Skip navigation to content

MLitt in Peace and Conflict Studies

Bridge in MostarIn association with the School of International Relations, the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies offers an MLitt in Peace and Conflict Studies. The programme provides students with an opportunity to work on peace and conflict theory, broader issues relating to peacebuilding and peace processes (including gender, development, etc), and on specific case studies in conflict analysis. Perhaps most importantly, it will provide a guided fieldwork experience for students in a post-conflict and development setting, in order to introduce them to both the physical and intellectual terrain of a peace process.

Students will develop the skills required to analyse the roots, dynamics, key actors and issues-areas in specific conflicts, and to evaluate specific responses to such conflicts. They will be introduced to the theoretical frameworks contained within conflict analysis that can be used to develop an understanding of case studies. Problems associated with researching conflict and violence will also be tackled. This theoretical training will provide the practical basis for students to engage in a detailed case study of their own and gain experience of empirical research in the field.

The MLitt in Peace and Conflict Studies lasts for one academic year (12 months), commencing in September, and involves a taught component as well as a final 15,000-word dissertation.

Admission requirements

Applicants should normally have at least a strong 2.1 or equivalent (GPA 3.6 or better) in their first degree. Students whose first language is not English must submit evidence of their language competency.

Application procedure

Application forms for all postgraduate courses in International Relations may be obtained from the University Admissions Office or may be downloaded from the University's Admissions website.

Applicants may also apply on-line for postgraduate programmes at the University of St Andrews via the Prospects website.

All applicants should submit the following:

  • Evidence of academic qualifications:
    • Detailed academic transcripts showing grades
  • Two academic references
  • A sample of academic writing
    • This can be up to 2,000 words in length, and gives you the opportunity to show the selection committee that you can produce well structured written work with analytical reasoning and clear logical conclusions. It may be something which you have written as part of your academic studies, work or be specially written for the application, but should have an academic basis and be written in the English Language.
  • Evidence of English Language proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) for applicants whose first language is not English (We require a IELTS of 7, or a TOEFL score of 600 or better.)
  • Applicants applying for M.Phil and PhD should also include a 500 word research outline.

There is no application fee, and we do not require a GRE score. You may submit a personal statement and/or CV if you wish, but it is not a formal requirement.