The Master of Arts (MA) degree normally requires at least one year of full-time study and entails completion of a thesis. The thesis is a major piece of supervised research on a topic of current interest.
The primary aim of the programme is to develop in a candidate skills needed to identify a significant topic, design and implement an extended piece of research, and present the findings in a form acceptable to an expert readership. It prepares candidates for employment in education, regional and national government agencies, the private sector, and industry. The degree is also an possible qualification for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The Master of Arts (MA) in Peace and Conflict Studies is a inter-disciplinary program providing advanced qualifications in peace and conflict studies, development and peace building. They focus on the sources of social and political violence and war at local, national and international levels and how these might be prevented, managed and transformed in more peaceful directions.
This course will address the challenges of maintaining a peaceful multicultural Aotearoa New Zealand, while imbedding wider discussions in terms of New Zealand's place in the South West Pacific and South East and East Asian regions. The Centre is dedicated to combining theory, research and practice so students going through these courses can choose to specialise in courses that lead either to practitioner and or research roles.
The MA program is theoretically informed, practically and policy oriented. It offer opportunities for independent research and experience in collaborative problem-solving. The program will enhance understanding of theory, methodology, ethical procedures, practical analytic and intervention skills, data collection, evidence based analysis and writing within the area of peace and conflict studies.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
December 2025
Dunedin Campus
University of Otago Clocktower Building,
362 Leith Street,
DUNEDIN,
North Dunedin,
9016, New Zealand
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
December 2024
Dunedin Campus
University of Otago Clocktower Building,
362 Leith Street,
DUNEDIN,
North Dunedin,
9016, New Zealand
Applicants seeking admission to a programme of study comprising of papers and a thesis (240 points combined) must either
Applicants seeking admission to the programme of study comprising the 120-point thesis only on the basis of completing the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours or the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects or equivalent must:
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1 per cent of universities in the world and is often regarded as the best in New Zealand.
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