Master of Arts in Conflict Studies and Human Rights
Utrecht University
Key Information
Campus location
Utrecht, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,209 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* EU/EEA, Surinam or Swiss students; €17,500: International students
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Introduction
Conflict Studies and Human Rights: Theoretical Analysis and Grounded Research
How did the Taliban take control of Afghanistan so swiftly? Is climate change causing more armed conflicts? Will cities become the war zones of the future? How is the term ‘human rights’ used and abused in times of violent conflict? What role did social media play in the rise and subsequent collapse of the Arab Spring? How do non-state armed groups, such as insurgents and gangs, try to govern or control territories and people? What are the ethical and political issues associated with the use of drones in zones of conflict - and what impact does this have on the subjects of surveillance?
These are just some of the pressing questions arising from the complex interconnectedness of today’s world that are addressed in the MA program Conflict Studies and Human Rights. The program focuses on both the dynamics of violent conflicts and the problems associated with the national and international military or humanitarian intervention by agencies such as the UN, NATO, or non-governmental organizations.
Our Master's program in Conflict Studies and Human Rights is a selective, international graduate program combining the study of theory with in-depth case study analysis. Our graduates work with international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and universities all over the world.
The Highest-Ranked Program in its Field
The Keuzegids Master's Selection Guide and Elsevier rankings consistently rate this program as the best in its field. Utrecht University has a long tradition of teaching and research in Conflict Studies and Human Rights. Not only is this Master’s program the only one of its kind in the Netherlands, but its integrated approach to the study of violent conflict and human rights also makes it unique in both Europe and the USA.
Program Outcome
The Master's program in Conflict Studies and Human Rights will equip you with the necessary analytical and theoretical skills to engage with global and local challenges in insightful and innovative ways. You will acquire solid theoretical, analytical, and methodological expertise in Conflict Studies and Human Rights, as well as field experience in conflict and post-conflict regions.
You will learn about and develop mastery in three key areas:
- Subject knowledge: You will gain in-depth knowledge of theoretical approaches to understanding and explaining contemporary conflict and human rights. You will also obtain a general understanding of international policy approaches to contemporary conflict and human rights, as well as an understanding of the political contexts in which they are used.
- Evidence-based social research: You will learn to undertake research that consists of systematic analysis and synthesis and is based on a dialogue between ideas and evidence. In the course of this dialogue, you will be able to identify “sensitizing concepts” from theory to facilitate your data collection. You will also use theory to gain an understanding of the evidence you gather and to explain your findings.
- Critical attitude towards received wisdom: You will have the conceptual and analytical skills necessary to question conventional ideas and accepted courses of action while defining your own viewpoint. You will also be able to assess the problem of violent conflict and human rights by considering interrelated issues of identity, perception, discourse, and practice.
In your program, you will have the opportunity to actively work on your career development.
Career Opportunities
The Master’s program in Conflict Studies and Human Rights offers good preparation for careers in any sector involving conflict analysis, including the public sector, business, non-governmental and international organizations.
Possible Careers
Since the end of the Cold War, there has been a growing demand for experts on violent conflict. The Master’s program in Conflict Studies and Human Rights offers good preparation for careers in any sector involving conflict analysis, including the public sector, business, non-governmental and international organizations.
A growing number of specialized agencies are addressing issues of conflict management and resolution, rehabilitation, human rights, and security, both from an analytical perspective and through field operations. These agencies offer a variety of specialized employment opportunities.
The use of English as the working language of the program will be an advantage for students who will later pursue a career in an international setting. Ministries, NGOs, businesses, and municipalities are increasingly recruiting students with a degree in Conflict Studies.
Professional Careers
Graduates of our program have found work as:
- Program Manager for the Delegation of the European Union in the Republic of Angola.
- Founder of Critical Mass, Utrecht. This organization addresses local conflicts “in our own backyard”, city, or society and international conflicts.
- Program Specialist at the World Bank in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Ph.D. student Political and Social Sciences at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy.
- Researcher at The Hague Institute for Global Justice.
Other alumni have found jobs at:
Free Press Unlimited | African Diaspora Policy Centre | Oxfam, Novib | War Child | Clingendael Institute | Humanitas Global | Royal Dutch Shell | Oliver Wyman | Humanity in Action Bosnia and Herzegovina | Global Witness | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Academic Careers
With its strong emphasis on research, which is either in the field or through an internship, almost 1 out of 5 graduates move on to a Ph.D. position.