Each year, September 21 is observed as the International Day of Peace. It was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly and marked a period of cease-fire and non-violence. With the ever-growing need to provide public awareness and education to people on the issues of peace, pursuing a Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies has become a lucrative option for many people. They can even expect to get good job profiles in government departments and private think-tanks.
What is a Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies?
It is an interdisciplinary course that focuses on conflict resolution at both global and interpersonal levels. The course topics can vary for each institute, but they broadly cover the following issues – human rights, social movements, conflict management and resolution, conflict theory, and processes of change. This field of study takes the students through the knowledge of wars and their causes and resolution. Similarly, peace processes and treaties are also studied in depth.
How does a Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies help students for the future?
Students who have completed their degrees can eye various career options such as media specialists, journalists, communication coordinators, public relations officers, public advocates, human rights committee members, and speechwriters. They find themselves employed in governments, political offices, media outlets, think tanks, and public outreach organizations.
What are the Degrees in Peace and Conflict Studies Requirements?
Those who want to do a Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies are generally required to have a 3/4-year Bachelor’s Degree or a 3/4-year Honors Degree in the same field of study, although this might vary for different institutes. It is best to consult the admissions department of the institute that you are applying for to get a clear idea about the requirements.
Below are some of the best universities for a Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies in India
1. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
- Degree Offered – Master of Arts (Peace and Conflict Studies)
- Eligibility Criteria – The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
2. Sikkim University
- Degree Offered – MA Peace and Conflict Studies
- Eligibility Criteria – The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
3. Jamia Millia Islamia
- Degree Offered – M.A.(Conflict Analysis and Peace Building)
- Eligibility Criteria – The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any UGC recognized university
4. University of Mysore
- Degree Offered – M.A. (Peace and Conflict Resolution)
- Eligibility Criteria – The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
5. Jamia Hamdard
- Degree Offered – M.A. (Peace and Conflict Studies and Management)
- The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university. The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
6. Symbiosis International University
- Degree Offered – Violence, Conflict and Peace Studies Course
- Eligibility Criteria – The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
How can a person with a degree in peace and conflict studies have a career in public policymaking?
To build a career in public policy making, a person with a master’s degree in peace and conflict studies can apply for various fellowships that offer immersive opportunities in the domain of public policymaking. Some of the best fellowships include Young India Fellowship, William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service in India, Teach for India, Chief Minister’s Good Governance Associates Program, SBI Youth for India, Legislative Assistant to Member of Parliament Fellowship, and many private Think Tanks.
In addition to fellowships, private Think Tanks also offer internship opportunities. The same can also be found with most central government ministries and departments such as the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Niti Ayog, Ministry of Women and Child Development, and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
How can a person supplement their experience after gaining a degree in peace and conflict studies?
To improve experience and knowledge after completing a peace and conflict studies degree, the student can consider opting for liberal arts education in India. This will help them expand their thoughts and horizon to cover and combine many other areas such as humanities, mathematics, sciences, and statistics. Also, there are non-academic-oriented courses such as film, photography, and performing arts which will help the students with the power of imagination and visualization. These skills will eventually arm the person with additional knowledge and capabilities to do their work in peace and conflict management.
Conclusion
A Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies can open many doors for your professional future. It is a highly sought-after degree that teaches conflict theory, conflict management and resolution, human rights, and change. These skills are in high demand among government departments, social justice organizations, human rights watchdogs, research institutes, think tanks, and even academic institutions due to the highly volatile nature of geopolitics of the 21st century. If you are looking to obtain a Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies in India, six reputed universities offer degree courses in the domain of Peace and Conflict Studies. Students can then move into the realm of public policy in various departments and organizations.
If you are looking to obtain a degree in peace and conflict studies, get in touch with us at Mindler and get your career counseling online done by experts.
