How do international paramilitary groups, like Wagner, affect armed conflicts? How do new technologies, such as drones and artificial intelligence affect the dynamics of armed conflict and war? Why are the cycles of police violence and urban uprisings recurring in the French banlieues? Why did MINUSMA, the UN mission in Mali, decide to leave and why is it so hard to end the armed conflicts in this country? Does climate change lead to new types of armed conflict?
Investigating conflict dynamics and societal challenges
Our international programme places a spotlight on the intricate dynamics of conflict, collective violence, and the associated political, cultural, and societal problems and tensions. Embracing an interdisciplinary perspective, we draw upon a rich tapestry of academic disciplines such as history, anthropology, political sociology, international relations, and political economy. Our faculty, hailing from various backgrounds and expertise, offer a comprehensive learning environment that nurtures diverse perspectives and encourages collaboration.
Theory, analysis, and qualitative research skills
By traversing academic disciplines, our programme seamlessly integrates theory with in-depth analysis and rigorous training in qualitative research skills. You'll have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork, internships, or participate in research labs centered around specific themes that change on a yearly basis, for example “genocide” or “urban conflict”. This hands-on approach empowers you to explore real-world contexts and contribute to the development of practical solutions.
Am I eligible?
Conflict Studies and Human Rights is a selective Master’s programme. Eligibility to apply to the programme is not a guarantee of admission. It is a highly competitive programme, and we evaluate every application comparatively when making our selection. Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master?
Why this programme in Utrecht?
After graduation
Our alumni have gone on to make significant contributions worldwide, working with renowned international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, and universities. The comprehensive education and expertise acquired in our programme pave the way for impactful careers in the field of conflict studies.
Is this a human rights programme?
Although there is a "human rights" component to this programme, it is not a law programme. Human rights are addressed through the analytical lens of conflict processes and dynamics. This graduate programme is therefore about conflict studies and human rights, not a programme of conflict studies or human rights. For those seeking a programme more in that direction, Utrecht University has a separate graduate programme on Human Rights that is more focused on jurisprudence and legal aspects of that subject.
I chose to study Conflict Studies in Utrecht because I wanted to improve my understanding of conflicts and my ability to relate conflict dynamics to others.
Key facts
- Degree:
- International Relations
- Language of instruction:
- English
- Mode of study:
- Full-time
- Study duration:
- 1 year
- Start:
- September
- Tuition fees:
- Dutch and other EU/EEA students (statutory fee, full-time) 2025-2026: € 2.601
Non-EU/EEA students (institutional fee) 2025-2026: € 20.605
More information about fees - Croho code:
- 60734
- Accreditation:
- Accredited by the NVAO
- Faculty:
- Humanities
- Graduate school:
- School of Humanities