M.Phil.(Peace Studies) International Peace Studies

Course Description

International Peace Studies examines the sources of war and armed conflict and suggests methods of preventing and resolving them through processes of peacemaking and peacebuilding. The course combines perspectives from international relations, ethics and conflict resolution to reflect critically upon the wide range of social, political and economic issues associated with peace and political violence. There is also the option to participate in various field trips in Ireland and abroad.

Students are required to take the two core modules as well as four others from the list of optional modules. A sufficient number of optional modules must be taken to fulfil credit requirements.

A. Core Modules
• The Politics of Peace and Conflict
• Research Methods

B. Students must take four modules from the following list of options:
• International Politics
• Conflict Resolution and Nonviolence
• Armed Conflict, Peace-building and Development
• The United Nations and Conflict Resolution
• Human Rights in Theory and Practice
• Gender, War and Peace
• Gender Theories
• Discoursing Gender
• Russia – EU Relations
• Religion, Conflict and Peace in International Relations
• NGOs in Theory and Practice: Internship Module

Modules may change from year to year.
Teaching takes place in Dublin over two terms. A one term, non-degree course is available and is ideal for those on sabbatical, or for those who prefer a shorter period of study. There is also the option of attending single modules.

Modules from the M.Phil. in Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies the M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliationare open to students on the M.Phil. in International Peace Studies. Students seeking to be assessed for their work on a module in one of the other courses must first secure the permission of the relevant course coordinators. Students may take up to two modules from other courses.

Dissertation: A research dissertation (15,000 – 20,000 words) to be supervised by an appropriate member of staff and to be submitted in August. Students who complete the taught element of the programme but not the dissertation may be eligible for the postgraduate diploma.