Peace and Conflict Studies by research

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

Postgraduate research programs

Master of Arts (MArts)
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctor of Social Sciences (DSocSci)

Postgraduate research program fees

How to apply

Master of Arts (MArts)

Entry requirements
A Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent institution, with a major in a relevant subject area, completed with a distinction average.

Course structure
Candidates are required to complete an approved program of advanced study comprising either:
(i) one postgraduate unit of study chosen from the PACS program and a thesis of 28,000 – 30,000 words;
(ii) two postgraduate units of study chosen from the PACS program and a thesis of 26,000 – 28,000 words; or
(iii) a thesis of 30,000 – 35,000 words. All candidates are required to submit a thesis on an approved topic.

Research and writing are carried out under the supervision of a member of staff.

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

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Entry requirements
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area with Hons 1 or 2i; or
a master’s degree in a relevant subject area, with a Distinction average for the coursework component and which contained a dissertation/independent research component that comprised a minimum of 25% of the requirements for the degree and for which the applicant achieved a result of Distinction or above; or
a master’s degree by research in a relevant subject area.

Course structure
Candidates may be required to undertake coursework. All candidates are required to submit a thesis of between 40,000 - 60,000 words on an approved topic. Research and writing are carried out under the supervision of a member of staff.

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

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Entry requirements
Entry requirements for a PhD at Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are detailed here

Course structure
Candidates may be required to undertake coursework. All candidates are required to submit a thesis of between 70,000 - 100,000 words on an approved topic. Research and writing are carried out under the supervision of a member of staff.

Full-time: 3 – 4 years. Part-time: 3 – 8 years.

Doctor of Social Sciences (DSocSci)

Entry requirements
A Bachelor’s degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent institution, with Hons 1 or 2 in a relevant subject area; or
a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent institution in a relevant subject area with a substantial portfolio of published/professional work (such as books, films, TV programs, creative work and/or government reports); or
a Master’s degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent institution in a relevant subject area, completed by research; or
a Master’s degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent institution completed by coursework in a relevant subject area with a Distinction average for the coursework component and which contained an independent research component that comprised 25% of the requirements for the award of the degree and for which the applicant received a result of Distinction or above; and
have a minimum of three years’ recent, full-time employment or professional experience in a relevant field.

Applicants should contact the Postgraduate Coordinator to discuss their application before proceeding to apply. Applications should contain a detailed C.V. and an outline of the proposed course of advanced study and research, including the area of the proposed thesis, as well as evidence of at least three years recent relevant professional experience.

Course structure
Candidates are required to complete five units of study (30 credit points), including ARTS9001 Arguing the Point and four PACS postgraduate units of study, plus a 50,000-word research thesis.

Full-time 3 – 4 years. Part-time 3 – 8 years.

Postgraduate research degrees 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