MA in International Affairs, Conflict Resolution, and Civil Society Development

In a global context, where divisive politics and nationalism are gaining ground, there is a crucial need for individuals with the skills to approach contemporary issues from an informed, pluralistic viewpoint. The MA in International Affairs, Conflict Resolution and Civil Society Development is a two-year, bilingual program with the University of Paris I-Sorbonne. Through this collaboration, you will join a community of scholars working in Paris across languages, cultures and different educational systems to develop conflict resolution and humanitarian skills, global solidarity networks and future civil society alliances.

Project-based learning

While providing a rigorous and well-rounded understanding of contemporary international affairs, the course will push you to take theory beyond the classroom. Throughout your studies, you will have opportunities to work alongside visiting professionals to advance your skills and networks through intense three-day workshops that provide expertise in humanitarian assistance, diplomacy, non-profit management, negotiation, legal problem solving, health assessment in conflict zones, micro-credit management and mediation.

New and Experienced Thinking

We welcome recent graduates from educational institutions across the world – having earned the equivalent of a BA degree in International Affairs or a closely related field – as well as current professionals already working in the worlds of international institutions, NGOs and policymaking.

A Different Perspective

Alongside the requirements of the AUP program, you will take modules at the University of Paris I-Sorbonne. After passing a DELF B2 in French, you may enroll in four graduate level courses at the Sorbonne and receive a certificate attesting to your capability to successfully complete graduate work in French. In exchange, AUP admits those Sorbonne graduate students with sufficient English to participate in four of our modules, enriching the module experience for all students through enhanced cross-cultural referencing. Learning two languages and studying across two universities, you will be uniquely immersed in two ways of viewing the world.

International Partnerships

As part of the program, you will engage with the world outside of AUP through The Hague, Oxford and Ecole de Guerre practica, along with cultural trips offered by other programs, such as those in India, Fez and Cambodia. This type of on-site learning or fieldwork encourages you to interact with a professional environment and often within the context of another language and culture.

Program Requirements

As a student of the MA in International Affairs, Conflict Resolution and Civil Society  you will engage with discipline-specific theoretical constructs through modules designed to enhance critical thinking, as well as graduate-level research and writing capacities.

The program features core and elective courses, allowing you to focus on various fields of practice. We cover a rich scope of content from law to international relations and diplomacy, from conflict resolution to human rights, including:

Core Courses

Select two courses from the following list:

Explore the full Program Requirements

Engaged and analytical problem-solvers

This degree will prepare you to be an informed, proactive participant in developing new ideas for the promotion of peace and social justice at community, national and international levels.

As a student of the MA in International Affairs, Conflict Resolution and Civil Society Development you will:

• Build an in-depth understanding of a cosmopolitan canon of academic and expert publications in international affairs, international law, public policy, transnational affairs, conflict resolution and civil society development

• Develop clear analytical thinking as demonstrated by contributions to in-class discussions and argumentation as developed in written work including in the exploration of causality in your Master's thesis

• Demonstrate initiative in selecting a range of rigorous academic sources for oral and written work and in the pursuit of original research for your Master's thesis

• Gain a mastery of qualitative methodology (especially case study methods) and a basic understanding of statistical methods

• Graduate with the ability to give oral presentations and produce coherent written work in the French system to a graduate level

Internships

During the course of your study, you are encouraged to build on your education at AUP by applying gained knowledge and skills. An internship provides you with the crucial connection between theoretical knowledge and the real world experience that can ultimately kick start your professional career. 

In the past our students have undertaken placements with companies that include:

Your Classmates

Experience the Program

Learning methods focus on conventional techniques as well as critical management studies and approaches from other academic disciplines. Courses combine lectures, seminar discussion, case-method and student-directed projects. Within this context, a special emphasis is put on professional skills development and career development. Students also have the opportunity to collaborate with each other and program faculty for research projects and specialized directed study courses.

Find out more about applying to AUP