UPEACE Africa · MA-PGD
MA Peace, Governance and Development
January 2027 intake · Applications close 25 December 2026
Apply for this programmeProgramme overview
Examine the concepts, theories and contemporary practice of peace, conflict, governance and development in Africa. The programme brings together policy analysis, case studies and reflection on political, economic, social and cultural contexts to explore how violence can be prevented and transformed.
Academic information is drawn from the UPEACE Master’s brochure. Duration, delivery format, entry requirements and curriculum for the January 2027 intake are subject to confirmation by admissions.
Who this programme is for
Scholars and practitioners interested in governance and security, development, conflict transformation and peacebuilding in Africa.
Areas of study
- Conflict management, mediation and negotiation
- Governance and transformative leadership
- Human rights, gender and human security
- Post-conflict reconstruction and development
Knowledge and skills
Strengthen critical policy analysis, non-violent communication, conflict transformation and project management for sustainable peace and development.
Programme modules
Modules listed in the supplied UPEACE brochure. The admissions team confirms the final curriculum and credit requirements for your intake.
Semester 1
Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies (UPEACE Foundation Course)
UPM-6001 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Conflict Management, Mediation, And Negotiation in Africa
PGD-6003 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Human Rights, Justice, And Peace in Africa
PGD-6006 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Gender, Peace and Human Security in Africa
PGD-6005 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Peace Education and Conflict Transformation
PGD-6004 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
African Political and Economic Governance
PGD-6002 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Semester 2
Governance and Transformative Leadership
PGD-6009 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Environmental Security and Governance
PGD-6007 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Approaches To Development in Africa
PGD-6008 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development
PGD-6111 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Research Methods
PGD-7000 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Project Management, social media and Development
PGD-6110 · 3 credits · 4 weeks
Final Research Project (Thesis)
PGD-7000 · 8 credits · 24 weeks
Teaching and assessment
Live online teaching combines discussion, participatory activities, critical reflection and applied tasks. Faculty and tutors provide course materials and feedback. Assessment includes course papers and examinations, followed by a final research project or dissertation. Field practice is included where specified in the programme curriculum.
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree; the brochure lists social or behavioural sciences, business, economics and humanities. Admissions reviews programme-specific suitability.
- Evidence of English-language competence, including previous study in English or an appropriate language assessment.
- Reliable internet access and familiarity with e-learning tools, word processing and presentations.
Application documents
Prepare a completed application form, certified Bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts, a 300-word statement of purpose and evidence of English competence. The Africa admissions process also requests an ID or passport copy and passport photograph.
Fees and scholarships
While the standard international tuition for postgraduate programmes at the University for Peace Main Campus in Costa Rica is USD 10,000, the UPEACE Africa Regional Programme provides an automatic 50% regional scholarship to qualifying African professionals admitted to our executive online and hybrid programmes. The total tuition payable is adjusted to USD 5,000 for the complete 18-month programme. The fees are payable in instalment.
| Milestone stage | Academic checkpoint & timing | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Admission & Registration | Upon offer acceptance (secures seat) | $500 |
| Semester 1 – Installment 1 | Prior to commencement of Semester 1 | $750 |
| Semester 1 – Installment 2 | Before the end of Semester 1 (Prior to exams) | $750 |
| Semester 2 – Installment 1 | Prior to commencement of Semester 2 | $750 |
| Semester 2 – Installment 2 | Before the end of Semester 2 (Coursework clearance) | $750 |
| Dissertation – Installment 1 | Beginning of dissertation (Supervisor allocation) | $750 |
| Dissertation – Installment 2 | Before final thesis defense & graduation clearance | $750 |
| Total programme fee | $5,000 USD | |
Fees are payable in the seven instalments shown above. Payment instructions are issued by the UPEACE Africa finance office once an offer of admission is confirmed.
Contact admissions about fees and scholarshipsRequest Information & Prospectus
MA Peace, Governance and Development
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