Social Sciences

Master of Arts in Peace Studies

The Master of Arts in Peace Studies is a postgraduate programme designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for understanding, managing, and resolving conflicts at community, national, and international levels. The programme addresses the root causes of conflict and explores strategies for sustainable peacebuilding.

Core areas of study include conflict analysis and transformation, peacebuilding theories, mediation and negotiation, human rights and justice, governance and democracy, gender and security, international relations, and research methods. Students engage with both Kenyan and African contexts, examining ethnic conflicts, resource-based conflicts, electoral violence, and post-conflict reconstruction.

The programme is offered by several Kenyan universities including Daystar University, KAG East University, and Scott Christian University, with the Catholic University of Eastern Africa also offering a related programme. KAG East University's MA in Peace Studies was accredited by the Commission for University Education in 2013.

Students develop competencies in conflict assessment, mediation facilitation, peace education design, early warning systems, post-conflict recovery planning, and policy advocacy. The programme combines coursework with research, culminating in a thesis or research project on a peace and conflict topic.

The programme is delivered through full-time and part-time modes, with intakes in January, May, and September at most institutions. Classes incorporate case studies, simulations, field visits to conflict-affected areas, and guest lectures from experienced peacebuilding practitioners.

Graduates pursue careers as peacebuilding specialists, conflict resolution officers, mediation specialists, diplomats, NGO programme officers, policy analysts, and researchers in government agencies, international organisations, NGOs, and community-based organisations working on peace, security, and development.

Skills Required

Conflict Analysis and Transformation
Mediation and Negotiation
Peacebuilding Strategies
Human Rights Advocacy
Research Methods in Peace Studies
Early Warning and Conflict Prevention
Post-Conflict Recovery Planning
Gender, Peace and Security
Policy Analysis and Advocacy
International Relations and Diplomacy

Key Subjects

Theories of Conflict and Peace
Conflict Analysis and Transformation
Mediation and Negotiation
Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
Human Rights and Justice
Governance and Democracy
Gender, Peace and Security
International Relations and Security Studies
Research Methods in Peace Studies
Post-Conflict Recovery and Development

Certifications

ACCORD Conflict Resolution Certification
Mediation Council of Kenya Certification

Specializations

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

Focuses on conflict resolution techniques including mediation, negotiation, dialogue facilitation, and alternative dispute resolution in community and inter-group conflicts.

Peacebuilding and Reconciliation

Examines post-conflict peacebuilding including truth and reconciliation processes, transitional justice, community healing, and sustainable peace mechanisms.

Human Rights and Justice

Covers human rights frameworks, international humanitarian law, justice systems, and their application in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Governance and Democracy

Explores the relationship between governance, democracy, and peace, including electoral processes, devolution, civic engagement, and inclusive governance.

Gender, Peace and Security

Examines gender dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding, including UN Security Council Resolution 1325, women's participation in peace processes, and gender-based violence in conflict.

International Relations and Security

Focuses on international relations theories, security studies, diplomacy, and global conflict management mechanisms.

Development and Peace

Explores the nexus between development and peace, including resource conflicts, poverty-conflict linkages, and peace-responsive development programming.

Peace Education

Covers peace education pedagogy, curriculum design for peace, non-violence education, and building cultures of peace in schools and communities.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 268,500
Private, up to: Ksh 249,800
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: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Theories of Conflict and Peace
Conflict Analysis and Transformation
Mediation and Negotiation
Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
Human Rights and Justice
Governance and Democracy
Gender, Peace and Security
International Relations and Security Studies
Research Methods in Peace Studies
Post-Conflict Recovery and Development

Modules

10 in the programme

Theories of Conflict and Peace
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines major theories of conflict causation and peace, including structural violence, positive and negative peace, conflict transformation, and contemporary peace studies frameworks.
Conflict Analysis and Transformation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers conflict analysis frameworks, tools for mapping conflict actors and dynamics, and strategies for transforming conflicts from destructive to constructive processes.
Mediation and Negotiation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines mediation and negotiation theory and practice, including interest-based negotiation, facilitation techniques, and mediation process design for inter-group and community conflicts.
Human Rights and Justice in Conflict
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers international human rights frameworks, humanitarian law, transitional justice mechanisms, and their application in conflict and post-conflict settings.
Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines post-conflict peacebuilding including truth and reconciliation processes, community healing, DDR programmes, and sustainable peace mechanisms in divided societies.
Governance, Democracy and Peace
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Explores the relationship between governance, democracy, and peace, including electoral violence prevention, devolution, civic engagement, and inclusive governance structures.
Gender, Peace and Security
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines gender dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding, including UN Security Council Resolution 1325, women's participation in peace processes, and gender-based violence in conflict.
Research Methods in Peace Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for conducting original research in peace and conflict studies, including field research in conflict-affected areas.
International Relations and Security Studies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines international relations theories, security studies, diplomacy, and global conflict management mechanisms including UN peacekeeping and regional interventions.
Thesis Research Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research project on a peace and conflict topic, demonstrating mastery of conflict analysis and peacebuilding theory, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Focuses on conflict resolution techniques including mediation, negotiation, dialogue facilitation, and alternative dispute resolution in community and inter-group conflicts.
Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
Examines post-conflict peacebuilding including truth and reconciliation processes, transitional justice, community healing, and sustainable peace mechanisms.
Human Rights and Justice
Covers human rights frameworks, international humanitarian law, justice systems, and their application in conflict and post-conflict settings.
Governance and Democracy
Explores the relationship between governance, democracy, and peace, including electoral processes, devolution, civic engagement, and inclusive governance.
Gender, Peace and Security
Examines gender dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding, including UN Security Council Resolution 1325, women's participation in peace processes, and gender-based violence in conflict.
International Relations and Security
Focuses on international relations theories, security studies, diplomacy, and global conflict management mechanisms.
Development and Peace
Explores the nexus between development and peace, including resource conflicts, poverty-conflict linkages, and peace-responsive development programming.
Peace Education
Covers peace education pedagogy, curriculum design for peace, non-violence education, and building cultures of peace in schools and communities.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on conflict theories, peacebuilding strategies, or mediation techniques. Students engage in seminar discussions analysing case studies of conflicts in Kenya, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes region. Role-play simulations of mediation and negotiation scenarios allow students to practise conflict resolution skills. Guest lectures from experienced peacebuilders, NGO practitioners, and government officials provide real-world insights. Field visits to conflict-affected communities or peacebuilding organisations may be organised. Those in the research phase conduct independent research on peace and conflict topics, working on their thesis under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme addresses critical national and regional needs for conflict resolution and peacebuilding expertise in Kenya and the wider East African region.
Available at multiple private universities offering flexible study modes including full-time and part-time options.
Programme combines theoretical frameworks with practical skills including mediation, negotiation, and conflict analysis.
Growing demand for peacebuilding professionals in Kenya's devolved governance system and numerous NGOs working on peace and security.

