Master’s Degree Programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research provides an interdisciplinary approach to peace and conflict which is based on the high-quality research carried out in Tampere Peace Research Institute. It also draws from close contacts with practitioners in the fields of conflict resolution, civil crisis management and peace mediation. The aim of the programme is to facilitate the understanding of the complex nature of wars and conflicts as well as their short and long-term consequences. The programme examines, for example, how violent conflicts, ethnic and religious discrimination and human rights abuses produce forced displacement and how different actors respond to these crisis situations. Furthermore, the programme deals also with the role of the environment and natural resources in conflicts and in peace building. During the programme students will learn about preconditions for conflict resolution and sustainable peace in local as well as in international and global contexts. Hence the programme focuses not only on the study of conflict, but primarily on its transformation and resolution.

Once admitted to the programme, all students begin their studies within Peace and Conflict Research. After the first year of study, students either continue within Peace and Conflict Research specialization or they have the possibility to apply to one of the following specializations: History, Social Anthropology, or International Relations. Students graduate with the degree of Master of Social Sciences. The programme cooperates with the Master’s programme at Åbo Akademi University in Vasa which concentrates on Developmental Psychology issues in the field of peace, mediation and conflict research.

The programme prepares students for postgraduate studies, independent research work as well as for professional activity at various tasks in the society, ranging from interpersonal relationships to international conflict situations. The programme offers expertise to work in conflict management, mediation and arbitration in various contexts from interpersonal to social and international situations.

Osaamistavoitteet

During the MDP in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research:

- the student gains interdisciplinary understanding of short and long term consequences of conflicts.

- the student learns to understand the preconditions for conflict transformation, conflict resolution and peace in local as well as in international and global contexts.

- the student learns to analyze the evolution of the conflicts and conflict resolution and gains knowledge of peacebuilding, mediation and negotiation.

Työelämäyhteydet

This Master’s Degree Programme provides interdisciplinary approaches to research on the complex issues of peace and conflict in the contemporary world and studies the preconditions for conflict resolution and peace in local as well as international and global contexts. Working life connections are realised for example by inviting visiting lecturers to the courses, for example, from governmental and non-governmental organisations.  Students are also encouraged to complete an internship period during the programme. The internship is optional but can be included to the degree.

Kansainvälisyys opinnoissa

Tampereen yliopisto on strategiassaan sitoutunut edistämään yhteiskunnan oikeudenmukaisuutta, tasa-arvoa, oman maan ja maailman kansalaisten hyvinvointia, kulttuurien vuorovaikutusta jakestävää kehitystä.

The theme and content of the Master's Programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research is international as such and most of the courses of the programme belong to the Internationalization Module. However, internationalization is strenghtened also by, for example, engaging visiting lecturers from partner universities in the teaching as well as giving the students the possibility to complete Erasmus work practice or exchange period during their studies. Students can also include language studies to their degree and they are encouraged to act as international student tutors.