Social Sciences

Master of Arts in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies

The Master of Arts in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies at the University of Nairobi is a postgraduate programme designed to develop professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to analyse, manage, and resolve armed conflicts. Offered through the Department of History and Archaeology within the Faculty of Arts, the programme addresses the growing demand for conflict resolution expertise in Kenya, East Africa, and beyond.

The programme employs a multilayered approach to understanding conflict and the varied mechanisms of realising peace. Students examine the causes and impact of armed conflict, modes of resolution, and the role of women in conflict management. The curriculum integrates historical, political, and sociological perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of conflict dynamics.

Delivery is through three modules: full-time, part-time, and open distance and e-learning. Teaching methods include face-to-face and online lecture sessions, written instructional materials, and mediated technical learning resources. The programme runs for two academic years with intake once annually in September.

Admission requires a Bachelor's degree with at least a Lower Second Class honours from the University of Nairobi or an equivalent qualification from an institution recognised by the University of Nairobi Senate. Applicants with a Pass degree plus a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant field may also be considered.

The programme prepares graduates for careers in policy making within government and non-governmental organisations, consultancy in conflict resolution and management, negotiation and communication specialism, research, writing, and teaching. Students have opportunities for attachment and engagement with NGOs, human rights advocacy groups, and government agencies.

Assessment follows University of Nairobi regulations, with final examinations at the end of each semester accounting for sixty per cent of marks and continuous assessment tests contributing forty per cent. A research project paper in the final semester is graded over one hundred per cent and is equivalent to four course units.

Skills Required

Conflict analysis and mapping
Peacebuilding and conflict resolution
Negotiation and mediation techniques
Policy analysis and development
Research methods in conflict studies
International humanitarian law
Post-conflict reconstruction planning
Gender and conflict analysis
Diplomatic communication
Project management for peace initiatives

Key Subjects

Theories of Armed Conflict
Conflict Resolution and Management
International Humanitarian Law
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Development
Gender, Conflict and Peace
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
International Relations and Diplomacy
Human Rights and Conflict
Research Methods in Conflict Studies
Security Studies

Certifications

Certified Mediator (Mediation Training Institute International)
Professional Certificate in Conflict Analysis (USIP)
Association for Conflict Resolution Membership

Specializations

Conflict Resolution and Management

Focuses on practical skills for resolving armed conflicts through negotiation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Development

Examines strategies for rebuilding societies after conflict, including transitional justice, institutional reform, and economic recovery.

Gender, Conflict and Peace

Explores the gendered dimensions of armed conflict and the role of women in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and post-conflict governance.

International Humanitarian Law

Covers the legal frameworks governing armed conflict, including the Geneva Conventions, international criminal law, and the protection of civilians.

Terrorism and Security Studies

Analyses contemporary security threats including terrorism, radicalisation, and counter-terrorism strategies within national and international frameworks.

Human Rights and Conflict

Examines the intersection of human rights violations and armed conflict, including accountability mechanisms and human rights-based approaches to peacebuilding.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 268,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Theories of Armed Conflict
Conflict Resolution and Management
International Humanitarian Law
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Development
Gender, Conflict and Peace
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
International Relations and Diplomacy
Human Rights and Conflict
Research Methods in Conflict Studies
Security Studies

Modules

12 in the programme

Theories of Armed Conflict
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines major theoretical frameworks for understanding the causes, dynamics, and resolution of armed conflict, including structural, cultural, and direct violence.
Research Methods in Conflict Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces qualitative and quantitative research methods applicable to conflict analysis, including field research, interviewing, and data analysis techniques.
Conflict Resolution and Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers negotiation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms applied to armed conflicts at community, national, and international levels.
International Humanitarian Law
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Studies the legal frameworks governing armed conflict, including the Geneva Conventions, international criminal law, and the protection of civilians and combatants.
Gender, Conflict and Peace
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Analyses the gendered dimensions of armed conflict and the participation of women in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and post-conflict governance.
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Development
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines strategies for rebuilding societies after conflict, including transitional justice, security sector reform, and economic recovery programmes.
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Analyses contemporary terrorism threats, radicalisation processes, and counter-terrorism strategies within national, regional, and international frameworks.
International Relations and Diplomacy
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Explores the role of international relations and diplomatic practice in preventing, managing, and resolving armed conflicts.
Human Rights and Conflict
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Examines the intersection of human rights violations and armed conflict, including accountability mechanisms and human rights-based approaches to peacebuilding.
Security Studies in Africa
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Surveys contemporary security challenges in Africa, including interstate conflicts, civil wars, resource-based conflicts, and regional security architectures.
Islamic Civilisations and Conflict
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Examines the rise and multifaceted development of Islam in Africa and the world, and the integration of Islamic cultures into national and international development programmes.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 412 creditsCore
An independent research project requiring original research on an armed conflict or peace studies topic, producing a project paper equivalent to four course units.

