Bachelor in Peace and Conflict

Study info

Location: Majorstuen
Progression: Full time
Duration: 3 years
Credits: 180
Start semester: Autumn
Language: Norwegian
Application code: 190474
Apply by: 15. April

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Questions about the programme?

In an interconnected world, war and conflict is something affecting us all. Are you interested in international relations, violent conflicts, and how to create peace? A Bachelor's in Peace and Conflict Studies at MF provides you with knowledge and analytical tools to understand how wars arise and peace is built.

The program offers an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from political science, sociology, history, and philosophy to give you a broad understanding of complex topics such as:

Causes of war and violent conflict
Ethics of war and international law
International relations, terrorism, and security policy
Peace negotiations and diplomacy
Links between democratization, conflict, and reconciliation
Aid and peacebuilding after civil war
The role of religion in both war and peace

You’ll be equipped to analyze key issues related to peace and conflict, and how these relate to global power dynamics, sustainability, and justice. You will also receive a general introduction to social sciences, including training in methodology and central theories.

Norway has a long tradition of peace work, and Oslo is an exciting place to study and work in this field, with institutions like the Nobel Peace Center and PRIO (Peace Research Institute Oslo). The program also has an international focus, with opportunities for a semester abroad at one of MF’s partner institutions.

Career Opportunities

A degree in peace and conflict qualifies you for work in areas such as:

Media
Public sector
Aid and humanitarian organizations
Academia

Potential employers include:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
United Nations system
Norwegian Church Aid
Directorate of Immigration – UDI
Intelligence services
Political parties, advocacy groups, and think tanks

You will also have many opportunities to pursue master’s studies in Norway or abroad.

About the study

Programme structure

The Bachelor's degree in Peace and Conflict Studies consists of 180 ECTS credits:

130 ECTS in social sciences
20 ECTS in philosophy and methodology (ex.phil and ex.fac)
30 ECTS elective courses

The semester breakdown is as follows (read bottom-up):

6. sem.	MET2000 Methodology for bachelor students	BAO2800 Bachelor thesis (20 stp)
5. sem.	SAM2050 Big questions in International Politics (Elective)	SAM2085 Power and resistance (Elective)	SAM2090 Religion and Politics (Elective)
5. sem.	Optional exchange 5th semester
4. sem.	SAM2080 Globalization and History	Political Use of Power and Holy War	SAM2095 Peacebuilding after Civil War
3. sem.	SAM2055 International Peace and Security	SAM2020 Genocide	EX1025 Examen facultatum, (Social Science variant)
2. sem.	SAM1040 Democracy and Citizenship	SAM1050 International Politics	EX1010 Examen philosophicum
1. sem.	SAM1000 Introduction to Social Sciences		SAM1090 Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies
Semester	10 studiepoeng	10 studiepoeng	10 studiepoeng

Elective courses

Electives should ideally be within humanities or social sciences. You have broad freedom in choosing electives. Recommended electives are listed for the 5th semester.

You may also:

Go on exchange to a partner institution abroad (recommended in the 5th semester
Transfer credits from other institutions
Take other MF courses (note: some advanced courses require prerequisites)

Learning outcome

Knowledge

After completing the programme, you will:

Understand social science perspectives on peace and conflict, especially causes of war and paths to peace Know the international framework for peace and post-civil war peacebuilding Understand the relationship between peace, justice, and social sustainability Understand the link between democracy, polarization, and conflict Understand religion’s role in conflict Know political ideas about the use of power, such as the just war tradition Be familiar with relevant social science theories and methods

Skills

You will be able to:

Use relevant theories and methods for empirical and normative analysis Find, assess, and cite academic literature Communicate academic insights clearly, both orally and in writing Plan and conduct independent academic work in line with research ethics Work independently and in groups on academic issues Give and receive feedback on your own and others’ work Stay academically updated and apply knowledge to new areas

General Competence

You will be able to:

Reflect on war and peace as phenomena and their connection to social justice and democracy Understand how international and local peace architectures interact, and identify opportunities and challenges for sustainable societies Reflect on your own and others’ academic practice and adjust it with guidance Demonstrate development as an engaged, democratic citizen

Exchange programme

MF has exchange agreements with several partner universities. You can find more information on MF’s exchange pages. Plan your exchange early - ideally a year in advance. The 5th semester is recommended for studying abroad.

Further studies and career opportunities

A degree in peace and conflict studies qualifies you for work in fields such as academia, media, the public sector, development aid, and humanitarian organizations. Potential employers include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations system, Norwegian Church Aid, the Directorate of Immigration (UDI), the intelligence services, political parties, advocacy groups, and think tanks.

You will also have a wide range of opportunities to pursue master's-level studies, either in Norway or abroad.

Do you have any questions? Ask us!