Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research, Master of Social Sciences (2 yrs)

About this programme

Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research (PEACE) provides a multi- and interdisciplinary approach to peace and conflict research. The programme facilitates the understanding of the complex nature of wars and conflicts as well as their short- and long-term consequences. It focuses not only on the study of conflict but primarily on its transformation and on the conditions for peaceful change. The programme also examines how different actors can respond to discrimination, human rights violations and forced displacement. During their studies, students learn about the preconditions for conflict transformation and sustainable peace in local, international and global contexts. Special emphasis is placed on various tools and phases of conflict transformation - peacebuilding, mediation, reconciliation and dialogue. PEACE examines, for example, how violent conflicts, ethnic and religious discrimination and human rights violations produce forced displacement and how different actors can respond to these crisis situations. During their studies, students learn about the preconditions for conflict resolution and sustainable peace in local, international and global contexts. Special emphasis is placed on various tools and phases of conflict transformation - peacebuilding, mediation, reconciliation and dialogue. Master’s programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research is hosted by Tampere Peace Research Institute (TAPRI) , which is internationally acknowledged for its high quality research since its founding in 1969. Close contacts with the research community at TAPRI guarantees the high level of teaching and allows the students to have a dialogue with experts in the field. Research themes covered at TAPRI are diverse and open to new interventions but five thematic priority areas can be recognized: Feminist Peace Research and Everyday Peace Approaches; Peace Architectures and Practices; Environment, Climate Change and Peace; Human Mobilities and Transnational Dimensions of Conflicts; and Imaginaries of Peace: Visual and Narrative Perspectives. Furthermore, the teaching draws from close contacts with practitioners in the fields of conflict resolution, civilian crisis management and mediation, giving students an excellent opportunity to engage with practitioners.