Specialisations

Conflict Resolution and Management
Focuses on practical skills for resolving armed conflicts through negotiation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Development
Examines strategies for rebuilding societies after conflict, including transitional justice, institutional reform, and economic recovery.
Gender, Conflict and Peace
Explores the gendered dimensions of armed conflict and the role of women in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and post-conflict governance.
International Humanitarian Law
Covers the legal frameworks governing armed conflict, including the Geneva Conventions, international criminal law, and the protection of civilians.
Terrorism and Security Studies
Analyses contemporary security threats including terrorism, radicalisation, and counter-terrorism strategies within national and international frameworks.
Human Rights and Conflict
Examines the intersection of human rights violations and armed conflict, including accountability mechanisms and human rights-based approaches to peacebuilding.

A day as a student

A typical day for an MA Armed Conflict and Peace Studies student at the University of Nairobi begins with morning lectures on conflict theory, international humanitarian law, or peacebuilding strategies. Afternoon sessions often involve seminar discussions where students analyse case studies of contemporary conflicts in Africa and beyond. Students may engage with guest speakers from NGOs, government agencies, or international organisations working in peace and security. Library research and group projects on conflict mapping or policy brief writing form a significant part of independent study time.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's role as a regional diplomatic hub with numerous international organisations provides exceptional internship and career opportunities.
The programme offers flexible delivery modes including full-time, part-time, and open distance e-learning.
Graduates develop transferable skills in negotiation, mediation, and policy analysis applicable across multiple sectors.

Against it

Funding for peacebuilding roles in Kenya is often dependent on short-term donor-funded project cycles.
The programme is currently offered only at the University of Nairobi, limiting choice of institution.
Field research in conflict-affected areas can pose safety risks and logistical challenges.

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

Public118k to 269k

118k at Maseno University269k at University of Nairobi

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

UoN 537K/2yr(uonbi.ac.ke). Maseno 236,700/2yr(yumpu). Private unverified.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program for African students, and university internal research grants for postgraduate research.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
University of Nairobi Internal Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
ScholarshipKsh 1,500,000
African students demonstrating academic excellence and commitment to giving back to their communities.
University of Nairobi Internal Research Grants
GrantKsh 500,000Kenyan
Registered postgraduate students at the University of Nairobi with approved research proposals.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: A Pass Bachelor's degree plus a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant field may be considered for admission. Applicants must be from institutions recognised by the University of Nairobi Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework40% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests and assignments covering course material and assigned readings.
End-of-Semester Examinations
Exam60% of the mark
Three-hour formal written examinations at the end of each semester covering all taught course units.
Seminar Presentations
Coursework0% of the mark
Oral presentations on conflict case studies, research findings, or critical reviews of peace studies literature, contributing to continuous assessment.
Research Project Paper
Project100% of the mark
A final-semester research project paper based on original research, graded over 100 per cent and equivalent to four course units.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered by the Department of History and Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Nairobi, and meets CUE standards for postgraduate academic programmes.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan university programmes. The MA in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies at the University of Nairobi is CUE-accredited.
International Association for Conflict Management (IACM)
Professional affiliation
International professional association for conflict management scholars and practitioners. Membership enhances professional networking.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Peacebuilding Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 360,000
Designs and implements peacebuilding programmes for NGOs and international organisations operating in conflict-affected regions.
Conflict Resolution Officer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Facilitates dialogue and mediation processes between conflicting parties in community, national, or international settings.
Policy Analyst
High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000
Analyses and develops policy recommendations on conflict, security, and peacebuilding for government agencies and think tanks.
Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer
Low demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 300,000
Represents Kenya's foreign policy interests, engaging in diplomatic negotiations and international conflict prevention.
Communications Officer
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages strategic communications for peacebuilding organisations, NGOs, or government agencies working in conflict-affected areas.
Development Programme Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 220,000
Coordinates development and humanitarian programmes in conflict-affected regions, integrating conflict-sensitive approaches.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, policy analysis, diplomacy, and humanitarian assistance with government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ACLED Conflict Data
DatabasePrimary
Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project providing real-time conflict data for analysis and research.
Ushahidi
Software
Open-source platform for crowdsourcing and mapping crisis information, widely used in conflict monitoring.
KoboToolbox
Software
Data collection tool used for field research in conflict-affected and remote areas.
ArcGIS
Software
GIS software for conflict mapping, spatial analysis of violence patterns, and peacebuilding planning.
SPSS
Software
Statistical analysis software for quantitative conflict data analysis and research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Peace studies graduates can only work in conflict zones.
Graduates work in diverse settings including government policy roles, NGOs, international organisations, diplomacy, academia, and corporate conflict management.
Armed conflict and peace studies is purely theoretical.
The programme combines theoretical analysis with practical skills in negotiation, mediation, and field-based conflict assessment.
There are no career opportunities for peace studies graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's role as a regional diplomatic hub and host to numerous international organisations creates demand for conflict resolution professionals.
Peace studies is only for those interested in military or security careers.
The programme covers civilian peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, human rights advocacy, and post-conflict development alongside security dimensions.
A degree in armed conflict studies guarantees employment with the United Nations.
While the programme provides relevant qualifications for international organisations, UN positions are highly competitive and require additional experience and language skills.