Introduction to program

The Master in Conflict, Peace, and Security is a special opportunity intended to increase the understanding of conflicts in all their aspects and to introduce innovative approaches to their management, resolution, and transformation, with the help of world-class academics and professionals. Built on the joint expertise of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), the Master’s program in Conflict, Peace, and Security seeks to equip participants with an extensive analytical skillset, cutting-edge knowledge, and unique expertise from the field. The Master in Conflict, Peace, and Security is granted upon the completion of 60 ECTS and is a UOC Certified Master’s Degree, awarded according to the rules and regulations established by the Spanish education system. Applications are now open.

Program details

Application deadlines:

For fall intake 2020: October 2, 2020

For spring intake 2021: 15 January 2021

Organizing Institution: United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

Degree: Master

Duration: a flexible duration with an average of two years (can be extended to three years)

Benefits

The program is arranged in a unique student-centered, multidisciplinary approach with the workplace used as the main learning environment. With the use of the Internet, it brings together students, experts, and scholars in a unique virtual learning environment to foster experiential and collaborative learning.

Distinctive features of the Master and relevant academic programs include:

• Full online delivery, allowing for a flexible calendar designed to meet the particular needs of full-time working professionals;
• Student-centered approach, in which the learner and the learning experience are at the center of the program;
• Cutting-edge insights into prevailing theories and practices;
• Lifelong learning approach;
• Multi-cultural pedagogy, particularly attentive to the diversity of paradigms, insights, and intellectual traditions;
• Multi-disciplinary approach.

Program curriculum

• 000             Understanding Conflict and Conflict Analysis
• 001             Conflict Resolution
• 002             Introduction to Peace Operations and Milestones in UN peacekeeping
• 004             Human Security in Post-Conflict Interventions
• 006             Gender Matters
• 044              Media and Conflict
• 042              Philosophy of Peace and Non-Violence
• 048              Game Theory
• 046              Economy, Environment and Migration
• 055              Research Methods
• 049              Intercultural/Ethnic Conflict and the Management of Diversity
• 051              Corruption, Conflict and Security
• 050              Prevention and Transformation of Conflict
• 101              Mandate Evaluation/ Leadership and Strategic Planning
• 045              Crisis Management
• 700              Master’s Final Project

Eligibilities

This program is suitable both for:

• Professionals working in conflict-prone environments within the framework of international, regional, governmental, or non-governmental organizations, and
• For graduate students, young researchers or other scholars passionate about fostering their understanding of conflicts and obtaining skills to better deal with them.
• Furthermore, students must have finished an undergraduate degree, be fluent in English, and have a valid passport or national ID card to be eligible for this program.

Notification of result

Two to three weeks after the submission of the application and its review by the Selection Committee, the Selection Committee will notify applicants by email of their result. The result shall be communicated through the provided emails on the application portal.

Required documents/supporting materials

Applicants:

Passport / National ID
must submit a scanned copy of a valid passport or national ID card. Scans should be clear and readable.

Transcripts
must upload a transcript, mark sheet, or academic record for each institution in the related section of the online application. All transcript uploads must have by a key, a legend, or the back copy of the transcript. Non-English transcripts must have an English translation.

Essay / Academic Writing Sample (Optional)
UNITAR encourages applicants to submit a 400-word academic writing sample in English. Submitting a writing sample is optional, but will increase the chances of your application being successful.

Motivation Letter (Optional)
Applicants are encouraged to submit a 400-word-limit motivation letter/statement, which is also optional but, at the same time, an advantage.

Recommendation Letter 
One academic/professional letter of recommendation is mandatory. Your recommenders can submit recommendations directly by e-mail at conflictology@unitar.org.

How to apply?

Applicants can apply online for this program by completing all the required fields and submitting the necessary documents.

To apply, click HERE, and follow the instructions carefully.

Applications received after the last deadline are evaluated case by case on a rolling basis.

The total fee of the Master’s degree is EUR 11.156.

For questions during the application process, students can email the Project Manager at conflictology@unitar.org.