The values promoted and taught in Peace Studies programs represent the basis for development of truly democratic and sustainable societies.
The Regional Master’s Program in Peace Studies – offered by the University of Basel in cooperation with the Institute for Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding and the Faculties of Political Science at the University of Belgrade, the University of Sarajevo, and the University of Zagreb – is an advanced inter-disciplinary program offering expertise in four specialized fields: peace and conflict theory, development, mediation, and security.
The program is the first regional master’s program in Peace Studies, providing a unique perspective and high-quality education. The regional mobility of students, professors, and practitioners, and articulation of local/regional specificities in the context of global dynamics offers a distinctive viewpoint. In addition, critical reading of relevant theories, along with in-depth training in methodology, results in exceptional knowledge acquisition. Besides enhancing theoretical and methodological capacities in the area of peace and conflict studies, the program offers students the opportunity for independent research and the option to take part in collaborative problem-solving projects.
The overarching aim of the program is to enable students to develop their theoretical knowledge, diagnostic capacities, and practical skills related to preventing and resolving complex conflicts. By completing this master’s program, students will be simultaneously empowered as researchers and peacemakers.
Learning Objectives
By successfully completing the Regional Master’s Program in Peace Studies, students will acquire the following competencies:
- a thorough knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts related to peace studies;
- the ability to analyze and synthesize scientific and technical knowledge in the field of peace studies and related disciplines;
- the ability to understand the causes of the outbreak of contemporary conflicts, as well as the responses provided by theoretical and practical achievements in the field of peace studies;
- the ability to independently perform tasks related to the practical application of theoretical knowledge;
- the ability to link knowledge acquired from different related fields in order to successfully solve complex problems;
- the ability to independently present different problems, structurally connecting them with arguments and proofs;
- the capacity to design and conduct research, and to continue in doctoral programs.
Course Structure
The Regional Master’s Program in Peace Studies comprises two academic semesters and a total of 60 ECTS credits. It consists of the first, basic semester and the second, specialization semester, designed to build upon the first. This structure offers students essential and fundamental knowledge in theories and methods of peace and conflict studies, but also allows them to choose a practical area of focus according to their interests and work preferences.
Admissions
Future students need to apply to an open Call for Applications at one of the partner universities. Deadlines for the application and links to the Calls are provided below.
| University: | Application deadline | Link to Call for Applications |
| University of Basel | To be announced | |
| University of Belgrade | 28 February 2016 | First call for application in 2016/17 is open |
| University of Sarajevo | To be announced | |
| University of Zagreb | To be announced |
The documents that must be submitted to the Call for applications include:
- The application form (Basel I Belgrade I Sarajevo (BHS/ENG) I Zagreb)
- Diploma of undergraduate study
- Any diploma supplement (if applicable)
- Curriculum Vitae (1 page)
- A letter of intent (research proposal) (1000 words)
- Other documents explicitly mentioned in the individual CfA’s
To be admitted to the Regional Master’s Program in Peace Studies, students must:
- hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma
- have ECTS that meets the following criteria, defined by the enrolling university:
| University: | Minimum ECTS: |
| University of Basel | To be announced |
| University of Belgrade | 240 |
| University of Sarajevo | 240 |
| University of Zagreb | 240 |
- be highly proficient in English
| University: | Recognized English tests: |
| University of Basel | To be announced |
| University of Belgrade | IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Exam or an equivalent certificate. For University of Belgrade students Faculty language confirmation. |
| University of Sarajevo | no certificate required |
| University of Zagreb | N/A |
Notes Applicants may be asked to take an entrance exam by the enrolling university. Each partner university will rank candidates separately and in accordance with the applicable criteria for enrollment and per the official national regulation of its respective country. Previous publications or field experience in the field of peace studies and peace building are not compulsory but may be taken into account.
Home University: Applicants will be admitted according to the criteria of, and enrolled in, the university to which they apply. That university becomes the student’s Home University. In case of differently prescribed admission requirements and procedures, the rules defined by the student’s Home University will be applied.