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The programme in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding, developed jointly by Oxford Brookes University and UNITAR, addresses the interconnected challenges of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and humanitarian response. It emphasizes cultural sensitivity and fosters collaboration and innovation in these critical fields. With a focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, the program equips students to contribute effectively to global efforts for sustainable peace and conflict resolution, with a special emphasis on the triple nexus of humanitarian action, peacebuilding, and development.   

Complex man-made crises, conflicts, violence and unrest have become a major concern for the international community. Designing interventions in these extremely volatile contexts requires specific knowledge and skills that would enable involved professionals to minimize negative impacts and maximize opportunities for positive and sustainable changes.  

Built on the expertise of UNITAR and Oxford Brookes University (OBU), the programme in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding explores the interactions between these two fields, by linking theory with practice and applied knowledge. The programme envisages online lectures, discussions with key practitioners, experience sharing, and critical reflections - all within the framework of an action research-based approach. The aim of the programme is to enhance reflective practices by combining the art of conflict-sensitive approaches to humanitarian and peacebuilding programming with the appreciation of the wider context in which these interventions unfold.  

Start Dates: January 2025 / September 2025 / January 2026 / September 2026 

Mode of Delivery: Online, web-based e-learning 

Duration: 2.5 years (30 months), part-time flexible 

Language: English

• Interconnectedness of Humanitarian Action, Peacebuilding, and Development. 
• Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity. 
• Collaboration and Innovation in Conflict Resolution. 
• Practical Skills for Humanitarian Response and Peacebuilding. 
• The Triple Nexus: Humanitarian Action, Peacebuilding, and Development. 
• Addressing Emerging Challenges in Conflict Resolution. 
• Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, and Well-being in Conflict-Affected Areas. 
• Forced Migration, Protection, and Humanitarianism. 
• Localization and the Role of Local Actors. 
• Concepts and Principles of International Humanitarian Law. 

Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, focusing on preventing and resolving conflicts and strengthening institutions for peacebuilding. 
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Indirectly contributes to health and well-being by addressing conflicts and crises, ensuring access to essential services, reducing violence, and promoting stability. 
• SDG 4: Quality Education: Provides quality education and training in humanitarian action and peacebuilding, developing knowledgeable and skilled professionals. 
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Addresses conflicts and crises that exacerbate inequalities, promoting stability, social cohesion, and addressing root causes of conflicts. 
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Highlights the collaboration between UNITAR and Oxford Brookes University, demonstrating the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development objectives. 

This programme is ideal for: 

• Practitioners in humanitarian action and peacebuilding, including: 
  • Military and police officers deployed or preparing for field operations. 
  • Civil servants (e.g., diplomats handling humanitarian affairs). 
  • Academics and researchers in humanitarian studies. 
  • Journalists covering conflict and humanitarian issues. 

• Professionals from other sectors looking to transition into humanitarian action or peacebuilding. 

Graduates of the MA in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding will be able to: 

• Identify contexts of humanitarian action and peacebuilding. 
• Recognize theories and practices related to the different dimensions of humanitarian action and peacebuilding – with a specific focus on protection actions.  
• Operate methods and tools (for mapping, assessment, management, etc.) needed by practitioners working in the fields of humanitarian action and peacebuilding to address current and emerging challenges.

Modules run from September to December, January to March, and April to July, except for the dissertation, which spans two terms. 

If you start in January, you will study a range of modules between January and May. During the summer months of June, July and August you will study further modules and begin work on your dissertation. Between September and December, you will complete your final modules and focus on your dissertation. 

• Master’s Degree: 30 months (minimum 18 months, maximum 5 years). 
• PG Certificate: 12 months (maximum 2 years). 

Each module corresponds to 20 Brookes Credits or 10 ECTS (European Credit Transfer Scheme), which equates to approximately 200 hours of student workload per module.  

• Core Modules (20 Brookes Credits / 10 ECTS each): 
  • Culture-Sensitivity in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings 
  • From Conflict Sensitivity to Conflict Transformation 
  • Leadership, Team, and Self-Management in Conflict Settings 
     
• Optional Modules (20 Brookes Credits / 10 ECTS each): 
  • Protection of Civilians in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings 
  • Post-Conflict Stabilization and Recovery 
  • Humanitarian and Peacebuilding Programmes in Urban Conflicts 
  • Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, and Well-being in Conflict-Affected Areas 
  • Forced Migration, Protection, and Humanitarianism 
  • Triple Nexus, Localization, and the Local Turn 
  • Concepts and Principles of International Humanitarian Law 
     
• Acceptable Module (20 Brookes Credits / 10 ECTS): 
  • Independent Study  
    

Master’s Degree: 180 Brookes Credits / 90 ECTS. 
The Master's programme exit and entry award requires the successful completion of: 

• Three Core Modules. 
• Three issue-based modules (chosen from the Optional Modules). 
• One Research Methods Module as preparation for the dissertation. The research component requires 600 hours of student workload and is made up of: 
  • Conflict and Post-Conflict Research: Methods and Ethics (10 Brookes Credits / 5 ECTS). 
  • Practice-based Study/Dissertation (50 Brookes Credits / 25 ECTS). 

