Postgraduate Study in Peace and Conflict Studies
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, Master’s, 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 Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis))
A one- or two-year degree entailing a major research project, culminating in a thesis
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
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Applications for the MA (Thesis) in Peace and Conflict Studies are currently paused. Information on study options will be updated in late August, 2023.
| Thesis |
|---|
|
| Papers | Points |
|---|---|
| PEAC 501 Theories of Peace and Conflict | 30 |
| PEAC 509 Introduction to Peace and Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand | 30 |
| PEAC 590 Research Dissertation or PEAC 595 Practicum and Research Report | 60 |
| and one of: | 30 |
| HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities | |
| HUMS 503 Key Debates in the Humanities | |
| INGS 501 Indigenous Theory and Method | |
| POLS 501 The 'Political': Theory and Practice | |
| and one of: | 30 |
| PEAC 507 Critical Terrorism Studies | |
| PEAC 510 Indigenous Approaches to Peacemaking and Reconciliation | |
| HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research | |
| INDS 401 Indigenous Identities | |
| INDS 402 Taonga and Identities | |
| INTS 502 International Politics | |
| INTS 509 Global Peace and Conflict | |
| PACI 405 Indigenous Leadership in the Pacific | |
| POLS 512 The Ethics and Politics of Resistance | |
| POLS 513 Political Theory for the Environment | |
| POLS 541 International Relations and the Global South | |
| POLS 550 Comparative Regional Conflicts | |
| SOCI 410 Alternative Futures | |
| Total | 180 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PEAC papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEAC501 | 2025 | Theories of Peace and Conflict | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| PEAC507 | 2025 | Critical Terrorism Studies | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| PEAC509 | 2025 | Introduction to Peace and Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| PEAC510 | 2025 | Indigenous Approaches to Peacemaking and Reconciliation | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| PEAC590 | 2025 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 16 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 29 June 2026) |
| PEAC595 | 2025 | Practicum Project and Research Report | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 16 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 29 June 2026) |
Contacts
Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa | National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies
Email peaceandconflict@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/humanities/ncpacs/
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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