Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies
Overview
Examine conflict dynamics and approaches to peacebuilding in diverse settings.
Conflict affects communities at every level, from local organisations to international relations. This program introduces the theories and practices used to understand and address conflict constructively.
Learn how conflicts emerge and how they can be managed and solved in a nonviolent manner. You'll cover topics including peacebuilding, conflict resolution and prevention, mediation, gender and security, and peace and development, examining contemporary examples from around the world.
Engage with complex issues through interactive discussions, analytical projects and applied learning activities. The School of Political Science and International Studies is recognised globally as a leader in peace and conflict studies research and teaching.
Flexible postgraduate study allows you to build expertise in a shorter timeframe.
This program can help you develop valuable skills for careers in policy, mediation, community development and advocacy.
Program highlights
- Graduate ready for a range of careers nationally and internationally, within government, professional and non-government organisations.
- Learn from world-renowned academics with expertise in Indigenous politics, gender, ethics, justice, development, security and the environment.
- Study alongside students from a range of countries and backgrounds, giving you a global perspective.
- Embrace the opportunity for applied fieldwork experience, independent study or research experience on Australian or overseas projects.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Overseas study
- Seminars
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Writing Politics
- Foundations in Politics, Policy and International Relations
- Security and Development
- Peacebuilding
- International Crisis Management [Elective]
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- UN special rapporteur
- Peacekeeping official
- NGO manager
- Indigenous rights adviser
- Humanitarian aid official
- Foreign correspondent
- Human rights advocate
- Crisis management adviser
- Diplomatic corps official
- Conflict resolution specialist
Next steps after graduation
After completing this program, you can pursue opportunities in peacebuilding, policy, advocacy and community development across local and international contexts.
Your skills are suited to roles in government, non-government organisations and international agencies working on conflict prevention and resolution. You may also choose to continue your studies to further specialise, or move into research in peace and conflict studies.
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
- to have completed post-secondary studies and have 2 years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience (see below). Applications on the basis of post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed.
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
- to have completed post-secondary studies and have 2 years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience (see below). Applications on the basis of post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed.
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Relevant disciplines include degrees with a sequence of study in peace and conflict studies, international relations, political science, sociology, cultural studies, history, economics/political economy, anthropology or ethnography, or law.
You must have completed at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30% of program content in the discipline, including a mix of introductory and advanced courses.
Relevant work experience
Relevant work experience, which should be supported with evidence (see below), may be paid or voluntary and includes:
- Work in a relevant peace and conflict organisation including community organisations, non-governmental organisations, government agencies, or other cognate organisations.
- This may include work experience in planning, research, management, implementation or evaluation of domestic or international peacebuilding, mediation, conflict resolution, transitional justice and cognate efforts to manage conflict or facilitate peace, and
- a demonstration of computer literacy, research and writing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.
Evidence of relevant work experience should include a letter from your employer (and/or previous employers) stating the following:
- That you work (or worked) within the specified organisation.
- The nature of your work, including any relevant duties and responsibilities.
- The length that you were there (i.e. 3 years).
- The level at which you work (or worked) within the organisation.
Whether you worked full-time, part-time or casual. For part-time and casual roles, include the average hours worked per week.
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$15,600
2026
Fee information for 2027 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2026.
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $24,040
2027
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent near you.
The program code for the Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies is 5648.
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies is 5648.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
Visa processing times vary. Apply and accept your offer as early as you can.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (ATSIS) Unit.
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