Overview

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 programme Conflict Studies and Human Rights. The programme focuses on both the dynamics of violent conflicts and the problems associated with national and international military or humanitarian intervention by agencies such as the UN, NATO, or non-governmental organisations.

Careers

Since the end of the Cold War there has been a growing demand for experts on violent conflict. The Master’s Conflict Studies and Human Rights programme at Utrecht University offers good preparation for careers in any sector involving conflict analysis, including the public sector, business, non-governmental and international organisations.

A growing number of specialised 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 specialised employment opportunities.

The use of English as the working language of the programme 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.

Accreditation

Accredited by the NVAO - Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Conflict, Policies And Politics

In-depth Case-study Analysis

Theories Of Violent Conflict

Literature Review & Research Proposal

Preparing Social Research

The Conflict-human Rights Nexus

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

60 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Sociology Philosophy Political Science View 55 other Masters in Sociology in Netherlands

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

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Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Utrecht University and/or in Netherlands, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

This is a selective Master's. We ideally seek candidates who have analytical and empirical research skills, particularly in the social sciences. You will be considered for admission to the Master’s programme in Conflict Studies and Human Rights if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:

A relevant Bachelor’s degree in the humanities, law, and/or one of the social sciences.
Knowledge of Conflict Studies and Human Rights, to be demonstrated by at least 30 EC in coursework. In your motivation letter, explain to us in a detailed and compelling way why you believe that the coursework you have completed is relevant for your application into our programme.
The ability to present a feasible and relevant preliminary research idea for your Master’s thesis.
Excellent scholarly abilities, demonstrated by an academic track record of high grades.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

20605 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 20605 EUR per year during 12 months.
EU/EEA

2601 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 2601 EUR per year during 12 months.

Living costs for Utrecht

900 - 1450 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Conflict Studies and Human Rights.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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