Master's Programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research

Master’s Programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research, which is organized jointly by Åbo Akademi University in Vasa and the University of Tampere, provides interdisciplinary approaches to research on the complex issues of peace and conflict in the contemporary world. These approaches aim to facilitate the understanding of the deep roots of wars and conflicts as well as their short and long term consequences. This Master’s Programme also studies the preconditions for conflict resolution and peace in local as well as in international and global contexts.
In this Master’s Programme peace and conflicts are understood as processes, thus the programme helps to analyze not only the evolution of the conflicts, but also peace building, mediation and negotiation. A variety of approaches, procedures, tools and methods are analyzed in practical context within the Master’s Programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research.
The programme aims to prepare students for postgraduate studies, independent research work, as well as for professional activity of various types in the society, ranging from interpersonal to international conflict situations.
For more information please see http://www.uta.fi/yky/peace/

Master's Programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research is jointly organised by the University of Tampere and Åbo Akademi University in Vasa. The programme has 4 fields of specialization in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities: Peace and Conflict Research, History, Psychology or Social Anthropology. International Relations or Administrative Science can be chosen as field of specialization in the School of Management. At the University of Tampere 20 students will be admitted to the programme (the number of students per field of specialization has not been specified). Students whose specialization is Peace and Conflict Research will graduate with a Master of Social Sciences degree. For more information, please see the general description of the programme.

Application period

International Master's degree programme application period II, 3.12.2012-15.2.2013

Language of tuition

English

Application procedure

Applications are to be submitted through the centralised University Admissions Finland (UAF) service. Instructions for applicants are available at www.uta.fi/admissions/degreeprog/applying.php. At the University of Tampere applicants are allowed to choose a maximum of two specializations to which they wish to apply.

Eligibility

A three-year Bachelor, Master or equivalent diploma in the Humanities, Social Sciences or Behavioral Sciences (e.g., peace & conflict studies, international relations, history, anthropology, psychology, education, and administrative sciences).

In addition, fluency in English sufficiently advanced for academic studies is required. Work experience relevant to the programme or other relevant merits and qualifications may be taken into account. Mastering of second foreign language is a merit.

Admission criteria by admission group

A completed university level Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field of study. The bachelor's degree must be completed by the time that the programme begins. If the degree is not completed by the end of the application period, an applicant can be accepted to the programme on the condition that s/he sends the degree certificate to the School office by the end of July. The applicant will first receive a notification on conditional acceptance and later an official letter of acceptance once the degree certificate has reached the School office.

A good knowledge of English for academic purposes (common requirements for all English taught Master's programmes at UTA).

Applicants who have taken their Bachelor studies and obtained their Bachelor's degree conducted in English in one of the following countries are exempt from the language test: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Finland or one of the Nordic countries.

The selection of new students is based on the relevance and success of prior studies, university records and the statement of purpose (motivation letter). Relevance of prior studies and the applicant's motivation are carefully considered. Applicants are advised to explain their reasons for applying to this programme specifically. In addition, work experience relevant to the programme or other relevant merits and qualifications may be taken into account. Mastering of second foreign language is also a merit.

Announcement of results and rectification procedure

Admissions results will be announced by 15 May, 2013. All applicants will be informed about the admissions results by mail.

Please see the University's general instructions concerning rectification procedure.