Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Transformation

The Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Transformation is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in peace and conflict transformation. The programme falls under the Social Sciences category and typically spans 4 Years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Theories of Peace and Conflict, Conflict Transformation, Negotiation and Mediation, International Relations, Human Rights, Peace Education. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Conflict Analysis, Human Rights Advocacy, Intercultural dialogue, Mediation, Negotiation. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies, Theories of Peace and Conflict Transformation, Violence and Conflict Analysis, Foundations of International Relations, Negotiation and Mediation. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Conflict Transformation, International Relations and Security, Human Rights and Justice. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Transformation pursue careers as Conflict Transformation Officer, Peacebuilding Specialist, Human Rights Advocate, NGO Programme Officer. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Theories of Peace and Conflict
Conflict Transformation
Negotiation and Mediation
International Relations
Human Rights
Peace Education
Gender and Conflict
Religion and Peacebuilding
Refugee Studies
Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts and theories of peace and conflict, including definitions, types, and causes of conflict.
Theories of Peace and Conflict Transformation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theoretical frameworks for understanding peace and conflict transformation, including positive peace and structural violence.
Violence and Conflict Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of causes and types of violence and conflict, including conflict mapping and stakeholder analysis.
Foundations of International Relations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Core concepts of international relations, including state sovereignty, diplomacy, and international systems.
Negotiation and Mediation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles and techniques of negotiation and mediation, including interest-based negotiation and third-party intervention.
Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
International human rights frameworks and humanitarian law, including their application in conflict situations.
Gender, Conflict and Peace
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Gender dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding, including women's roles in peace processes and gender-based violence.
Religion and Peacebuilding
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Role of religion in peacebuilding, including interfaith dialogue and faith-based conflict transformation.
Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Strategies for rebuilding societies after conflict, including transitional justice, disarmament, and economic recovery.
Refugee and Migration Studies
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Causes and consequences of forced migration, refugee protection frameworks, and humanitarian assistance.
Terrorism and International Security
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of terrorism as a security threat, including counter-terrorism strategies and international cooperation.
Research Project in Peace and Conflict Transformation
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Final-year research project on a peace and conflict topic, including field research, data analysis, and written dissertation.

Specialisations

Conflict Transformation
Focus on transforming conflicts by addressing root causes and structural inequalities. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
International Relations and Security
Focus on international cooperation, security studies, and global conflict management. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Human Rights and Justice
Focus on human rights frameworks, transitional justice, and restorative justice. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Religion and Peacebuilding
Focus on the role of religion in peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Community Peacebuilding
Focus on grassroots peacebuilding, community dialogue, and local conflict resolution mechanisms. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day combines lectures, seminars, and case study discussions. Morning sessions cover peace theories, conflict transformation, or international relations, while afternoons focus on negotiation workshops, mediation practicals, or research methods. Students analyse case studies of conflicts in Africa and beyond, participate in mock negotiations and mediation exercises, and develop project proposals for peacebuilding initiatives. Group projects involve designing community dialogue programmes, conducting conflict assessments, and preparing policy briefs on peace and security issues.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme emphasises transformative approaches addressing root causes of conflict rather than symptom management.
Graduates develop transferable skills in negotiation, mediation, and research valued across sectors.
Daystar University's liberal arts tradition produces well-rounded graduates with broad perspectives.
Kenya's devolved governance system and regional peacekeeping role create demand for conflict transformation professionals.

Against it

Programme is offered at only one university, limiting institutional choice.
Tuition fees are relatively high compared to public university alternatives.
Career paths may require additional qualifications or experience for senior positions in international organisations.
Field work in conflict-affected areas can be challenging and risky.

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 BA 153K, UoN BA 189K/yr. MKU 105K, Daystar 242.8K/yr. KUCCPS+univ sites

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Daystar University offers internal bursaries and work-study opportunities for needy students.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Loan
Kenyan citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programmes
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
Scholarship
Students placed by KUCCPS in recognised universities
Daystar University Bursaries
Bursary
Academically outstanding and financially needy students

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
Daystar University Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need at Daystar University.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points for participating universities.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Generation Google Scholarship
Scholarship
Women in computer science and related technical fields

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ with appropriate subject grades; OR KACE with two principal passes; OR a relevant diploma from a recognised institution with at least a credit pass; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the university senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, case study analyses, seminar presentations, and group projects during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering peace theories, conflict transformation, international relations, and human rights.
Practical Negotiation and Mediation Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of negotiation and mediation skills through simulated conflict scenarios and role-play exercises.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project on a peace and conflict topic, including field research, data analysis, and written dissertation.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Conflict Transformation Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 100,000
Facilitates conflict transformation and peacebuilding initiatives in communities and organisations.
Peacebuilding Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 150,000
Designs and implements peacebuilding programmes in post-conflict and conflict-prone areas.
Human Rights Advocate
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 110,000
Advocates for human rights protection in NGOs, government, and international organisations.
NGO Programme Officer
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 130,000
Manages peacebuilding and development programmes in non-governmental organisations.
Community Development Worker
High demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 90,000
Works with communities to promote social cohesion, resolve disputes, and support development.
Diplomat
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Represents Kenya in international forums, engaging in diplomacy and conflict resolution at bilateral and multilateral levels.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as conflict transformation officers, peacebuilding specialists, and NGO programme officers. Demand is moderate with opportunities in government, NGOs, and international organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
Data analysisPrimary
Statistical analysis software for research projects and conflict data analysis.
NVivo
Qualitative researchPrimary
Qualitative data analysis software for coding and analysing interview and field research data.
Microsoft Office
Productivity
Productivity suite for research papers, project proposals, and policy briefs.
Google Workspace
Collaboration
Collaboration tools for team projects, programme coordination, and document sharing.
ArcGIS
Mapping
GIS software for mapping conflict zones and analysing spatial patterns of violence.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Peace and Conflict Transformation is not a practical degree.
The programme includes negotiation workshops, mediation practicals, and field placements providing hands-on conflict transformation experience.
Graduates can only work in conflict zones.
Graduates work in government, NGOs, schools, corporate settings, and community organisations managing disputes and promoting social cohesion.
There are no jobs for peace graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's role in regional peacebuilding and the devolved governance system create demand for conflict transformation professionals.
The programme is only about war and violence.
The programme covers peace education, human rights, development, gender, religion, and post-conflict reconstruction alongside conflict analysis.