“Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures”- John F. Kennedy. Have you ever thought of a career in Peace and Conflict Studies? No? Then you’re at the right place to be! In this blog, we’ll be unveiling everything that aspirants need to know about kick-starting their career in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Each year, September 21 is observed as the International Day of Peace. It was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly and also marked a period of cease-fire and non-violence. With the ever-growing need to provide public awareness and also education to people on the issues of peace, pursuing a Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies has become a lucrative option for many people. They can even expect to get good job profiles in government departments and also private think-tanks.
What is Peacemaking?
The term “peacemaking” can be interpreted and also explained in a variety of ways. According to the United Nations, peacemaking is an action to bring antagonistic parties to the agreement, primarily by such peaceful procedures as those foreseen in Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter; Pacific Settlement of Disputes. The objective of peacemaking is resolving conflicts, ending injustice, and preventing violence.
What is a Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies?
It is an interdisciplinary course that focuses on conflict resolution at both global and interpersonal levels. The course topics can vary for each institute, but they broadly cover the following issues – human rights, social movements, conflict management and resolution, conflict theory, and processes of change. This field of study takes the students through the knowledge of wars and their causes and also resolution. Similarly, peace processes and treaties are also studied in depth.
How does a Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies help students for the future?
Students who have completed their degrees can eye various career options such as media specialists, journalists, communication coordinators, public relations officers, public advocates, human rights committee members, and speechwriters. They find themselves employed in governments, political offices, media outlets, think tanks, and also public outreach organizations.
What are the Degrees in Peace and Conflict Studies Requirements?
Those who want to do a Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies are generally required to have a 3/4-year Bachelor’s Degree or a 3/4-year Honors Degree in the same field of study, although this might vary for different institutes. It is best to consult the admissions department of the institute that you are applying for to get a clear idea about the requirements.
Below are some of the best universities for a Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies in India
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
1. Degree Offered – Master of Arts (Peace and Conflict Studies)
2. Eligibility Criteria – The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
Sikkim University
1. Degree Offered – MA Peace and Conflict Studies
2. Eligibility Criteria – The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
Jamia Millia Islamia
1. Degree Offered – M.A.(Conflict Analysis and Peace Building)
2. Eligibility Criteria – The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any UGC recognized university
University of Mysore
1. Degree Offered – M.A. (Peace and Conflict Resolution)
2. Eligibility Criteria – The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
Jamia Hamdard
1. Degree Offered – M.A. (Peace and Conflict Studies and Management)
2. The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university. The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
Symbiosis International University
1. Degree Offered – Violence, Conflict and Peace Studies Course
2. Eligibility Criteria – The candidate should have a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university
Skills Required for a Career in Peace and Conflict Studies
- Aspirants interested in pursuing a career in Peace and Conflict Studies should have a strong dedication to social issues as well as an interest in interpersonal relations, community development, or international relations.
- Research and also analytical approaches should be emphasized in the educational background.
- The shared feeling of a common purpose being pursued by a socially aware cause can sometimes produce an unstructured workplace where flexibility is required.
- As many opportunities in this industry are transnational, knowing a foreign language can help with your job hunt.
- Teaching and training skills acquired through education or work also are applicable.
- Participating in public interest groups as an intern and/or volunteer will help you build a network that will help you land a professional employment offer.
- Experience working in multicultural parts of the society, especially in a developing country, is strongly desired.
A career in Peace and Conflict Studies
The success of peacebuilding activities across the globe has given rise to renewed interest in graduates in peacebuilding or some peacebuilding expertise. Let’s explore some of the most common career paths in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies:
1. Development and Communication Specialist
Graduates with a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies can also work as development and communication specialists in the industry. They collaborate closely with civil society leaders to assist society’s most vulnerable citizens. One of the most important aspects of their work is that they monitor conflicts and present a more balanced and conflict-sensitive view to members of the public and policymakers. They also assist in the consideration of nonviolent conflict resolution tactics. Grant writing, news analysis, and the development of successful communication strategies are all tasks performed by Development and Communication Specialists to achieve specific developmental goals.
Average Salary: Development and Communication Specialists can earn anywhere from ₹ 3.3 Lakhs to ₹ 28.1 Lakhs per year, based on their qualifications, region, and years of experience.
2. Policy Officer
A career as a Policy Officer is another popular choice for graduates in Peace and Conflict Studies. They collaborate with peacebuilding teams and local stakeholders to empower local communities through engagement with civil society, donors, and also decision-makers at all levels, from local to global. Policy Officers also contribute to the development of policies in the areas of politics, commerce, and socioeconomics. They primarily contribute to the policy-influencing areas of the organizations with which they engage. Policy officers also have a variety of responsibilities, including press and public affairs, consular and immigration administration, and active participation in the mediation and negotiation process.
Average Salary: The average salary of policy officers is around ₹ 40,000 to ₹ 65,000 per month.
3. Measurement Officers
Graduates and aspirants can also start a career in Peace and Conflict Studies as Measurement Officers for international organizations. They are critical in tracking, quantifying, communicating, and acting on findings, which are influenced in part by established organizational outcomes and evidence frameworks (OEF). In partnership with colleagues, measurement officers also support the creation and use of core indicators and related data collecting and measurement methods. Through training, technical assistance, and also data quality monitoring, measurement officers assist field officers in developing their capacity to collect, store, and also analyze program data.
Average Salary: A Measurement Officer’s typical income ranges from ₹ 4 Lakhs to ₹ 13 Lakhs per year. This is dependent on the number of years of experience and the geographical location.
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4. Academics/Researchers
Teachers, professors, and also researchers are some of the most prevalent paths taken by graduates who want to pursue a career in Peace and Conflict Studies. Aspirants are increasingly finding importance in a variety of fields, including rule of law, human rights, conflict resolution, livelihood, health, and also education. Establishing formal mechanisms as well as new social norms are all part of the complexity of transitioning a civilization from war to peace. Researchers spend a lot of time learning about conflict’s social, sociopolitical, and socioeconomic circumstances, as well as the numerous people engaged. They also do a study on the conflict’s dynamics, as well as important actors and their conflict-related interests.
Average Salary: A researcher’s average salary is around ₹ 5 Lakhs to ₹ 15 Lakhs per year depending upon the years of experience and also geographical location.
5. Conflict Resolution Expert or Consultant
Another prominent career path chosen by graduates to make a career in Peace and Conflict Studies is that of a Conflict Resolution Consultant or Expert. This job appears to be both exciting and hard. Professionals who meet with two or more parties involved in a disagreement and also assist them in resolving are known as conflict resolution specialists. They frequently try to reach an agreement that is acceptable to all parties concerned. Conflict resolution experts can assist clients in resolving legal, professional, and personal issues. Conflict resolution specialists work in a variety of fields, including:
- Mediators
- Contract negotiators
- Fact-checkers
- Arbitrators
- Conciliators
Average Salary: A Conflict Resolution Consultant or Expert’s average salary is around ₹ 7 Lakhs to ₹ 22 Lakhs per year depending upon the years of experience and geographical location.
Conclusion
A Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies can open many doors for your professional future. It is a highly sought-after degree that teaches conflict theory, conflict management and also resolution, human rights, and change. These skills are in high demand among government departments, social justice organizations, human rights watchdogs, research institutes, think tanks, and even academic institutions due to the highly volatile nature of geopolitics of the 21st century. If you are looking to obtain a Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies in India, six reputed universities offer degree courses in the domain of Peace and Conflict Studies. Students can then move into the realm of public policy in various departments and organizations.