In the first semester, you’ll explore how conflicts develop and how they are connected to governance. You’ll study different theories and real-world cases, including conflicts in democracies and non-Western societies. You’ll learn how to analyse conflicts from different perspectives and explore ways to address them.

In January, you’ll take part in an intensive workshop with experienced practitioners. Over the course of a week, you’ll practise negotiation and mediation and work on real  conflicts, including cases linked to peace missions. You’ll use simulations and practical exercises to develop your skills and learn how to design interventions for real-world situations.

You’ll also take one elective course, where practitioners from the field bring their experience of conflict mediation, peacebuilding and governance into the classroom.

In the second semester, you’ll work on your research project and thesis. You’ll learn how to formulate your own research questions and use different methods to collect and analyse data. You’ll also work with other students in a research group, where you can share ideas and discuss your research.

What makes this Master's different is the time and space you have for fieldwork. You’ll have more time than in a regular Master's to explore your research topic in depth. At the start of your thesis, you’ll share your interests and the type of supervision that suits you. Your supervision is then adapted to your needs, with extra attention to research ethics.