Armed conflict and other forms of organised violence affect the daily lives of people in many parts of the world. The programme in Peace and Conflict Studies will provide you with an understanding of systemic as well as grassroots-level perspectives on organised violence, conflict resolution and the concept of peace. During the course of study, you will learn to understand and analyse how various types of armed conflict and organised violence arise and develop over time, and also under which conditions sustainable peace might emerge.

This three-year bachelor's programme provides you with in-depth knowledge of Peace and Conflict Studies as a field, including its historical and theoretical foundations and its key analytical and methodological approaches. Moreover, you will get insights into specialised subject areas within the field such as: civil society and social movements; media, propaganda and enemy images; and the role of the United Nations.

Peace and Conflict Studies is a multidisciplinary programme which draws on perspectives from political science, history, law, anthropology and philosophy. Throughout the programme, we address sets of questions such as:

• Why and how do armed conflicts and other forms of organised violence arise? What are the systemic and structural causes? What is the impact of media, propaganda and enemy images?
• How do combatants and victims of armed conflict experience and handle their situation? How can violence and oppression be resisted?
• What is required to achieve peace? How can violent conflicts be managed and turned into peaceful conditions by peaceful means?
• What role do international organisations and civil society play in working for peace both locally and globally? How do they go about their work in practice?

Practical experience and studies abroad

Within the framework of the programme, you have two elective semesters. You have the opportunity to do an internship with a relevant national or international organisation, authority, association or company, giving you practical experience outside the traditional classroom setting. You also have the chance to study abroad for either one or two semesters; Malmö University cooperates with a large number of universities to provide exchange opportunities for our students.

Career opportunities

The diversity of the programme combined with its multidisciplinary focus will provide you with competencies that are sought after in numerous sectors and in a constantly growing labour market.

You will acquire skills and knowledge to prepare you for further academic studies at master’s level, or for employment in fields such as: foreign policy; international relations; global affairs; refugee and asylum issues; analysis, prevention and resolution of conflicts; peace building; and reconciliation.

Future employers may include private sector businesses, local and international organisations and agencies, as well as national authorities and government organisations.