Why Study International Peace Studies:

• Study at an internationally renowned university  in the heart of Dublin, a vibrant and historic city;

• Enjoy small classes with excellent attention from lecturers and one-to-one attention from all staff;

• Enjoy an interdisciplinary approach to understanding peacebuilding and international relations in the 21st century - modules include international politics, development, conflict resolution, human rights, religions and international affairs, UN politics, gender and violence*;

• Gain access to practical aspects of conflict resolution through participating in internships with NGOs, field trips to Northern Ireland, UN Geneva, The Hague, as well as our Mediation Summer School**;

• Gain skills and contacts helpful for employment in a  range of occupations, including NGOs, international organizations and foreign affairs, as well as entry into PhD programmes;

• Scholarships available.

For further information click here...

Student Testimonials...

Paul Musiol, Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Middle East Unit,, Class of 2011
“I took the M.Phil in International Peace Studies in 2010-11, looking to better understand the issues and factors involved in peace and conflict and in international and inter-communal relations. The classes are balanced and really reinforce each other, with a good mix of the conceptual and the practical, supplemented by excellent guest speakers and field trips. What I particularly liked was that the course gave me a significant amount of freedom to determine what I wanted to focus on and what methods to use. Lectures and seminars were stimulating, friendly and informal and would send me away eager to discover more, whether that was in the library or by having a chat with the other students. The coursework was engaging and challenging and the mix of backgrounds and perspectives among the students was invigorating. We learned how to approach and understand complex issues such as conflict dynamics, international institutions, and the links between peace, development and human rights.

With the help of the ISE, I undertook an internship in a non-governmental organisation working in multilateral disarmament in Geneva while I was writing my dissertation. This was an almost immeasurably worthwhile experience, and one which I wouldn't have had a chance to do were it not for this course. That internship led me on to more NGO work in Geneva and eventually to my current role, in the Middle East Unit of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In all my professional roles so far, the grounding I gained from this course has been a huge help, and I'd strongly recommend it for anyone who wants to better understand and engage with some of the most critical issues in the world today.”

Heidi Riley, Class of 2012/13
“Undertaking the MPhil in International Peace Studies at ISE opened the door to the opportunity of continuing in academia to PHD level. Through the knowledge and experience I gained during my MPhil I was granted the fantastic opportunity of a scholarship which has enabled me embark on the path towards a Doctorate degree in area of gender and international relations.  

In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Front Line Defenders, arranged by International Peace Studies, during my MPhil. Front Line is a fantastic organization that does vital work for the security and protection of Human Rights Defenders. Apart from this it is a very welcoming office with brilliant staff. I have particularly enjoyed it because I was not treated just as an intern but as a member of staff. All the projects I have worked on while being there have been been very interesting and I was never expected to carryout menial tasks often associated with internships.”

Eimear Friel, Desk Officer, International Security Policy, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
"I have been working as a junior diplomat since completing the M. Phil in International Peace Studies in 2007.  I have worked on two policy desks in headquarters and will be sent on my first posting in September. My work when I first started dealt primarily with Irish involvement in peace support operations through European and UN structures.  My current responsibility is working on the Conflict Resolution Initiative, with a focus on women's role in peacemaking.  I use the knowledge and skills that I gained in ISE on a daily basis.  The course has given me a solid foundation for my work, both in terms of analytical and productive skills and in understanding the dynamics of issues related to peace theory and international relations”.

Read about Christen Parzych, Holocaust Museum, Washingtom D.C., (class of 2012) here... 

*Modules may vary from year to year.
**Internship module is subject to cap of 10 and the availability of suitable internships each year. Students must bear the cost of the internships themselves-travel, insurance etc. Internships are unpaid.
Two field trips normally occur each year, including to Belfast. Students must cover cost of field trips themselves

Trinity College Dublin is recognised internationally as Ireland's premier university and is ranked in 52nd position in the top 100 world universities and 14th position in the top 200 European universities by the QS World University Rankings 2010. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2010, TCD is ranked 76th in the top 200 world universities and 15th in the top European universities.