Do I need conflict-affected experience for the Higher Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies?

Not formally, but most students arrive with at least some relevant experience — NGO programming, humanitarian work, diplomatic service or community mediation. Mature applicants with significant senior-track experience may apply without standard qualifications.

Does the Higher Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies cover mediation practice?

Yes. Track I, Track II and community-level mediation approaches are core modules. The aim is competence as a contributor to a mediation team rather than full standalone certification — accreditation as a mediator requires further specialist training.

Can the Higher Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies be done online?

Yes. The online route uses live seminars, structured case-study workshops and the same capstone expectations as the on-campus Higher Diploma. Distance learners follow a self-paced schedule with regular tutor checkpoints.

What is the capstone project on the Higher Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies?

A programme design for a real or simulated post-conflict context — including conflict analysis, theory of change, results framework and multi-year plan. Past capstones have covered transitional justice programming and community-level mediation initiatives.

Will the Higher Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies lead to a Bachelor's degree?

Yes. Graduates can apply for direct entry into the final year (Level 6) of a UK BA in International Relations, Conflict Studies or a related discipline at LSJHML or a partner university.

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

Course Overview

The Higher Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a fifteen-to-eighteen-month UK qualification for working practitioners, NGO staff and policy professionals in peacebuilding, mediation and post-conflict programming. You will study conflict analysis frameworks, mediation practice and the design of post-conflict programmes, with comparative case studies across at least three world regions.

This is a serious applied programme rather than an academic survey. By the end you can analyse a conflict at the level a programme funder or policy unit would expect, contribute to a mediation team brief, and design the architecture of a post-conflict programme.

Key Features

UK Level 5/6 qualification in peace and conflict studies — fifteen to eighteen months full-time.
Conflict analysis frameworks — Galtung, Lederach, contemporary critical voices.
Mediation practice modules — Track I, Track II and community-level approaches.
Post-conflict programming — transitional justice, security-sector reform, livelihoods.
Comparative case studies across at least three world regions.
Capstone programme design project for a real or simulated post-conflict context.

What You Will Learn

The Higher Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies is structured around the working life of a peacebuilding or mediation practitioner — analyse the conflict, identify entry points, design the intervention, defend the strategy. You finish able to contribute to a peacebuilding or mediation team at senior practitioner level.

Conflict analysis frameworks — Galtung, Lederach, Burton, contemporary critical voices.
Mediation practice — Track I (state-level), Track II (informal) and community-level approaches.
Post-conflict programming — transitional justice, security-sector reform, livelihoods.
Peacebuilding ethics — do-no-harm principles, contributor protection, working in protracted conflict.
Comparative case studies — at least three regions covering current and historical conflicts.
Programme design — theory of change, results frameworks, multi-year planning in fragile contexts.
Negotiation craft — preparation, listening, framing, fall-back positions.
Communications in conflict settings — narrative, framing, communications ethics in fragile contexts.

Who This Higher Diploma Is For

Advanced Diploma graduates in international relations, human rights or related fields.
Working NGO and humanitarian staff stepping into peacebuilding or mediation roles.
Civil servants and diplomats on conflict-affected briefs.
Mature applicants with significant relevant experience in conflict-affected settings.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies move into peacebuilding, mediation and post-conflict programming roles across UK and international NGOs, mediation bodies and policy organisations. Typical first or next roles include:

Peacebuilding Programme Officer (international NGO, mediation body)
Conflict Adviser (UK ministry, international agency)
Mediation Practitioner (specialist mediation body)
Transitional Justice Researcher (international tribunal, NGO)
Humanitarian Programme Manager (humanitarian NGO, UN agency)
Research Analyst (think tank, policy unit specialising in conflict)

The Higher Diploma articulates directly into the final year of a UK BA in International Relations, Conflict Studies or a related discipline at LSJHML or a partner university.

Entry Requirements

An Advanced Diploma (Level 5) or equivalent in a related subject, OR a Diploma plus two years of relevant work experience.
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement and CV outlining peacebuilding or conflict-affected interests or experience.
Mature applicants (25+) without standard qualifications may apply with significant senior-track 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.