Peace and Development Studies - MA

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Limerick

Program Overview

This MA at the University of Limerick gives you a comprehensive grounding in the causes of conflict and the strategies used to build peace and promote sustainable development worldwide. You’ll study theoretical and practical approaches to peacebuilding, development policy and conflict resolution — perfect if you want a career in international organisations, NGOs, humanitarian work, policy or research.

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1:
You begin by building your foundational knowledge with Graduate Seminar in Development and Graduate Research Methods, where you explore major development theories and learn the research skills needed for advanced study. Alongside these, you can choose an elective module such as Graduate Seminar in International Relations or Representative Democracy in Europe to tailor your focus.

Semester 2:
In your second term you deepen your understanding with Graduate Seminar in Peacebuilding and Research Methods (progressing dissertation), while selecting two more electives such as Global Justice, Gender and Politics, International Political Economy or Conflict Analysis — helping you connect peace theory with real policy and development contexts.

Summer / Dissertation:
The programme culminates in an independent Dissertation over the summer, where you conduct your own research on a topic that matters to you and that showcases your analytical and writing skills.

Focus areas:
Peacebuilding and conflict resolution, political and economic development, research methods, global justice, gender in politics, international relations.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate able to analyse conflict dynamics, apply evidence-based research methods, design peace and development strategies, and communicate complex ideas clearly to academic and professional audiences.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This is a Level 9 Master’s qualification on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), recognised internationally for postgraduate study in peace, development and global policy.

Reputation (employability):
The University of Limerick is a respected research-led institution in Ireland, and this programme is known for its interdisciplinary approach and relevance to careers in international affairs, conflict-related work, development practice, NGOs and policy research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical skills through simulations, direct policy engagement, research methods training, and real-world projects, often using the university's specialized research centers and political archives. The approach is less about labs and more about applying analytical frameworks to current global issues. A typical program might include the following experiential components:

Simulation Exercises: Many programs run Model United Nations (MUN), crisis negotiation simulations, or political scenario exercises where students role-play as diplomats or policymakers, applying theories of international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Research and Policy Analysis: A core practical skill is developed through a substantial dissertation or capstone project. This often involves primary research, policy analysis, or a detailed case study on a current international issue, sometimes conducted in partnership with an external organization.
Guest Lectures and Workshops: Regular sessions with practitioners—such as diplomats, NGO workers, journalists, and policy analysts—provide direct insights into career paths and the application of academic knowledge in real-world settings.
Career-Focused Placements: Some programs offer optional or credited internships, placements, or field research opportunities with partner organizations like government agencies, international organizations (e.g., UN bodies), think tanks, or NGOs.
Specialized Facilities and Resources: Students typically have access to:
- University libraries with extensive holdings in political science, government documents, and international law.
- Dedicated research institutes or centers focused on areas like European studies, security, development, or human rights, which often host events and provide networking opportunities.
- Digital tools for data analysis, such as NVivo for qualitative research or SPSS/STATA/R for quantitative analysis of global datasets.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University of Limerick's MA in Peace and Development Studies (full-time 1 year or part-time 2 years) investigates conflict origins, resolution strategies, peacebuilding-development interconnections, and ethical dilemmas through taught modules on contemporary cases, economic/political development theories, and practical approaches, assessed via 60% coursework and 30% dissertation. Graduates pursue roles in humanitarian NGOs, international development agencies, conflict mediation, policy advocacy, research organizations, and UN-affiliated programs addressing post-conflict reconstruction.

Career Support Elements

University emphasizes real-world strategy application and ethical training for peacebuilding/development practitioners.
Program equips students for professional contributions in interrelated peace/security/development fields.
Holistic post-conflict focus prepares for international organization roles via case studies.
Long-term skills support leadership in humanitarian and policy sectors.
Outcomes target NGOs, governments, and global agencies.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates advance to PhDs in peace/conflict studies or development, building on dissertation research.