Learn to resolve conflict effectively in our rapidly changing global climate

Peace Studies explores peace, conflict and nonviolent conflict resolution, which aims to promote understanding and build skills for creating a more peaceful and just world. With increased climate challenges leading to humanitarian crises, and the rapid emergence of technology that makes global communication promoting peacebuilding issues easier than ever, professionals who can embrace these changes will be sought after in this field.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in peace studies designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to prepare you for a career addressing difficult situations. Considering our established expertise in preparing adults for ever-evolving workplaces, we ensure that our peace studies courses focus on conflict analysis, mediation and negotiation, human security, international law and sustainable development, as well as the ethical and moral dimensions of peace and conflict to ensure you graduate ready for work as a peacemaker.

Most of our students choose online learning, where they become part of a community of adult learners who use their life and work experience to create networks for the future. On-campus learners can access housing, sports and support services. Whether online or on campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the peace studies courses on offer at UNE. 

Courses by study level

Bachelor of Arts

One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is increasingly relevant in today's agile, dynamic world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you study a BA at UNE, you have the freedom to become a specialist in the discipline of your choice.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The term 'global village' may have become a cliché but it's true that the world has never felt smaller. Globalisation has seen many countries become increasingly dependent on each other, with the effects of internal politics, foreign policy and diplomacy impacting nations and individuals worldwide. With such a backdrop, the ability to make sense of it all and assess the issues that affect nations across the political, economic, social, environmental and cultural spectrum is a highly valued skill.

This course gives you the opportunity to specialise in areas such as human futures and global challenges, international law, global politics and peace, international business, and an Asian, European or classical language. You will also have the option to study overseas. Available for study fully online, as well as on campus, the degree will equip you with transferable intercultural skills that are highly valued in today's globalised job market.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations, with potential for a rewarding career in social science related areas. You will get a thorough grounding in sociology and psychology, plus you can choose from a broad range of majors to graduate with specialised knowledge. With skills in research, critical analysis and evaluation that are transferable across a range of employment opportunities, you will future-proof your career with UNE.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn to think like an entrepreneur. You’ll develop creative and socio-cultural knowledge, and vital skills in critical thinking and communication.

Our degree fosters the accumulation of knowledge and the acquisition of a diverse set of skills, essential to helping you be an independent thinker, and empowering you to create a new future, new career prospects and the ability to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing modern workplace.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units, you tailor the course to your specific interests and career objectives by choosing from an extensive selection of arts, humanities and social science units.

With our Advanced Diploma in Arts you have the freedom to explore related subjects, or a range of different topics. With this flexibility, your advanced diploma can be customised to your aspirational and practical needs. It will also qualify you to go on to a Bachelor of Arts if you're keen to continue your studies. Become future fit with these advanced studies. 

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

A capstone to your bachelor's degree, the Bachelor of International Studies with Honours is an opportunity to drill deep into your specialist area, to extend your intellectual range, and sharpen your research capabilities. Develop advanced communication techniques and in-depth knowledge of issues that affect nations across the security, political, economic, social and cultural spectrum. Hone your analytical abilities and gain high level personal and professional communication skills.

Position yourself for inevitable workplace change by further developing your transferable intercultural skills, which are highly valued in today’s globalised job market.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A capstone to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to extend your intellectual range, and sharpen your research capabilities. It will enable advanced communication techniques and deep subject knowledge, to hone your analytical abilities, and gain high-level personal and professional skills.

These are valuable attributes that provide a solid foundation for postgraduate study, give you a competitive edge in the job market, and help future proof your career in a rapidly changing world.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Aimed at high achievers, Honours is an extra year of study after completing your undergraduate degree. UNE's Bachelor of Social Science with Honours allows you to extend your studies, continuing to build your knowledge and skills in social science theory while undertaking research in your chosen topic.

Honours is a valuable, additional qualification that improves career prospects, plus you'll have the option to proceed to higher degree studies — either a masters or PhD. With an honours degree, your skills in critical analysis and research will be transferable across a range of fields, future proofing your career.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Master of Arts

UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree research.

With a master's degree, you can make a switch to a new career field or gain additional expertise to enhance your existing path. At UNE, you can select a major from a wide range of specialty areas, dive into research and tailor the program to your interests and career goals. Explore history, linguistics, theatre and digital performance, philosophy, sociology and more.

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work with you to design a course to match your skills and aspirations.

You will have the freedom to assemble your course from a full breadth of subjects, play to your strengths and draw from your experience to achieve your goals. Learn in a way that suits your timeframe and do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor — with one-on-one guidance from start to finish. You'll be paving your pathway to the next stage of your career.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new career direction, we will work with you to customise a course to match your skills and aspirations.

Choose from a full breadth of subjects. Avoid getting bogged down in a lengthy, traditional course, and instead, play to your natural strengths, refine your skills and draw on your experience to prepare for the future. And do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor with 1:1 guidance from start to finish.

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online

Practice-based research drives better decisions, stronger services and measurable outcomes. UNE’s Professional Doctorate provides foundational research training with a research thesis, supporting experienced professionals to contribute to the development of original knowledge that improves professional practice in their fields.

Co-design a workplace-embedded project with your UNE supervision team and your organisation, aligning rigorous methods with real-world challenges. Your examinable output is tailored to your discipline—for example, a thesis, a dissertation with artefacts, or an exegesis with a portfolio of creative, technical or performance works.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.

