Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Conflict and Peace Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Conflict and Peace Studies is a four-year interdisciplinary degree programme that equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand, analyse, and address conflict at personal, community, national, and international. Students study conflict theory, peace studies, conflict resolution and mediation, international relations, security studies, human rights, international humanitarian law, post-conflict reconstruction, peacebuilding, gender and conflict, and research methods.

The programme is offered at multiple CUE-accredited universities including the University of Nairobi, Kisii University, Laikipia University, and private universities including St. Graduates pursue careers as peacebuilding officers, conflict resolution specialists, diplomats, security analysts, human rights officers, NGO programme officers, community mediators, and policy analysts.

The programme is delivered over eight semesters through lectures, seminars, case studies, simulations, and fieldwork. Students engage in conflict analysis, mediation simulations, peacebuilding project design, and research.

Entry-level salaries for conflict and peace studies graduates in Kenya range from KES 40,000–65,000/month depending on the role and organisation, with higher earnings in international organisations. The programme suits students passionate about peace, justice, and conflict transformation.

Skills RequiredConflict Analysis and AssessmentMediation and NegotiationPeacebuilding and ReconciliationInternational Relations and DiplomacyHuman Rights AdvocacySecurity and Risk AnalysisPost-Conflict Reconstruction PlanningResearch Methods in Conflict StudiesGender and Conflict AnalysisPolicy Analysis and AdvocacyKey SubjectsConflict TheoryPeace StudiesConflict Resolution and MediationInternational RelationsSecurity StudiesHuman RightsInternational Humanitarian LawPost-Conflict ReconstructionGender and ConflictResearch MethodsCertificationsMediation Council of Kenya MembershipInternational Association of Conflict Management MembershipUnited Nations Peacekeeping Training CertificationSpecializationsConflict Resolution and MediationFocus on resolving conflicts through mediation and negotiation — covering mediation theory, negotiation techniques, facilitation, dialogue processes, restorative justice, and the practical skills of conflict resolution at community and institutional levels. Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict ReconstructionFocus on building peace after conflict — covering post-conflict reconstruction, transitional justice, disarmament demobilisation and reintegration, peace agreements, and the long-term processes of rebuilding societies after violent conflict.

International Relations and DiplomacyFocus on international dimensions of conflict and peace — covering international relations theory, diplomacy, international organisations, foreign policy, and the role of states and international bodies in conflict prevention and resolution.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 189,004
Private, up to: Ksh 242,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 35 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Conflict Theory
Peace Studies
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
International Relations
Security Studies
Human Rights
International Humanitarian Law
Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Gender and Conflict
Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Conflict and Peace Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational introduction to conflict and peace studies — covering concepts of conflict, peace, violence, and peacebuilding, the causes of conflict, theories of conflict, and the history and develo...
Conflict Theory and Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theoretical frameworks for understanding conflict — covering conflict theory, conflict analysis frameworks, conflict mapping, causes and dynamics of conflict, and the application of theory to speci...
International Relations and Conflict
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
International dimensions of conflict — covering international relations theory, the international system, causes of international conflict, the role of international organisations, and the internat...
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Practical conflict resolution — covering mediation theory, negotiation techniques, facilitation, dialogue processes, restorative justice, and the practical skills of conflict resolution at differen...
Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Human rights in conflict contexts — covering human rights theory, international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions, human rights advocacy, and the protection of civilians in conflict situations.
Security Studies
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Security dimensions of conflict — covering security theory, traditional and human security, terrorism, organised crime, security sector reform, and the analysis of security threats and responses.
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Building peace after conflict — covering post-conflict reconstruction, transitional justice, disarmament demobilisation and reintegration, peace agreements, and the long-term processes of rebuildin...
Gender and Conflict
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Gender dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding — covering gender-based violence in conflict, women's participation in peace processes, gender-sensitive peacebuilding, and the integration of gender...
Research Methods in Conflict Studies
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research methodology for conflict and peace studies — covering quantitative and qualitative research, conflict assessment methods, case study research, and the application of research methods to co...
African Conflicts and Regional Peacebuilding
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Conflicts in Africa and regional responses — covering specific African conflicts, the role of the African Union and regional economic communities, peacekeeping in Africa, and regional peacebuilding...
Peace Education and Community Peacebuilding
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Peace education and community-level peacebuilding — covering peace education, community dialogue, local peace committees, conflict transformation at community level, and the role of education in bu...
Research Project or Peacebuilding Internship
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project or peacebuilding internship — demonstrating mastery of conflict and peace studies theory and practice through original research or a structured peacebuilding internship.

