Peace and Conflict Studies University of Otago

Overview

The Peace and Conflict Studies programme at the University of Otago provides a comprehensive academic framework for understanding the roots of social and political violence. Students explore the complexities of war and conflict at local, national, and international levels while developing strategies for sustainable peace.

This interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on the challenges of maintaining multicultural harmony within Aotearoa New Zealand and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The course is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application, ensuring graduates are prepared for diverse professional environments.

Participants gain advanced skills in data collection, evidence-based analysis, and ethical intervention procedures.

Why Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Otago?

The programme is delivered through the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, a dedicated hub for high-level research and teaching. The university is recognised for its global reputation in research excellence across society, culture, and sustainability, providing a world-class environment for postgraduate study.

Students benefit from a supportive academic community and access to extensive library resources and research networks. The teaching features a strong emphasis on indigenous approaches to peacemaking, reflecting the unique cultural context of New Zealand and its role in the South West Pacific and East Asian regions.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 41200 per year
• National fee: NZD 7889 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Theories of Peace and Conflict
• Peace and Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Critical Terrorism Studies
• Indigenous Approaches to Peacemaking and Reconciliation
• Research Dissertation
• Practicum Project and Research Report
• Research Methods in the Humanities
• Key Debates in the Humanities
• Indigenous Theory and Method
• The 'Political': Theory and Practice
• Writing and Revision for Graduate Research
• Indigenous Identities
• Taonga and Identities
• International Politics
• Global Peace and Conflict
• Indigenous Leadership in the Pacific
• Ethics and Politics of Resistance
• Political Theory for the Environment
• International Relations and the Global South
• Comparative Regional Conflicts
• Alternative Futures

Careers with Peace and Conflict Studies

Graduates are equipped for a variety of professional roles in both research and practitioner-based fields. The programme prepares individuals for careers in peacebuilding, international development, and conflict transformation within governmental and non-governmental organisations.

The skills acquired in evidence-based analysis and intervention are highly valued in policy-oriented sectors. Many alumni pursue roles that address social justice, reconciliation, and the management of political violence in diverse global and local contexts.