Social Sciences

Master of Science in Conflict Management and Resolution

The Master of Science in Conflict Management and Resolution is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in conflict analysis, peace building, and dispute resolution. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in conflict management, peace building, mediation, and humanitarian work.

Core areas include conflict analysis, peace and conflict studies, mediation and negotiation, dispute resolution, peace building, humanitarian assistance, international relations, conflict transformation, post-conflict reconstruction, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical conflict resolution applications.

The programme is offered by Multimedia University of Kenya, Kirinyaga University, and Kaimosi Friends University, with JKUAT as a college. JKUAT offers related programmes in conflict resolution through its School of Arts and Humanities, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills.

Students develop competencies in conflict analysis, mediation, negotiation, peace building, dispute resolution, humanitarian response, research, and policy development. The programme includes coursework, field work, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time and part-time study modes. JKUAT requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division. JKUAT's related postgraduate diploma costs KES 126,000 per year.

Graduates pursue careers as conflict resolution specialists, mediators, peace builders, humanitarian workers, researchers, consultants, and lecturers in government agencies, NGOs, international organisations, community organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Conflict Analysis and Assessment
Mediation and Negotiation
Peace Building and Conflict Transformation
Dispute Resolution Techniques
Humanitarian Assistance and Response
Post-Conflict Reconstruction Planning
International Relations and Diplomacy
Conflict-Sensitive Programme Management
Reconciliation and Transitional Justice
Conflict Research Methods

Key Subjects

Conflict Analysis
Peace and Conflict Studies
Mediation and Negotiation
Dispute Resolution
Peace Building
Humanitarian Assistance
International Relations
Conflict Transformation
Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Conflict Research Methods

Certifications

ACCORD Professional Certification
USIP Peace Building Certification

Specializations

Mediation and Negotiation

Focuses on mediation, negotiation, facilitation, dialogue processes, and developing skills for mediating and negotiating in conflict situations.

Peace Building

Examines peace building, conflict transformation, post-conflict reconstruction, reconciliation, and building sustainable peace in conflict-affected communities.

Humanitarian Assistance

Covers humanitarian assistance, emergency response, humanitarian principles, humanitarian programme management, and responding to conflicts and crises.

Conflict Analysis

Focuses on conflict analysis, conflict assessment, conflict mapping, root cause analysis, and understanding and analysing conflict dynamics.

Transitional Justice

Examines transitional justice, reconciliation, accountability, truth commissions, and addressing justice and reconciliation in post-conflict settings.

International Conflict

Covers international conflict, international relations, diplomacy, international law, and understanding and managing conflicts in international contexts.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 185,750
Private, up to: Ksh 331,200
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

Conflict Analysis
Peace and Conflict Studies
Mediation and Negotiation
Dispute Resolution
Peace Building
Humanitarian Assistance
International Relations
Conflict Transformation
Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Conflict Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Conflict Analysis and Assessment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines conflict analysis, conflict assessment, conflict mapping, root cause analysis, stakeholder analysis, and understanding conflict dynamics.
Peace and Conflict Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers peace and conflict studies, conflict theories, peace theories, conflict escalation, and understanding conflict and peace at theoretical level.
Mediation and Negotiation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines mediation techniques, negotiation strategies, facilitation, dialogue processes, and developing practical mediation and negotiation skills.
Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers dispute resolution, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, restorative justice, and various dispute resolution mechanisms and processes.
Peace Building and Conflict Transformation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines peace building, conflict transformation, reconciliation, peace agreements, and building sustainable peace in conflict-affected communities.
Humanitarian Assistance and Response
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers humanitarian assistance, emergency response, humanitarian principles, humanitarian programme management, and responding to conflicts and crises.
International Relations and Conflict
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines international relations, international conflict, diplomacy, international law, and understanding and managing conflicts in international contexts.
Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers post-conflict reconstruction, reconstruction planning, institution building, economic recovery, and rebuilding communities after conflict.
Transitional Justice and Reconciliation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines transitional justice, truth commissions, accountability, reconciliation, and addressing justice and reconciliation in post-conflict settings.
Conflict Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for conflict studies, experimental design, data analysis, and conducting conflict research, preparing students for their thesis.
Conflict-Sensitive Development
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines conflict-sensitive development, do-no-harm approaches, conflict-sensitive programming, and integrating conflict sensitivity in development work.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a conflict management and resolution topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and conflict resolution knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Mediation and Negotiation
Focuses on mediation, negotiation, facilitation, dialogue processes, and developing skills for mediating and negotiating in conflict situations.
Peace Building
Examines peace building, conflict transformation, post-conflict reconstruction, reconciliation, and building sustainable peace in conflict-affected communities.
Humanitarian Assistance
Covers humanitarian assistance, emergency response, humanitarian principles, humanitarian programme management, and responding to conflicts and crises.
Conflict Analysis
Focuses on conflict analysis, conflict assessment, conflict mapping, root cause analysis, and understanding and analysing conflict dynamics.
Transitional Justice
Examines transitional justice, reconciliation, accountability, truth commissions, and addressing justice and reconciliation in post-conflict settings.
International Conflict
Covers international conflict, international relations, diplomacy, international law, and understanding and managing conflicts in international contexts.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Conflict Management and Resolution programme begins with morning lectures on conflict analysis, peace studies, or mediation theory. Students engage in theoretical discussions on conflict theories, peace building approaches, and dispute resolution frameworks. Conflict analysis sessions cover conflict assessment, conflict mapping, root cause analysis, stakeholder analysis, and understanding conflict dynamics. Mediation and negotiation sessions examine mediation techniques, negotiation strategies, facilitation, dialogue processes, and developing practical mediation and negotiation skills. Peace building sessions cover conflict transformation, post-conflict reconstruction, reconciliation, peace agreements, and building sustainable peace. Humanitarian assistance sessions examine emergency response, humanitarian principles, humanitarian programme management, and responding to conflicts and crises. International relations sessions cover international conflict, diplomacy, international law, international organisations, and managing conflicts in international contexts. Dispute resolution sessions involve arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, restorative justice, and various dispute resolution mechanisms. Transitional justice sessions examine truth commissions, accountability, reconciliation, and addressing justice in post-conflict settings. Post-conflict reconstruction sessions cover reconstruction planning, institution building, economic recovery, and rebuilding communities after conflict. Field work provides hands-on experience in community conflict assessment, mediation exercises, and peace building project implementation. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering conflict research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from mediators, peace builders, NCIC officials, UN representatives, and NGO practitioners provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's electoral conflicts, ethnic tensions, resource conflicts, and devolution challenges create moderate demand for qualified conflict management professionals.
Programme covers comprehensive conflict resolution areas including mediation, peace building, humanitarian assistance, and transitional justice.
Strong career opportunities with NCIC, UN, ACCORD, NGOs, government agencies, and international peace building organisations.
Programme accepts graduates from diverse backgrounds including law, political science, sociology, international relations, and public administration.

