Program Overview

Overview of the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Program

The M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation is a postgraduate program offered by Trinity College Dublin, based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This program reflects the School and Trinity’s commitment to cross-border education, providing an interdisciplinary approach to the challenges of political and social reconciliation in the aftermath of violent conflict.

Course Details

• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
• NFQ Level: 9
• Awards: M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Coordinator: Professor David Mitchell
• Closing Date: 31st July 2025

Admission Requirements

• Academic Background: Applicants should normally have an Honours degree at second-class level or GPA 3.2 or above.
• English Language Requirements: All applicants are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language, meeting Band B (Standard Entry) requirements.

Course Structure

• Taught Modules: Provided over two terms (September to December and January to April)
• Research Skills Module: Mandatory for all Masters students (10 ECTS)
• Optional Modules: Students can customize their program through a variety of optional modules, including Conflict and Peace in Northern Ireland, Conflict Transformation, and Foundations of Conflict Resolution Research.
• Dissertation: Students complete a research dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words, supervised by an appropriate member of staff.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation program find employment in a wide range of careers, including:

• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Peacebuilding
• Human rights
• International development
• NGOs and the non-profit sector
• Advocacy and activism
• The public sector and government
• Diplomacy
• The United Nations and international organizations
• Research
• Teaching
• Journalism
• Academia
• Law

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the Trinity College Dublin website.

Program Description

The M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation offers students academic and theoretical insight into conflict resolution and reconciliation, as well as practical skills and experience through placements and workshops. Students have the opportunity to engage with community-based actors and organizations involved at grassroots level in the process of conflict transformation and social justice. The program is designed to suit the needs of specialists already working in conflict resolution and reconciliation, as well as those new to these fields of study.

Research Areas

The program focuses on various aspects of conflict resolution and reconciliation, including:

• Conflict and peace in Northern Ireland
• Conflict transformation
• Foundations of conflict resolution research
• Dynamics of reconciliation
• Contemporary conflict and peacemaking: global perspectives
• Mediation and peacebuilding skills
• Community learning and reflective practice

Conclusion

The M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation at Trinity College Dublin provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the complexities of conflict and reconciliation. With its unique location in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and its commitment to cross-border education, this program offers students a distinctive and enriching learning experience that prepares them for a wide range of careers in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and related fields.