Peace and Conflict Studies by coursework

The Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies offers postgraduate research and coursework programs.

Postgraduate coursework programs

All coursework programs include one compulsory core unit: PACS 6911 Key Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies, plus units selected from the Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Program. Units generally include 26 hours of teaching, which over the course of a 13-week semester is equivalent to 2 hours per week. Some units may be taught in intensive mode in Summer or Winter School, or during semester. Assessment methods include a seminar presentation and a 5000 word essay, or equivalent. The MPACS program may include a supervised dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words, worth two units, and the MLitt program includes a supervised dissertation of 25,000-30,000 words, worth four units.

Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies
Graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies
Master of Peace and Conflict Studies
Master of Letters (Peace and Conflict Studies)

Postgraduate coursework program fees

How to apply

Graduate Certificate in Arts (Peace and Conflict Studies)

Entry requirements
Bachelor degree or equivalent

Course structure
Students are required to undertake 4 units of study (24 credit points)

Full-time: 0.5 years. Part-time: up to 2 years.

Graduate Diploma in Arts (Peace and Conflict Studies)

Entry requirements
Bachelor degree or equivalent

Course structure
Students are required to undertake 6 units of study (36 credit points)

Full-time: 1 year. Part-time: up to 3 years.

Master of Peace and Conflict Studies

Entry requirements
Bachelor degree or equivalent

Course structure
Students are required to undertake 8 units of study (48 credit points)

Full-time: 1 year. Part-time: 2 - 4 years.

NEW - Masters by supported distance learning

As well as the Masters program offered on campus, we now offer the chance to study for our Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies by a combination of supported distance learning and short trips - to Sydney and/or London - for intensive on-site learning. Your chance to obtain this internationally renowned qualification, studying with world authorities in their respective fields, while maintaining home, career and salary.

The distance learning mode of delivery is not CRICOS registered and therefore not available to international students on a student visa who come to Sydney to study on shore, and who must do their subjects on-campus. Students wishing to undertake the course in distance learning delivery mode must apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences instead of the International Office.

From 2008, the following units of study are available online:

PACS6915 Human Rights, Peace and Justice
PACS6922 Conflict Transformation by Peaceful Means
PACS6923 The Human Right to Food
PACS6924 The Democratisation of the Developing World
PACS6925 Peace and the Global Compact

In 2010, the following units of study are being taught in short, intensive format at Summer and Winter Schools or during semester:

PACS6911 Key Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies
PACS6901 The United Nations and International Conflict Resolution
PACS6903 Peace and the Environment
PACS6912 Nonviolence and Social Change
PACS6914 Conflict-resolving Media
PACS6927 Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding
PACS6928 Community Mediation: Theory and Practice

All our distance learning courses are enhanced by the use of up-to-date techniques for meeting online and for sharing audio and visual material. In addition, you have the option of writing a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words (PACS6904 and 6905) while being distance-supervised and supported by staff in Sydney.

MA units at the London Summer School
CPACS Director, Associate Professor Jake Lynch, will teach two of our units in July 2010 at the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), part of London University. They will be PACS6911, with Dr Lynda-ann Blanchard, 'Key Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies', and PACS6914, with Annabel McGoldrick, 'Conflict-resolving Media'. This is to allow students taking our MPACS via supported distance learning to complete two intensive on-site units in two weeks, without having to travel to Sydney. Written work in each case will be submitted via email after the end of the course.

Master of Letters (Peace and Conflict Studies)

Entry requirements
Bachelor degree or equivalent with appropriate major in the social sciences with a good credit average or Honours result.

Course structure
Students are required to complete 12 units of study (72 credit points), which includes a treatise (4 units: 25,000 – 30,000 words)

Full-time: 1.5 – 3 years. Part-time: 3 – 6 years.

Costs and Fees

CPACS is a centre within Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). For fees and costs, please check FASS link here

For information on scholarships and financial assistance available to students at Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, please check the faculty's scholarships page here

How to apply

For information on the application process for both international and local students, visit FASS how to apply page here

Please note that international students need to apply through the International Office. Please contact the International Office for an application form and information:
The International Office
University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia

Tel: + 61 2 9351 4079/4161
Fax: + 61 2 9351 4013

You can contact the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Postgraduate Section at:

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Postgraduate Enquiries
Quadrangle, A14
University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006
Tel: 02 9351 4807
Fax: 02 9351 2045