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MSc Peace and Conflict

MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Scholarships Available
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Duration:
1 Year
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Science
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Duration:
2 Years
Attendance:
Part-Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Science
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now
Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for immediate answers about the application procedure, required documents, and more.
World Top 100 in the QS Ranking 2026 in Politics | Oldest and Largest School of its Kind in Ireland.

UCD School of Politics & International Relations is the oldest and largest school of its kind in Ireland with over 150 years of experience in political studies and a world-renowned faculty drawn from many countries.

This programme uses comparative political science models and methods to analyse patterns of conflict and settlement, with a focus on internal violent conflicts, past and present.

 

  • This course allows analysis of the different ways that religion, ethnicity and inequality combine to generate violence. 
  • Specialist resources in the study of theories of ethnicity, identity, conflict; comparative ethnic conflict; Northern Ireland, Western Europe and relevant cognate specialisms in civic republicanism, justice and human rights, international security, European politics, and development studies.
  • Includes additional research components and is particularly suitable if you want a career in research or academia..

About This Course

  • Enhance students' abilities to undertake research/policy analysis
  • Enhance students' capacities for critical thinking vis-à-vis ethnic identity
  • Allow students participate in debates around nationalism and ethnic conflict
  • Develop oral presentation skills
  • Enhance group work skills
  • Develop methodological research expertise
  • To impart a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the causes, and issues arising around, all aspects of nationalism and ethnic conflict

Graduates of our Master’s programme in Peace and Conflict go on to work across a wide range of sectors, from international organisations and European institutions to government, NGOs, and academic research.

International organisations: A number of graduates have secured positions within major multilateral bodies, including the United Nations, IOM – UN Migration, the World Trade Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, and the Asian Development Bank, contributing to conflict prevention, migration governance, and international policy.

European institutions and policy: Graduates with a focus on European dimensions of conflict and governance have gone on to the European Commission, the EPP Group in the European Parliament, the European Youth Forum, and The Clingendael Institute, working on European security, policy research, and international relations.

Government and defence: Several graduates have taken up roles within state institutions, including the Department of Finance in Ireland, the Irish Defence Forces, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Israel, working across defence, diplomacy, and public administration.

NGOs and civil society: Graduates committed to peacebuilding and humanitarian work have joined organisations including GOAL Global and The Wheel, contributing to development programming, conflict response, and civil society advocacy.

PhD programmes: Graduates of the School of Politics and International Relations have continued into doctoral programmes at internationally recognised institutions, including the University of Oxford, Northwestern University, Ghent University, Trinity College Dublin, and University College Dublin.

Roles held by graduates span a broad spectrum, from Conflict Analyst and Diplomatic Adviser to Government Social Researcher, Advocacy Officer, and Public Affairs Consultant. Others have gone on to doctoral programmes or taken up positions in security consultancy, international development, and the not-for-profit sector.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL42060 International Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 POL42310 Thesis Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Core Option: Students should select POL40950 Intro to Stats unless they have previously completed a similar course. Students wishing to take POL50050 must contact the School to request permission.
 POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)10CR:
Core Option: Students should select POL40950 Intro to Stats unless they have previously completed a similar course. Students wishing to take POL50050 must contact the School to request permission.
 POL50050 Quantitative Methods II Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 GS40120 Decoloniality and Intersectionality Thinking Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 LAW42280 International Refugee Law Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL40130 Poverty, Development and Global Justice Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL40370 International Political Economy Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL41860 Political Economy of Aid and Development Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 DEV40040 Corruption, Governance & Dev Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 LAW42290 Gender, Conflict-related Harm & Transitional Justice Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL40100 Development and Postcolonial Politics Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL41930 Psychology of Conflict in the Middle East Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL42430 Conflict and Identity in International Relations Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 POL42500 Politics of Authoritarianism Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)20CR:
Option Modules: Select two modules here.
 SOC40620 Nationalism and Social Change Spring  10

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 47th globally and 27th in Europe in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2026. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

SDG3 SDG 13 SDG 16

Ines Meyer

I chose to study the MSc Peace and Conflict at UCD because it offers an interdisciplinary perspective to understanding conflict through the lens of gender, psychology, human rights, and political economy.

The students in this programme come from all over the world and bring diverse experiences and perspectives into the classroom. The close interaction with my classmates and professors also shaped how I understand conflict-related harm, and the prospects of working towards a more peaceful society.

I decided to follow the research-oriented MSc-track to get a deeper understanding of the various methods to analyse conflict dynamics. I specialised in conflict psychology taught by Dr Stephanie Dornschneider-Elkink and gender, harm, and transitional justice, taught by Prof Aisling Swaine. Both have an extensive working experience in conflict-affected regions and provide us with invaluable insights into their personal experiences.

Moreover, I received the SPIRe postgraduate scholarship, which allowed me to focus on my studies and gain hands-on teaching experience as a tutor. Furthermore, UCD has many student associations, events, and its own Centre for Peace and Conflict research (CPCR) which give students opportunities to engage and connect with people from different programmes. Ultimately, the MSc Peace and Conflict prepares us for various careers in research institutions, NGOs, government agencies or international organisations.

MSc Peace and Conflict (W408) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10555
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MSc Peace and Conflict (W409) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 6710
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

 

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

  • Non-EU citizens are ineligible for part-time study except for those holding a valid non-student residency visa.
  • UCD Global offers several graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students who have received an offer for a UCD graduate degree programme. For further details, please visit the International Scholarships.
  • SPIRe operates the  SPIRe Graduate Scholarship Scheme. 

For further information, please visit our comprehensive FAQ page.

  • A primary degree with at least Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1). 2H1 is equivalent to 60 per cent, B minus or 3.08 GPA - in American system: B or 3.00 GPA.
  • Your application will be considered on its individual merits and relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.
  • English language requirements: applicants whose first language is not English should have met TOEFL, IELTs, or computer-based TOEFL requirements (600, 6.5, or 250 respectively), or the Cambridge English Test (Certificate in Advanced English at a minimum of Grade B, or Certificate of Proficiency in English at Grade C). Applicants who obtained a previous degree from an English-speaking university may be exempted from this requirement. Click here for further info.
  • Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/
  • These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


Application Deadlines




  • Deadline for EU applicants: Monday, 7 September 2026 (The first day of the term)

  • Deadline for non-EU applicants: The end of August, 2026 

  • Deadline for non-EU applicants who require an entry visa in advance: 

    • In some countries, it takes a few months to process visa applications. We strongly advise that you apply well in advance, ideally as early as March. Please contact the Irish Embassy in your country or the UCD Global Regional offices for further information.

    • Non-EU citizens who have been living in Ireland or the EU must go through the EU Fee Assessment process before their applications can be assessed. This process takes a few weeks. 




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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc Peace and Conflict:

ROWCLASS Apply to
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W408
MSc Peace and Conflict
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W409
MSc Peace and Conflict
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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