Is the Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies an academic or practical qualification?

Both. The Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies combines academic foundations in conflict analysis and peacebuilding with practical humanitarian frameworks and briefing-writing skills. The final project is a working conflict analysis or peacebuilding briefing rather than an academic essay.

Do I need NGO or field experience to enrol in the Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies?

No. The Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies is open to A-Level leavers and career-changers without prior field experience. Volunteer or advocacy experience is welcome but not required, and the syllabus is taught from the ground up.

Can I take the Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies online?

Yes. The online route runs live cohort sessions and tutor-marked work on the same syllabus as on-campus. Distance learners follow a structured deadline schedule with weekly tutor contact and asynchronous discussion forums.

What kind of final project will I do on the Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies?

A conflict analysis or peacebuilding briefing on a current case, supervised by an experienced practitioner. Recent students have worked on Sahel security dynamics, post-conflict transitional justice in the Western Balkans, and climate-related conflict drivers in the Horn of Africa.

Is the Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies recognised by UK NGOs and international bodies?

Yes. The Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies is a UK qualification at Level 5 aligned to International Crisis Group, Amnesty International and UN Association introductory standards. UK NGOs, international agencies and humanitarian organisations recognise the credential.

Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies | LSJHML London | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a nine-to-twelve-month UK qualification for students who want to work at the meeting point of conflict analysis, peacebuilding and humanitarian response. You will study how conflicts begin and end, learn the frameworks peacebuilding organisations actually use, and develop the analytical and practical skills needed for entry-level NGO and policy roles.

This Diploma is grounded in practice. The Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies is taught with reference to current and historical conflicts, draws on International Crisis Group analytical traditions, and treats peacebuilding as a working discipline rather than a hopeful idea.

Key Features

UK Diploma credential in peace and conflict, aligned to International Crisis Group and UN Association introductory standards.
Conflict analysis module — causes, drivers, escalation, de-escalation, comparative case studies.
Peacebuilding strand — track-one and track-two diplomacy, transitional justice, post-conflict reconstruction.
Humanitarian frameworks — international humanitarian law, the Sphere standards, NGO coordination.
Three study modes — on-campus in central London, online with live cohort sessions, or distance learning with structured deadlines.
Final project — a conflict analysis or peacebuilding briefing on a current case, supervised by an experienced practitioner.

What You Will Learn

The Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies is structured around the analytical and practical work an entry-level peacebuilding programme officer or humanitarian assistant is expected to handle. You graduate able to analyse a conflict, brief a programme team on its drivers, situate humanitarian responses in current legal frameworks, and contribute to coalition work in a conflict-affected setting.

Foundations of peace and conflict studies — disciplinary history, key concepts, current debates.
Conflict analysis — causes, drivers, escalation, de-escalation, comparative case studies.
Peacebuilding — track-one and track-two diplomacy, transitional justice, reconciliation.
International humanitarian law — Geneva Conventions, protected persons, distinction.
Humanitarian response — Sphere standards, NGO coordination, do-no-harm.
Post-conflict reconstruction — institutional rebuilding, DDR, economic recovery.
Research and briefing — credible sources, structured analysis, the briefing format.
Ethics — safeguarding, working with affected communities, conflict sensitivity.

Who This Diploma Is For

A-Level leavers committed to peacebuilding, humanitarian or conflict-affected programme careers.
Career-changers from public sector, journalism or NGO work moving into peace and conflict roles.
Diaspora professionals with personal connections to conflict-affected regions seeking credentialled training.
Volunteers at humanitarian or peacebuilding organisations wanting a structured credential.

Career Pathways

The Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies is a foundation credential for entry-level peacebuilding, humanitarian and policy-adjacent work. Typical first roles include:

Programme Assistant (peacebuilding NGO, humanitarian organisation)
Conflict Analyst Assistant (think tank, international agency)
Humanitarian Programme Officer (international NGO)
Policy Advocate Assistant (advocacy organisation, peace network)
Research Assistant (academic peace research project)
International Development Adviser (entry-level, public body or NGO)

Graduates progress to the Higher Diploma in Social Development Studies, BA Public Communication or related degree at LSJHML or a partner university.

Entry Requirements

Completion of secondary school (A-Levels, BTEC, or international equivalent).
IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement; volunteer or advocacy experience is welcome.
Mature applicants (21+) may apply with two years of relevant work experience.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.