Against it

All offering institutions are private universities, making the programme more expensive than public university alternatives.
Career opportunities in peacebuilding are often project-funded and may lack long-term job security.
Programme content and quality may vary significantly between the three offering universities.
Specialised nature of the degree may limit career options compared to broader social science qualifications.

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

Public171k to 269k

171k at Maseno University269k at University of Nairobi

Private140k to 250k

140k at KAG East University250k 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

UoN Armed Conflict 268.5K/yr verified. Daystar 249.8K. Maseno/KAG East unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. Universities offer limited internal financial aid. Church-sponsored students may receive support from their denominations, particularly at Scott Christian University and KAG East University.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University Financial Aid
Church Sponsorship

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
Daystar University Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 100,000
Active Daystar University students demonstrating academic merit and financial need.
Church Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 120,000
Students sponsored by church denominations for peace studies, particularly at Scott Christian University and KAG East University.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: In exceptional cases, candidates with extensive experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, or related fields may be considered under university-specific mature entry provisions. The programme is available in full-time and part-time modes with intakes in January, May, and September at most institutions.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, conflict analysis essays, case study reports, mediation simulation exercises, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering theoretical frameworks, conflict analysis, and peacebuilding strategies, including essay questions and case analysis.
Field Practicum
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment involving field visits to conflict-affected communities or peacebuilding organisations, demonstrating ability to apply conflict analysis and peacebuilding skills.
Thesis Research Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research project on a peace and conflict topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and peace studies theory, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). KAG East University's MA in Peace Studies was CUE-approved in 2013. Daystar University and Scott Christian University are also CUE-accredited private universities offering this programme.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. KAG East University's MA in Peace Studies was approved in 2013. Daystar University and Scott Christian University are CUE-accredited private universities.
Mediation Council of Kenya
Professional certification
Professional body for accredited mediators in Kenya. Graduates may pursue MCK certification for professional mediation practice.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Peacebuilding Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Designs and implements peacebuilding programmes in NGOs, international organisations, or government agencies, working on conflict transformation, reconciliation, and community peace initiatives.
Conflict Resolution Officer
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000
Facilitates conflict resolution processes in communities, organisations, or government bodies, applying mediation and negotiation skills to resolve disputes.
Mediation Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 300,000
Provides professional mediation services in community, workplace, or inter-group conflicts, accredited by the Mediation Council of Kenya.
NGO Programme Officer
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 280,000
Manages peace, security, and development programmes in NGOs, overseeing project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Analyses peace, security, and governance policies for government agencies, think tanks, or international organisations, providing evidence-based recommendations.
Social Research Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000
Conducts research on conflict, peace, and social cohesion issues for research institutions, universities, or international organisations, producing reports and policy briefs.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as peacebuilding specialists, conflict resolution officers, mediation specialists, diplomats, and NGO programme officers in government, international organisations, and civil society.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

NVivo
SoftwarePrimary
Qualitative data analysis software for analysing interview data, conflict case studies, and field research in peace and conflict studies.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for quantitative research in peace studies, including survey data analysis and conflict trend mapping.
ACLED Conflict Data
Database
Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project providing real-time conflict data for research and analysis on political violence and conflict patterns.
Zotero
Software
Reference management software for organising research sources, citations, and bibliographies in peace and conflict studies research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Peace Studies is just about avoiding conflict.
The programme examines conflict as a natural social phenomenon, teaching students to analyse root causes, transform conflicts constructively, and build sustainable peace through justice and reconciliation.
Peace Studies graduates can only work in conflict zones.
Graduates work in diverse settings including government, NGOs, schools, community organisations, international agencies, and corporate sectors managing workplace conflicts and promoting social cohesion.
Peace Studies is not a serious academic discipline.
The programme involves rigorous theoretical frameworks from political science, sociology, international relations, and law, combined with empirical research methods and practical skills training.
There are no career opportunities in peace studies in Kenya.
Kenya's devolution system, NCIC, county peace committees, and numerous NGOs create growing demand for trained peacebuilding professionals across the country.
Peace Studies is the same as International Relations.
While related, Peace Studies focuses specifically on conflict causes, resolution mechanisms, and peacebuilding, while International Relations covers broader diplomatic, economic, and political relations between states.
You need a background in politics or law to study peace studies.
The programme accepts graduates from diverse backgrounds including sociology, education, theology, development studies, and communication, as conflict cuts across all disciplines.