Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) in Peace and Conflict Studies and Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPCS) are inter-disciplinary programmes providing advanced qualifications in peace and conflict studies, development and peace building. They focus on the sources of social and political violence and war at local, national and international levels and how these might be prevented, managed and transformed in more peaceful directions.
These courses will address the challenges of maintaining a peaceful multicultural Aotearoa New Zealand, while imbedding wider discussions in terms of New Zealand's place in the South West Pacific and South East and East Asian regions. The Centre is dedicated to combining theory, research and practice so students going through these courses can choose to specialise in courses that lead either to practitioner and or research roles.
The MA and MPCS programmes are theoretically informed, practically and policy oriented. They offer opportunities for independent research and experience in collaborative problem-solving. The programmes will enhance understanding of theory, methodology, ethical procedures, practical analytic and intervention skills, data collection, evidence based analysis and writing within the area of peace and conflict studies.
Papers
See the full list of Peace and Conflict Studies (PEAC) papers.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPCS)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) programme that combines theory and practice with a solid research component
Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Research Dissertation or Practicum and Research Report Requirements | Points |
|---|---|
| PEAC 501 Theories of Peace and Conflict | 30 |
| PEAC 509 Introduction to Peace and Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand | 30 |
| either | |
| PEAC 590 Research Dissertation | 60 |
| or | |
| PEAC 595 Practicum and Research Report | 60 |
| and two of: | |
| HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research | 30 |
| HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities | 30 |
| HUMS 588 Special Topic: Foundations of Identity and Belonging | 30 |
| INDS 401 Indigenous Identities | 30 |
| INDS 402 Taonga and Identities | 30 |
| INGS 501 Indigenous Theory and Method | 30 |
| INTS 509 Global Peace and Conflict | 30 |
| PACI 405 Indigenous Leadership in the Pacific | 30 |
| PEAC 507 Critical Terrorism Studies | 30 |
| PEAC 510 Indigenous Approaches to Peacemaking and Reconciliation | 30 |
| POLS 501 The 'Political': Theory and Practice | 30 |
| POLS 512 The Ethics and Politics of Resistance | 30 |
| POLS 513 Political Theory for the Environment | 30 |
| POLS 541 International Relations and the Global South | 30 |
| POLS 550 Comparative Regional Conflicts | 30 |
| SOCI 410 Alternative Futures | 30 |
| Total | 180 |
| Papers-Only Requirements | Points |
|---|---|
| PEAC 501 Theories of Peace and Conflict | 30 |
| PEAC 509 Introduction to Peace and Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand | 30 |
| and four of: | |
| HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research | 30 |
| HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities | 30 |
| HUMS 588 Special Topic: Foundations of Identity and Belonging | 30 |
| INDS 401 Indigenous Identities | 30 |
| INDS 402 Taonga and Identities | 30 |
| INGS 501 Indigenous Theory and Method | 30 |
| INTS 509 Global Peace and Conflict | 30 |
| PACI 405 Indigenous Leadership in the Pacific | 30 |
| PEAC 507 Critical Terrorism Studies | 30 |
| PEAC 510 Indigenous Approaches to Peacemaking and Reconciliation | 30 |
| POLS 512 The Ethics and Politics of Resistance | 30 |
| POLS 513 Political Theory for the Environment | 30 |
| POLS 541 International Relations and the Global South | 30 |
| POLS 550 Comparative Regional Conflicts | 30 |
| SOCI 410 Alternative Futures | 30 |
| Total | 180 |
| Thesis |
|---|
|
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PEAC papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEAC501 | 2026, 2027 | Theories of Peace and Conflict | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| PEAC507 | 2026, 2027 | Critical Terrorism Studies | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| PEAC509 | 2026, 2027 | Introduction to Peace and Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| PEAC510 | 2026, 2027 | Indigenous Approaches to Peacemaking and Reconciliation | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| PEAC590 | 2026, 2027 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 15 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 28 June 2027), 1st Non standard |
| PEAC595 | 2026, 2027 | Practicum Project and Research Report | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 15 February 2027), 1st Non standard period (5 March 2027 - 25 February 2028) |
Contacts
Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa | National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies
Email peaceandconflict@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/humanities/ncpacs/
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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