Social Sciences

Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies

The Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies is a programme that equips students with knowledge and analytical skills in peace building, conflict resolution, security studies, mediation and reconciliation. Offered at Africa Nazarene University, Daystar University and Garissa University, the programme prepares students for roles in peace building, conflict management, security governance and community development.

The curriculum covers introduction to peace and conflict studies, conflict analysis, conflict resolution and management, peace building and reconciliation, security studies, mediation and negotiation, community policing, human rights, humanitarian assistance, governance and democracy, counselling skills, research methods and field practicum. Students develop both analytical and practical conflict resolution skills.

Kenya and the broader East African region face security and conflict challenges including ethnic conflicts, resource-based conflicts, terrorism and border insecurity. The programme responds to the need for trained personnel who can support peace building, conflict transformation and security governance in communities, organisations and government agencies.

The programme is delivered through lectures, case studies, conflict simulation exercises, field visits to conflict-affected areas, research projects, group discussions and field practicum. Students gain hands-on experience in conflict analysis and peace building through supervised field practicum in community organisations, peace NGOs or government agencies.

Graduates pursue careers as peace building officers, conflict resolution facilitators, community development workers, security analysts and humanitarian workers in NGOs, government agencies, community organisations and international bodies. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies or related degree programmes.

Prospective students should have interest in conflict resolution, social justice and community development. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in peace building, security and humanitarian work.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 54,000
Private, up to: Ksh 121,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Peace and Conflict Studies Fundamentals and Conflict Analysis
Conflict Resolution, Management and Mediation
Peace Building, Reconciliation and Transitional Justice
Security Studies and Community Policing
Human Rights, Governance and Democracy
Humanitarian Assistance and Counselling Skills
Research Methods and Peace Studies Project
Field Practicum and Community Engagement

Modules

8 in the programme

Peace and Conflict Studies Fundamentals and Conflict Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers introduction to peace and conflict studies, theories of conflict, conflict analysis frameworks, causes of conflict, conflict typologies and contemporary conflict issues in Africa.
Conflict Resolution, Management and Mediation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers conflict resolution strategies, conflict management techniques, mediation and negotiation skills, facilitation, dialogue processes and alternative dispute resolution.
Peace Building, Reconciliation and Transitional Justice
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers peace building theory, reconciliation processes, transitional justice, trauma healing, post-conflict recovery, DDR programmes and sustainable peace.
Security Studies and Community Policing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers security studies, human security, community policing, security sector governance, terrorism and counter-terrorism and border security management.
Human Rights, Governance and Democracy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers human rights frameworks, international humanitarian law, governance and democracy, electoral processes, devolution and civic education.
Humanitarian Assistance and Counselling Skills
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers humanitarian assistance, disaster management, refugee protection, counselling skills for conflict-affected populations and psychosocial support.
Research Methods and Peace Studies Project
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research methods for peace studies, conflict mapping, project design and a peace studies project assessed through a report and presentation.
Field Practicum and Community Engagement
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
A supervised field practicum in a peace building NGO, community organisation or government agency, assessed through a practicum report and supervisor evaluation.

Specialisations

Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Focuses on mediation and negotiation skills for careers as conflict resolution facilitators.
Peace Building and Reconciliation
Specialises in reconciliation and post-conflict recovery for careers in peace building organisations.
Security Studies
Focuses on security governance and community policing for careers in security analysis.
Humanitarian Assistance
Specialises in humanitarian response and refugee protection for careers in humanitarian organisations.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on conflict analysis or peace building theory, followed by a case study on a regional conflict. Afternoon sessions may include a mediation simulation exercise, a group discussion on human rights, or a field visit to a community peace initiative. Students also work on peace studies projects and prepare for field practicum.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme addresses real security and conflict challenges in Kenya and East Africa.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies or related degrees.
Peace building skills are in demand across NGOs, government and international organisations.

Against it

Peace building careers may involve working in challenging or insecure environments.
Funding for peace building programmes can be unpredictable, affecting job stability in the sector.

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

Public54k to 54k

54k at Kisii University54k at Kisii University

Private38k to 121k

38k at Intraglobal Training Institute Kisii121k at Finstock Evarsity College

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

Private confirmed. Kisii Univ (public) Dip Intl Relations, Peace & Conflict 54,000/yr (victormatara).

Students can access HELB loans. Universities may offer internal bursaries. Peace and security organisations may offer sponsorships for students in peace studies programmes.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Certificate in peace studies or related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering conflict analysis, peace building theory and security studies.
Coursework Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of case studies, conflict analysis papers, mediation simulation reports and group presentations.
Peace Studies Project
Project40% of the mark
A peace studies project on a conflict or peace building topic, assessed through a written report and oral presentation.
Field Practicum Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during supervised field practicum in a peace building NGO, community organisation or government agency.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Africa Nazarene University, Daystar University and Garissa University.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Africa Nazarene University, Daystar University and Garissa University.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Peace Building Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 180,000
Designs and implements peace building programmes, facilitates dialogue and supports reconciliation in communities affected by conflict.
Conflict Resolution Facilitator
Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 160,000
Facilitates mediation and dialogue processes, supports community dispute resolution and trains community members in conflict management.
Community Development Worker
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 150,000
Supports community development initiatives, promotes social cohesion and addresses root causes of conflict through development programmes.
Humanitarian Worker
Moderate demandKsh 33,000 to Ksh 170,000
Supports humanitarian assistance programmes in conflict-affected areas, manages refugee services and coordinates emergency response.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as peace building officers, conflict resolution facilitators and community development workers in NGOs, government agencies and community organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Peace studies is just about stopping wars.
Peace and conflict studies encompasses conflict resolution, mediation, reconciliation, human rights, governance, security and community development, alongside international conflict prevention.
There are no jobs in peace and conflict studies.
Kenya and East Africa have significant demand for peace building professionals in NGOs, government, community organisations and international agencies working in conflict-affected regions.
Peace studies is only for people working in conflict zones.
Peace and conflict skills are applicable in community disputes, workplace mediation, governance, humanitarian work and security management, not only in active conflict zones.
A diploma in peace studies has no academic progression.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies or related degrees at their respective universities.