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What drives people to take up arms, and how do conflicts reshape societies? How are new technologies—like drones, surveillance systems, and artificial intelligence—redefining the nature of war? Why do peacebuilding efforts so often fail, as seen in Mali and other conflict zones? How does the climate crisis intensify resource conflicts and displacements around the globe? And how can we begin to address cycles of systemic violence, such as police brutality in urban spaces?

Investigating conflict dynamics and societal challenges

Our MA in Conflict Studies and Human Rights challenges you to critically examine these urgent questions, equipping you with the tools to understand and respond to the evolving dynamics of conflict in today’s world. Our international programme offers a hands-on and interdisciplinary approach to studying the causes, dynamics, and impacts of conflict and collective violence.

Theory, analysis, and qualitative research skills

By traversing academic disciplines, our programme seamlessly integrates theory with in-depth analysis and rigorous training in qualitative research skills. We draw on perspectives from anthropology, political science, history, human rights, sociology, and international relations. You’ll engage in interactive seminars, case study analysis, and empirical research, such as open-source investigation or ethnographic fieldwork. Our students explore topics as varied as post-conflict justice, genocide, and climate-related security challenges. With guidance from an experienced and diverse faculty, you’ll develop the analytical, critical, and methodological skills needed to address real-world issues, preparing you for impactful careers in academia, NGOs, governmental or international organizations.

In this video, students and alumni share their experiences with the Conflict Studies and Human Rights' programme. 

Why this programme in Utrecht?

After graduation

Our alumni have gone on to make significant contributions worldwide, working with renowned international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, and universities. The comprehensive education and expertise acquired in our programme pave the way for impactful careers in the field of conflict studies.

I joined the CSHR programme wanting to become a conflict analyst and equip myself with the techniques and frameworks to understand the deeper layers behind the conflicts of our time.