Master's Degree Programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research
Åbo Akademi University
Key Information
Campus location
Vaasa, Finland
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* 10000 €/year for non-EU/EEA students
Introduction
Targeted at those seeking to create a positive impact on society, this master’s degree programme aims to prepare its students for professional activity in both interpersonal and international conflict situations. Developed with the challenges of modern-day society in mind, students of this course will gain a deeper understanding of the role that human behaviour plays in altering civilization and how peace, mediation and conflict resolution are essential to the growth of society and the creation of a better quality of life for its inhabitants.
Taking a largely psychological and anthropological approach, students of this programme can look forward to engaging with far-reaching and highly relevant topics such as the escalation of war and its effect on cultural and social dynamics. The programme aims to help students understand the mechanisms behind conflict and encompasses the teaching of mediation, negotiation, and peacebuilding from an objective and balanced perspective. Other areas of focus include subjects such as the evolution and escalation of aggression – the interdisciplinary nature of which provides a solid platform for students to base further independent research.
Skills learned throughout the duration of this two-year programme (which is based at the Vasa campus of Åbo Akademi University), are highly significant and purposeful within today’s society. The studies not only encourage students to garner new perspectives on human interaction and relationships, but also, teach students how to facilitate the improvement of these relationships on a scale of their choosing. Successful completion of this programme will result in students being awarded with a Master of Social Science degree.
Admissions
Curriculum
Main subject: Developmental Psychology
Compulsory courses
- Introduction to Peace and Conflict Research(in English)
- The power of nonviolence(in English)
- Scientific writing(in English)
- Research methods in Developmental Psychology 2(in English)
- Thesis seminar(in English)
- Master´s thesis, part 1(in English)
- Master´s thesis, part 2(in English)
- Master´s thesis, part 3(in English)
- Language Response for Master's Thesis(in English)
Elective Courses
- Nonkilling(in English)
- Humanism and Peace Work(in English)
- Psychology of evil(in English)
- Violence, Aggression and Psychopathology(in English)
- Torture and its treatment(in English)
- Gender Equality, Media, and Peace(in English)
- Negotiation and mediation: Essential strategies and skills(in English)
- Civil resistance(in English)
- Peace education(in English)
- Critical perspectives on migration, citizenship and inclusion(in English)
- The Complexity of Sustainable Development(in English)
- Internship I(in English)
- Internship II(in English)
- Domestic violence: War in the homes(in English)
- Refugee psychology(in English)
- Peace literature studies I(in English)
- Peace literature studies II(in English)
- Environmental Justice and Civil Society in Natural Resources Conflicts(in English)
Career Opportunities
Whilst the aim of this programme is to prepare students for professional activity in both interpersonal and international conflict situations, many graduates have also gone on to study at PhD level, conducting advanced research within the field of social science.
Graduates who have chosen to start working right after graduation have also had a great deal of success, with many now enjoying challenging careers in areas such as teaching, policy making and advocacy work within the public sector and private organisations. Other areas that students have thrived in include: grassroots organisations, NGOs, intergovernmental organisations and even the establishment of their own organisations.
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships are available for students applying to our master's degree programmes and liable for tuition fee. There are two categories:
- Tuition Fee Scholarship, covering 100 % of the tuition fee, awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)
- Tuition Fee Scholarship, covering 50 % of the tuition fee, awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)
The decision to grant a scholarship is based on:
- the academic performance of the student in his/her previous studies,
- how well the applicant meets the programme requirements
- the answers the applicants have given in the application form
The application to our scholarships is included in online application form to our master's degree programmes.