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Master's Programme in Crisis Management and Peacebuilding 120 credits

En kvinna i blå tröja ler och tittar åt ett annat håll.
Image: Malin Gronborg

About the programme

While studying Master's Degree Program in Crisis Management and Peacebuilding gives you in-depth knowledge about crisis management and peacebuilding at national and international level. The main perspective is governance under uncertainty caused by crisis, disasters and conflicts. You will develop skills to analyze and manage uncertainty in light of knowledge about crisis management systems, legal norms, power relations and planning for societal reconstruction. You will get in-depth training in analysis methods and writing of scientific reports. 

 

Kroatisk polis assisterar flyktingar som stiger på tåg i Tovarnik, Kroatien på väg mot Ungern i oktober 2015.

Researchers who are active in their fields also teach in the programme

Read more about our research profile 

 Internship creates a great way to get into working life

Design your studies based on your own interests and needs

Programme overview

  • Crisis Management
    13%
  • Peace and Conflict Studies
    12%
  • Global and Regional Governance
    12%
  • Optinal courses/Internship
    25%
  • Method
    12%
  • Thesis
    26%

While studying

The program can be attended for one year for the degree of Master of Science 60 credits or for two years for the degree of Master of Science 120 credits. In both cases the first year starts with mandatory courses such as Crisis Management Systems in Comparative Perspective, Global and Regional Governance, and Reconstruction after Crisis and Disasters, as well as courses in method which will prepare you for the work on Master's Degree Thesis.

There are also opportunities to study elective advanced level courses from other disciplines and universities within Sweden as well as broad. Master's Degree Program includes internship period that can be conducted once or twice during the program. Thus, the program is characterized by a high degree of free choice of courses, internships and thesis topics.

Programme overview

Semester 1

Systems of Crisis Management in Comparative Perspective 15 credits Mandatory
Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences 7,5 credits Mandatory
Quantitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences 7,5 credits Mandatory

Semester 2

Semester 2, for Master of Science Degree 60 credits
Internship I / Electives 15 credits
Thesis in Peace and Conflict Studies 15 credits Mandatory

Semester 2, for Master of Science Degree 120 credits
Internship I / Electives 15 credits
Internship II/ Electives 15 credits

Semester 3

Global and Regional Governance 15 credits Mandatory
Peace and Peacebuilding 15 credits Mandatory

Semester 4

For students who has written a master thesis 15 credits
Electives 15 credits
Thesis in Peace and Conflict Studies 15 credits Mandatory

For students who have not written a theses semester 2
Thesis in Peace and Conflict Studies 30 credits Mandatory

 
Show programme syllabus

Future and career opportunities

Career opportunities Master's Degree Program in Crisis Management and Peacebuilding prepares you for work in the public sector on local, regional, national and international level and in governmental and non-governmental organizations in the fields of crisis management and peacebuilding. Among other things, you can work with management, analysis and planning in crisis and conflict areas.

International activities in fields of crisis, disaster and conflict management have dramatically increased in the latest decades and there is a need for qualified human resources. Many of the larger international organisations are also requiring an advanced level university studies degree.

Apply

  • Autumn 2025

    • Master's Programme in Crisis Management and Peacebuilding

      International admissions round

      Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site

      Show more Show less

      Start

      Autumn Term 2025

      Number of credits

      120 credits

      Type of studies

      On site

      Study pace

      100%

      Length

      2 years

      Study location

      Umeå

      Language

      English

      Application code

      UMU-M2030

      Eligibility Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6. A Bachelor's Degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university with 90 credits in Peace and Conflict Studies or equivalent, or a Bachelor's Degree with 90 credits in Political Science and a with minimum of 30 credits in Peace and Conflict Studies or equivalent, inclouding an independent written thesis equivalent of at least 15 ECTS. If you are still working towards your undergraduate degree, you need to include with your application a document from your current University, outlining when you are expected to graduate as well as a course outline for the last semester.
      Selection

      Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
      Degree

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) is Filosofie magisterexamen.The degree is awarded in the main field of Peace and Conflict Studies (Freds- och konfliktstudier) with the specialization Crisis Management and Peacebuilding.