Against it

Programme is categorised under ICT & Computing in the database, which may not reflect its social science nature.
Career opportunities may be limited in Kenya compared to international markets, with many positions requiring international experience.
Programme requires field work in potentially sensitive conflict settings, which may pose safety concerns.
Limited number of institutions offering the programme may restrict geographic access for prospective students.

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

Public163k to 186k

163k at Kirinyaga University186k at Multimedia University of Kenya

Private130k to 331k

130k at Mount Kenya University331k 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

MMU ~186K/yr. KYU ~163K/yr. MKU 130K/yr. Daystar 331K/yr. Src: mmu/kyu/daystar.ac.ke

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. ACCORD provides training grants for conflict resolution capacity building in Africa. USIP supports peace building education and research. The programme's peace and security focus attracts donor and international organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
ACCORD Training Grants
USIP Peace Building Funding

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate conflict management studies at recognised universities.
ACCORD Training Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
ACCORD provides training grants for conflict resolution capacity building in Africa, supporting postgraduate training in conflict management.
USIP Peace Building Funding
GrantKsh 400,000
USIP provides funding for peace building education, research, and capacity building in conflict management and resolution.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from law, political science, international relations, sociology, psychology, public administration, and related fields. Two-year programme with full-time and part-time options. JKUAT offers related postgraduate diploma in Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills at KES 126,000/year. Application fee KES 1,500 at Kirinyaga University.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, case studies, conflict analysis projects, mediation exercises, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering conflict analysis, peace building, mediation, humanitarian assistance, and international relations, conducted at end of each semester.
Field and Practical Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of field work, mediation exercises, conflict assessment projects, community engagement, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a conflict management and resolution topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and conflict resolution knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT offers related conflict resolution programmes through its School of Arts and Humanities. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate conflict management and resolution training. NCIC promotes national cohesion and peace building in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Offered by Multimedia University of Kenya, Kirinyaga University, Kaimosi Friends University, and JKUAT. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate conflict management and resolution training.
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC)
Professional accreditation
NCIC promotes national cohesion and peace building in Kenya. Graduates working in conflict management may collaborate with NCIC on peace building initiatives.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Conflict Resolution Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Analyses and resolves conflicts, developing conflict resolution strategies, and supporting peace building in government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations.
Mediator
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Mediates disputes, facilitating dialogue between parties, and using mediation and negotiation skills to resolve conflicts in various settings.
Peace Building Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Implements peace building programmes, supporting conflict transformation, reconciliation, and building sustainable peace in conflict-affected communities.
Humanitarian Worker
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Provides humanitarian assistance in conflict and crisis settings, managing emergency response programmes, and supporting affected populations.
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Analyses conflict and peace building policy, providing evidence-based recommendations for conflict management and peace building policy development.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches conflict management and peace studies in universities, conducting research and training future conflict resolution professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as conflict resolution specialists, mediators, and peace builders in government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Conflict Analysis Frameworks
ToolsPrimary
Conflict analysis frameworks and tools for conflict assessment, conflict mapping, stakeholder analysis, and understanding conflict dynamics.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for conflict research data analysis, survey analysis, and statistical modelling in peace and conflict studies.
NVivo
Software
Qualitative data analysis software for conflict research, analysing interviews, focus groups, and qualitative data in conflict studies.
GIS Software
Software
Geographic information system software for conflict mapping, spatial analysis of conflict, and visualising conflict patterns geographically.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Conflict management is just about settling arguments.
The programme involves conflict analysis, peace building, transitional justice, humanitarian assistance, and international relations, far beyond settling personal disputes.
Conflict resolution is only relevant in war zones.
Conflict resolution applies to community conflicts, workplace disputes, electoral conflicts, resource conflicts, and social tensions, not just armed conflict.
There is limited demand for conflict resolution specialists in Kenya.
Kenya's electoral conflicts, ethnic tensions, resource conflicts, and devolution challenges create moderate demand for qualified conflict management professionals.
This programme is only for social science graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from law, political science, international relations, sociology, psychology, public administration, and related fields.
Conflict resolution is soft and unscientific.
The programme requires strong analytical skills, research methods, conflict analysis frameworks, and evidence-based approaches to understanding and resolving conflicts.
A master's in conflict management is redundant after a bachelor's in political science or sociology.
The master's provides specialised conflict resolution skills, mediation techniques, research capability, and career progression to senior peace building and conflict management positions.