Program Overview

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Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies MA

Overview

The Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies MA offers a multidisciplinary, comparative study of national, ethnic and religious conflicts in deeply divided societies. You will learn about topics such as the dynamics of nationalism, sectarianism and identity; the role of civil society in peace processes, truth and reconciliation commissions; and the role of collective memory.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full time, Part time
• Duration: 1 year FT / 2 years PT, September to September
• Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180 / ECTS 90
• Application status: Open
• Start date: September 2025

Course Essentials

The Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies MA offers a multidisciplinary, comparative study of national, ethnic and religious conflicts in deeply divided societies. You will learn about topics such as the dynamics of nationalism, sectarianism and identity; the role of civil society in peace processes, truth and reconciliation commissions; and the role of collective memory. You will begin with a core module on conflict and coexistence in divided societies, before choosing from a variety of optional modules to tailor your expertise.

Base Campuses

• Strand Campus: Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
• Waterloo Campus: Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Regulating Bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements: Minimum 2:1 honours undergraduate degree in such an appropriate subject as International Relations, War Studies, History, Political Science, Strategic Studies, Criminology, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, Psychiatry, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Theology.

International Applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications
• English language requirements: English language band B

Selection Process

• Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
• Your application will be assessed by the programme's admissions committee.

Personal Statement and Supporting Information

• Personal Statement: A personal statement is required, explaining your motivation for applying to the MA Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies at King's, and how you believe it will contribute to your own intellectual and professional development.
• Previous Academic Study: A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained.
• References: One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Self-Study

Location

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses.

Assessment

• Essays
• Individual & Group Presentations
• Exercises
• Seminar participation
• Exams
• Dissertation

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will take modules totalling 180 credits.

Required Modules

• Dissertation (60 Credits)
• Conflict & Coexistence in Divided Societies (45 credits)

Optional Modules

• Culture, Religion and Identity in Contemporary Conflicts (15 credits)
• Divided Cities, Contested States: Urban Violence and Transformation in the Middle East (15 credits)
• Power-Sharing Agreements in Deeply Divided Societies (15 credits)
• Contemporary War & Warfare (30 credits)
• Comparative Civil Wars (30 credits)
• State Failure & State Building (15 credits)
• Transitional Justice & International Criminal Law (15 credits)
• International Politics of the Middle East (30 credits)
• Diplomacy & Foreign Policy (30 Credits)

Employability

Our graduates take the skills that they develop to become leaders in the public and private sectors, academia, government, diplomacy and journalism.

Tuition Fees

UK:

• Full time: £19,550 per year (2025/26)
• Part time: £9,775 per year (2025/26)

International:

• Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26)
• Part time: £17,900 per year (2025/26)

Deposit

• If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place.
• The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

Additional Costs

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
• Library fees and fines.
• Personal photocopies.
• Printing course handouts.
• Society membership fees.
• Stationery.
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
• Graduation costs.
• Non-compulsory field trip fee and associated subsistence costs.
• Non-compulsory travel and subsistence costs for dissertation fieldwork in UK or abroad.