Diploma: 120 Brookes Credits / 60 ECTS. 

Awarded after completion of: 

• Three Core Modules. 
• Three issue-based modules (chosen from the Optional Modules). One of these modules could be replaced by an Independent Study, should students wish to investigate a specific issue in depth. 

PG Certificate: 60 Brookes Credits / 30 ECTS. 

Awarded after completion of: 

• Three Core Modules. 

Short-Course Certification: Four options available (60 Brookes Credits / 30 ECTS each). 

1. Triple Nexus, Localisation, and the Local Turn; Culture-Sensitivity in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings; Independent Study. 
2. Leadership, Team and Self-Management in Conflict Settings; Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, and Well-being in Conflict-affected Areas; Independent Study. 
3. Protection of Civilians in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings; Concepts and Principles of International Humanitarian Law; Independent Study. 
4. Humanitarian and Peacebuilding Programmes in Urban Conflicts; Forced Migration, Protection, and Humanitarianism; Independent Study. 

Individual Module Certification: Available for specific topics (20 Brookes Credits / 10 ECTS). 

Applicants can enrol as associated students for individual modules, taking any from the list of Core and Optional Modules

The programme is organised on a modular credit system. Modules will offer a range of taught material, self-led study, group discussion, webinar, group and individual tutorials, virtual coffees, group work and personal reflection.  

The course is structured to be fully online and mainly asynchronous, allowing students to access lectures, readings, and assignments at their convenience, and in their own time. This format offers significant flexibility, accommodating working professionals and catering to various learning and studying styles. However, to maintain a human-centred approach and accommodate those who prefer synchronous interaction, certain activities are also offered in real-time. This ensures that all students, regardless of their preferred learning style, have opportunities for engagement and support. The modules run from September to December, January to March and April to July, except for the dissertation module that runs over two terms.  

• Online Delivery: Offers flexibility in location, time, and space, with diverse methods and personalized learning. 
• Learning from the Workplace: Uses the workplace as the main learning environment, emphasizing action research and hands-on exercises. 
• Student-Centred Approach: Focuses on group work, participation, and a mixed team of facilitators. 
• Innovative Multicultural Pedagogy: Emphasizes cultural diversity and innovative teaching methods. 
• Multi-disciplinary Study: Integrates social sciences, peace and conflict studies, humanities, and more. 
• Web-based Learning Community: Encourages collaborative work and peer-to-peer learning with an international faculty. 

2024 / 25 

• Home (UK) distance learning: £5,250 (MA year 1 & Certificate) 
• International distance learning: £5,250 (MA year 1 & Certificate) 

Fees are quoted for the first year only. Fees for the second year will remain the same. 

2025 / 26 

• Home (UK) distance learning: £5,500 (MA year 1 & Certificate) 
• International distance learning: £5,500 (MA year 1 & Certificate) 

Fees are quoted for the first year only. Fees for the second year will remain the same. 

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics, and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

For more information about the Tuition Fees, Financial support and Scholarships please visit Oxford Brookes Website: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/humanitarian-action-and-peacebuilding. 

Entry Requirements 

The programme is open to all candidates who fulfil at least one of the following conditions: 

• hold an approved honours degree (or equivalent) at 2:1 or above in a relevant discipline, and preferably some experience in the field of humanitarian action and peacebuilding or related fields. 
• hold a relevant recognised diploma and/or certified professional qualification and 3 to 5 years' experience in humanitarian action and peacebuilding or related fields. 
• have substantial and proven field experience (minimum 10 years) in humanitarian action, peacebuilding and related fields. 

In exceptional circumstances, where applicants can show that they have qualifications or experience or both that demonstrate that they have knowledge and capabilities equivalent to those listed above, they may be admitted onto the course. 

Please also see the University's general entry requirements. 

English Language 

If the first language of a student is not English, he/she must prove his/her English-language competency by providing evidence of an IELTS level of 6.5 or a recognized equivalent.  

Please see the Oxford Brookes University's standard English language requirements. 

In exceptional circumstances, where applicants can show that they have qualifications or experience or both that demonstrate that they have knowledge and capabilities equivalent to those possessed by holders of the qualifications listed above, they may be admitted with a dispensation from the requirement to possess those qualifications.  

Application Deadlines 

Applications received after the final deadline are evaluated case by case on a rolling basis. 

Application Instructions 

All applicants are required to apply online through the UK Pass. Students must complete all required fields and uploads prior to submission. The Programme Coordinator is available to help students during the application process. 

• Apply Online - Oxford Brookes University 

Learners are encouraged to email the Programme Coordinator at mahap@unitar.org or mahap@brookes.ac.uk with any questions. 

UNITAR 

United Nations Institute for Training and Research 

Av. de la Paix 7 bis, 1202 Genève, Switzerland 

Ms Alexandra Severino  
Programme Coordinator, Online Learning and Education 

E-mail: mahap@unitar.org 

Oxford Brookes University 

https://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/humanitarian-action-and-peacebuilding# 

School of Architecture, Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment  

Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane  

Oxford, OX30BP  

Dr Brigitte Piquard 

Reader in Humanitarianism and Conflict, School of Architecture/ CENDEP 

Email: mahap@brookes.ac.uk