Specialisations

Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Focus on resolving conflicts through mediation and negotiation — covering mediation theory, negotiation techniques, facilitation, dialogue processes, restorative justice, and the practical skills of conflict resolution at community and institutional levels.
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Focus on building peace after conflict — covering post-conflict reconstruction, transitional justice, disarmament demobilisation and reintegration, peace agreements, and the long-term processes of rebuilding societies after violent conflict.
International Relations and Diplomacy
Focus on international dimensions of conflict and peace — covering international relations theory, diplomacy, international organisations, foreign policy, and the role of states and international bodies in conflict prevention and resolution.
Security Studies
Focus on security dimensions of conflict — covering security theory, terrorism, organised crime, security sector reform, border security, and the analysis of security threats and responses at national and regional levels.
Human Rights and Justice
Focus on human rights in conflict contexts — covering human rights theory, international humanitarian law, transitional justice, human rights advocacy, and the protection of civilians in conflict situations.
Gender and Conflict
Focus on gender dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding — covering gender-based violence in conflict, women's participation in peace processes, gender-sensitive peacebuilding, and the integration of gender perspectives in conflict analysis and response.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on conflict theory, international law, or peace studies with afternoon seminars, case studies, and mediation simulations. Students engage in conflict analysis exercises, negotiation role-plays, peacebuilding project design, and research. Field attachments in peacebuilding organisations, government agencies, or community mediation programmes provide hands-on experience, with students conducting conflict assessments, designing peace interventions, and facilitating dialogue. Research papers and policy briefs are regular assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

Interdisciplinary programme — the programme draws from political science, law, sociology, and international relations, providing graduates with versatile analytical skills applicable across multiple fields.
Kenya's regional peacebuilding role — Kenya's involvement in regional peace processes and the presence of international organisations in Nairobi create employment opportunities for peace and conflict graduates.
Multiple university options — the programme is offered at several CUE-accredited universities, giving students choice in cost, location, and study mode.
Practical skills — the programme includes mediation simulations, conflict analysis exercises, and fieldwork, giving graduates practical skills in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Against it

Niche career field — while demand exists, the peace and conflict field is smaller than broader social science fields, with fewer entry-level positions.
Many positions require experience — international peacebuilding positions often require field experience, making it challenging for fresh graduates to access senior roles.
Variable programme quality — quality varies across universities, with some having better practical training and industry connections than others.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 241 social sciences courses

Public153k to 189k

153k at Kenyatta University189k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 243k

105k at Mount Kenya University243k at Daystar University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU 153K, UoN 189K/yr; MKU 105K, Daystar 242.8K/yr (educationnewshub; UoN arts; mku.ac.ke).