When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Master of Philosophy

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform decision-making in your specialist area.

You will work independently, with personalised support from recognised experts in your area of study every step of the way. Expand your expertise, hone your research skills, and immediately apply your knowledge in a research topic of your choice.

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Not Offered - Pending Review
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the subjects that matter most to you? That’s what a Non-Award unit with UNE will help you to achieve.

Non-Award study means you can learn without the need to complete entire course requirements or take on a full course load. Whether it’s a language you want to learn, a business unit to enhance your career, an improvement of your IT skills, an update on education principles or developing your management style, Non-Award study gives you the flexibility and control to explore what matters to you.

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Cross-Institutional

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross-institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of UNE's discipline areas.

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Why study with us?

Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.

Greg Kemmett

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Peace Studies

With demand for conflict resolution professionals strong and rising, UNE’s peace studies offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes on a global level. Strengthen your position as a socially just leader in nonviolent dispute resolution. Explore your options now.

Filter by:
Showing 1 – 8 of 8 results
Community Engagement and Development
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop the skills to help communities with their resilience and capacity for long-term sustainability with UNE's sustainability experts. Future-proof your career and the planet as those in the field shift their focus to Indigenous communities…

Develop the skills to help communities with their resilience and capacity for long-term sustainability with UNE's sustainability experts. Future-proof your career and the planet as those in the field shift their focus to Indigenous communities and enduring sustainability practices.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Sustainability Major Undergraduate
Environmental Advocacy
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's expertise will help you refine your professional knowledge and advocacy skills enabling you to manage natural resources effectively at the micro and macro levels. Equip yourself for a career that contributes to protecting global…

UNE's expertise will help you refine your professional knowledge and advocacy skills enabling you to manage natural resources effectively at the micro and macro levels. Equip yourself for a career that contributes to protecting global environments that are undergoing serious decline.

Courses Type Level of Study
Graduate Certificate in Arts Major Postgraduate
Environmental Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course

UNE’s focus on environmental studies equips you with essential skills to address the challenges of climate change and its multifaceted impacts. Through interdisciplinary study in social sciences and humanities, you’ll gain the expertise needed to adapt to evolving environmental issues.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor Undergraduate
Global Environment
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Prepare for a career in Environmental Science and learn from the experts at UNE. Develop the skills to analyse the critical issues concerning the rapidly changing environment; land use, resource management, pollution, water, animals, natural…

Prepare for a career in Environmental Science and learn from the experts at UNE. Develop the skills to analyse the critical issues concerning the rapidly changing environment; land use, resource management, pollution, water, animals, natural disasters, and explore advancing technology.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Global Politics and Peace
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's experts in international politics will help you examine nonviolent ways of resolving or transforming conflict and develop skills for use in communities worldwide. Prepare yourself for the rapidly changing world of global politics that is…

UNE's experts in international politics will help you examine nonviolent ways of resolving or transforming conflict and develop skills for use in communities worldwide. Prepare yourself for the rapidly changing world of global politics that is seeing vast social change and technological advances.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of International Studies Major Undergraduate
Human Futures and Global Challenges
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
The experts at UNE will prepare you to tackle the global challenges that face our population today and in the future. Develop the analytical and problem-solving skills you'll need to meet growing demand for specialists who can assess and…

The experts at UNE will prepare you to tackle the global challenges that face our population today and in the future. Develop the analytical and problem-solving skills you'll need to meet growing demand for specialists who can assess and mitigate the impacts of our globalised society on the earth.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of International Studies Major Undergraduate
Peace Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Explore how peace workers support individuals, families, communities and societies in transforming conflicts before they escalate towards violence. Become an expert in post-conflict recovery and management in a global and digital era, and secure a…

Explore how peace workers support individuals, families, communities and societies in transforming conflicts before they escalate towards violence. Become an expert in post-conflict recovery and management in a global and digital era, and secure a career in rebuilding conflict-affected communities.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Politics and Peace Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Globalisation has shone a light on the need for experienced specialists in politics and peace studies. UNE will help you develop the analytical, research and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the growing number of international…

Globalisation has shone a light on the need for experienced specialists in politics and peace studies. UNE will help you develop the analytical, research and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the growing number of international relations, conflict resolution, and peace-building roles.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Social Science Major Undergraduate
  • 1

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Peace Studies

By studying Peace Studies with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers, both in Australia and across the globe. With the need for professionals with expertise in conflict resolution, graduates of peace studies can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Conflict resolution specialist
    Work with two or more parties having a dispute, then help them find a resolution.
  • Peacebuilder
    Work to resolve injustice in nonviolent ways and to transform the cultural and structural conditions that undermine peace in communities.
  • Human rights advocate
    Work individually or with others, to promote or protect human rights in a peaceful manner.
  • Environmental sustainability manager
    Develop, implement and monitor organisational environmental strategies and performance.
  • Social justice advocate
    Work on behalf of vulnerable and marginalised groups for their rights to services.
  • Community development worker
    Work with individuals, families or whole communities to bring about social change and improve the quality of life in their local area.
  • International development consultant
    Work with government organisations and NGOs in developing countries to support poverty alleviation, good governance and to help increase access to basic services.
  • Diplomat
    Work as an official government representative to promote your country’s interests and policies in international relations.

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2027 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.