalent to a second class honours degree from a UK University.

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

Teaching and Research

Our commitment to research is evident in that all our teaching is research informed, and our MA students become a part of a vibrant and supportive community of researchers and colleagues. The MA Social Sciences team has designed this course in response to the growing demand for peace and conflict courses, which are amongst the most popular in Europe. We differ from the competition thanks to our de-colonised perspective, and our anti-racist and anti-imperialist theory. We also prefer to teach in smaller groups, so that our students can always feel heard, supported and at home at Liverpool Hope. If you possess a first class or upper second-class honors degree from a UK University or equivalent from an oversees institution, then you will be able to apply to study with us.

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for Home students are £7,750

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2025/26 are £15,250

Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.

Careers

Students with an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies can gain access to a wide variety of leadership roles, including jobs in global organisations such as the United Nations institutions, international NGOs, charities, and civil society. Organisations committed to the principles of global justice, diversity, equality and inclusion in general welcome applicants who have a background in this type of degree. Global careers can range from anything from aid and project planning, research and policy development and analysis, rural and urban development in the Global South, and environmental preservation, but also global media, local government or international charity work.