Students can access HELB loans, university internal scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some international peacebuilding organisations offer sponsorships for students committed to peace and conflict work.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
University Scholarships and Bursaries
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Huawei Seeds for the Future Kenya
Scholarship
Talented ICT/STEM university students with a GPA of 3.0+
International Peacebuilding Organisation Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 80,000Kenyan
Sponsorships from international peacebuilding organisations for students committed to peace and conflict work in conflict-affected regions.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited university programmes.
University Internal Bursaries
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
Merit-based and need-based scholarships offered by individual universities, applied through the financial aid office.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ or equivalent, or KACE with two principal passes, or Diploma in a related field from a recognised institution, or a degree from a recognised university.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework25% of the mark
Written tests covering conflict theory, international law, security studies, and human rights — assessed through mid-semester and end-of-semester examinations.
Case Studies and Mediation Simulations
Coursework30% of the mark
Conflict analysis case studies, mediation simulations, negotiation exercises, peacebuilding project design, and policy briefs — assessed through portfolio review and practical evaluation.
Field Attachment Reports
Coursework20% of the mark
Reports from field attachments in peacebuilding organisations, government agencies, or community mediation programmes — documenting practical experience and professional reflection.
Final Examinations and Research Project
Examination25% of the mark
End-of-semester written examinations and a final-year research project or peacebuilding internship demonstrating mastery of conflict and peace studies theory and practice.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) at multiple public and private universities including University of Nairobi, Kisii University, Laikipia University, St. Paul's University, Africa Nazarene University, and Daystar University.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes. The Bachelor of Arts in Conflict and Peace Studies is CUE-accredited at University of Nairobi, Kisii University, Laikipia University, St. Paul's University, Africa Nazarene University, and Daystar University.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Peacebuilding Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 65,000
Implements peacebuilding programmes — covering community dialogue, conflict transformation, peace education, and reconciliation for NGOs, international organisations, and community-based peace initiatives.
Conflict Resolution Specialist / Mediator
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 70,000
Facilitates conflict resolution and mediation — covering mediation, negotiation, dialogue facilitation, and dispute resolution for community organisations, government agencies, and private practice.
Human Rights Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 65,000
Monitors and advocates for human rights — covering human rights documentation, advocacy, policy analysis, and human rights education for NGOs and international organisations.
Security Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 75,000
Analyses security threats and risks — covering security assessment, threat analysis, risk management, and security advisory for government agencies, private security firms, and international organisations.
NGO Programme Officer (Peace and Governance)
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 70,000
Manages peace and governance programmes for NGOs — covering programme design, implementation, M&E, community engagement, and reporting for peacebuilding and governance development projects.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as peacebuilding officers, conflict resolution specialists, diplomats, security analysts, human rights officers, and NGO programme officers — in government, international organisations, NGOs, and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Office Suite
SoftwarePrimary
Productivity tools including Word for research papers and policy briefs, Excel for conflict data analysis, and PowerPoint for stakeholder presentations and mediation briefings.
SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for conflict research — covering survey data analysis, conflict data, and research statistics for peace and conflict studies projects.
Conflict Analysis Frameworks (ACCORD, USIP)
Resource
Conflict analysis frameworks and tools — covering conflict mapping, stakeholder analysis, conflict assessment frameworks, and the use of analytical tools for conflict analysis and peacebuilding planning.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
Software
Mapping software for conflict analysis — covering spatial analysis of conflict, conflict mapping, and the use of GIS for visualising conflict patterns and peacebuilding interventions.
University Library and Research Resources
Resource
University library resources — providing access to conflict studies journals, peace research databases, international law references, and case study materials for conflict and peace studies research.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Peace Studies is just about stopping wars.
The programme covers conflict theory, mediation, human rights, international law, post-conflict reconstruction, gender and conflict, and security studies — it addresses conflict at all levels from interpersonal to international.
Peace Studies graduates can only work in conflict zones.
Graduates work in government, diplomacy, NGOs, international organisations, research institutions, and community organisations — addressing conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and social cohesion in both conflict and non-conflict settings.
Peace Studies is not academically rigorous.
The programme involves conflict theory, international law, research methods, policy analysis, and security studies — it is a demanding interdisciplinary degree requiring analytical, legal, and practical skills.
There are no jobs in peace and conflict studies in Kenya.
Kenya's role in regional peacebuilding, the presence of international organisations in Nairobi, and devolution-related governance challenges create demand for peace and conflict professionals.
Peace Studies is the same as International Relations.
While related, Peace Studies focuses specifically on conflict causes, resolution, and peacebuilding, while International Relations covers broader diplomatic, political, and economic relations between states.