Master in Strategic Peace and Conflict Studies

Strategic Peace and Conflict Studies is a master's degree program at Collegium Civitas in Warszawa, Poland, running two years, across four semesters, and taught in English. Known as SPACS, the programme is a joint initiative of Collegium Civitas and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, developed following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2020 and built on the experience and know-how of both institutions. It is described as the first programme of its kind in Poland and one of very few in Europe. SPACS aims to help students understand the root causes of violence and international conflict and the foundations of lasting peace, to develop the practical skills needed for conflict transformation and positive social change, and to develop and apply peacebuilding strategies at the policy, middle, and grassroots levels. The curriculum draws together international relations, sociology, psychology, international law, economics, human rights, and security studies to build a comprehensive body of knowledge aimed at twenty-first-century problems. A holistic, practical approach is meant to help students develop new ways of thinking about current global issues. After completing the programme, graduates are expected to be able to critically analyze current events and policy decisions and to have the skills to effect change both within communities and at the level of high policy. Peace and conflict studies as a discipline examines the causes of conflict and the conditions for peace, drawing on political science, law, and social psychology. Graduates commonly pursue careers with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and research institutions working on conflict resolution, diplomacy, and human rights.