Core topics

The course focuses on conflicts at local, regional and global scales, with emphasis on South Asia.

Some of the topics explored are:

• What are causes for conflicts on local, regional and international level?
• Violent conflicts between states and within states
• Macro and micro aspects of conflicts: Refugees and migration, Security and Gender dimensions
• Terrorism and Extremism: How do they affect the international community and our societies?
• What is the meaning of peace?
• Human Rights and International Law
• Humanitarian Intervention and the Responsibility to Protect
• Analysis of conflicts in South Asia, including Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Nepal and Afghanistan
• How are conflicts resolved or transformed?
• Conflict resolution and peace building
• Post conflict reconstruction and reconciliation 
• Non-violence and Gandhian inspired peace philosophy
• The role of the UN in promoting peace and conflict management, resolution and transformation
• Introducing the academic field of Peace and Conflict Studies
• Peace movements and peace activism

Why should I study Peace and Conflict studies?

Who is the peace and conflict programme suited for?

Read the full course description

The students

The majority of the students are from Scandinavia, with participants from Nepal and India. The unique experience of Nepalee culture as well as international student life is very valuable for future studies and career.

Kulturstudier offers scholarships to students from Nepal. This is to make our program accessible to local students that might not otherwise have the financial means to participate. With their contributions in and outside of the classroom they help other students to relate stronger to the local environment.

Who will join me?

Interview with Indian student Pranjal Tiwari.

The teachers

The course is taught by renowned lecturers in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies and seminar leaders from all over the world, including Nepal and India. We are very proud of the international teaching staff who have a vast experience, and who ensure that students receive the maximum benefits from their studies. The close interaction with international lecturers gives unique opportunities to learn about future studies and career opportunities. Students also have the advantage of spending social time with renowned scholars.

Fieldwork

The main objective of the program is to bring to life the academic theory, and enable the students to make real life comparisons. While it is up to the students to make the most out of the experience, we organize also field studies or visits to NGOs where the students encounter relevant real life examples that challenge the concepts and content of the curriculum.

The structure of the semester

1. The self-study period: before you travel to Nepal you are expected to get acquinted with the curriculum and write an introductory assignment.
2. The main periode: consists of ten weeks in Nepal with lectures, seminars, field trips and group assignments.
3. Home exam: at the end of the ten weeks you have three weeks to write your home exam.

The self study assignment and the home exam can be done anywhere in the world, why not in Nepal or India?

For a more detailed course outline, see the study guide

Further studies

The course is worth 30 ECTS and can be included as part of a bachelor degree. Peace and Conflict studies as a field is founded in multiple disciplines including development, human rights, psychology, international relations and political science. The course gives a solid foundation for future studies in any of these disciplines, for postgraduate degrees in Peace and Conflict or South Asia studies.

Should you be interested in a full academic year in Nepal, Peace and Conflict Studies can be combined with Religion and Power. You can also combine the course with any of our other programs in Ghana, Vietnam or Argentina.

Many universities in Scandinavia as well as internationally also offer master programs in Peace and Conflict studies. Many students have utilized their background in the course for further postgraduate studies in Peace and Conflict in countries such as UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, and Costa Rica.

Read about the master’s programme Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Innsbruck.

University partners

Institute for International Studies at Oslo Metropolitan University College (OsloMet) holds the academic responsibility for the program. You get your ECTS and state loan/scholarships through and because of HIOA. It is Norway´s third largest university, with approximately 20 000 students and 2000 employees.

In Nepal we cooperate with Pokhara University, which send some of the local students and lecturers on the program.

The application process

To apply for the courses you must be eligible for university training.

Fill in the application form. If there are still places available we will send you an offer with an invoice for the deposit of 250 Euro. By paying the deposit you confirm your place on the programme. Leading up to the start of the programme we will keep you informed about the preparations for travel and studies.

Go to application form     More on studentlife in Nepal