Peace and Conflict Studies (PGCert)

This module develops your critical understanding of the key concepts of peace, conflict and security and examines your application to contemporary problems. You will be presented with insights from a range of disciplines on both the causes and consequences of conflict and the practices which aim to address the problem of violence in all its forms.

This module explores a range of philosophies and traditions of non-violence and reconciliation. It extends the exploration of violence and its impacts reviewed in ‘Peace, Conflict and Security in the Twenty-First Century’. The module examines the meanings of ‘peace’, ‘justice’ and ‘power’, interrogating the inherent ethical dilemmas contained in the pursuit of peace.

Approaches to peace-making, including pacifism, just war thinking, transitional justice and forgiveness, as well as the liberal peace thesis, are reviewed.

Theories into Practice: This module consolidates, extends and synthesises your understanding of peacebuilding as a broad range of approaches and practices that emerge from the theoretical perspectives examined in Philosophies of Non-violence and Reconciliation which seek to prevent, end, and transform violence and conflict.

Drawing from relevant case and field evidence, the module evaluates peacebuilding practices from the individual to international levels. The module will encourage you to critically examine and reflect on a range of key issues that arise in developing ethical and effective processes and practices of peacebuilding including gender, religion, culture, underdevelopment and poverty, and displacement.