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is Filosofie masterexamen.The degree is awarded in the main field of Peace and Conflict Studies (Freds- och konfliktstudier) with the specialization Crisis Management and Peacebuilding.
      .
      Application

      Application deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.

      Application and tuition fees

      As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

      Application fee: SEK 900

      Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300

      Total fee: SEK 193,200

      Details about tuition, fees and funding

       

    • Master's Programme in Crisis Management and Peacebuilding

      Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens

      Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site

      Submit a late application

      Show more Show less

      Start

      Autumn Term 2025

      Number of credits

      120 credits

      Type of studies

      On site

      Study pace

      100%

      Length

      2 years

      Study location

      Umeå

      Language

      English

      Application code

      UMU-P2030

      Eligibility Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6. A Bachelor's Degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university with 90 credits in Peace and Conflict Studies or equivalent, or a Bachelor's Degree with 90 credits in Political Science and a with minimum of 30 credits in Peace and Conflict Studies or equivalent, inclouding an independent written thesis equivalent of at least 15 ECTS. If you are still working towards your undergraduate degree, you need to include with your application a document from your current University, outlining when you are expected to graduate as well as a course outline for the last semester.
      Selection

      Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
      Degree

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) is Filosofie magisterexamen.The degree is awarded in the main field of Peace and Conflict Studies (Freds- och konfliktstudier) with the specialization Crisis Management and Peacebuilding.

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is Filosofie masterexamen.The degree is awarded in the main field of Peace and Conflict Studies (Freds- och konfliktstudier) with the specialization Crisis Management and Peacebuilding.
      .
      Application

      Application deadline was 15 April 2025. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.

      Application and tuition fees

      As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

      Application fee: SEK 900

      Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300

      Total fee: SEK 193,200

      Details about tuition, fees and funding

       

  • Autumn 2026

    • Master's Programme in Crisis Management and Peacebuilding

      International admissions round

      Autumn 2026 / Umeå / English / On site

      Application opens 16 October 2025
      Save education at universityadmissions.se

      Show more Show less

      Start

      Autumn Term 2026

      Number of credits

      120 credits

      Type of studies

      On site

      Study pace

      100%

      Length

      2 years

      Study location

      Umeå

      Language

      English

      Application code

      UMU-M2030

      Eligibility Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6. A Bachelor's Degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university with 90 credits in Peace and Conflict Studies or equivalent, or a Bachelor's Degree with 90 credits in Political Science and a with minimum of 30 credits in Peace and Conflict Studies or equivalent, inclouding an independent written thesis equivalent of at least 15 ECTS. If you are still working towards your undergraduate degree, you need to include with your application a document from your current University, outlining when you are expected to graduate as well as a course outline for the last semester.
      Selection

      Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
      Degree

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) is Filosofie magisterexamen.The degree is awarded in the main field of Peace and Conflict Studies (Freds- och konfliktstudier) with the specialization Crisis Management and Peacebuilding.

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is Filosofie masterexamen.The degree is awarded in the main field of Peace and Conflict Studies (Freds- och konfliktstudier) with the specialization Crisis Management and Peacebuilding.
      .
      Application

      The online application opens 16 October 2025 at 13:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 January 2026.

      Application and tuition fees

      As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

      Application fee: SEK 900

      Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300

      Total fee: SEK 193,200

      Details about tuition, fees and funding

       

    • Master's Programme in Crisis Management and Peacebuilding

      Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens

      Autumn 2026 / Umeå / English / On site

      Application opens 16 March 2026
      Save education at universityadmissions.se

      Show more Show less

      Start

      Autumn Term 2026

      Number of credits

      120 credits

      Type of studies

      On site

      Study pace

      100%

      Length

      2 years

      Study location

      Umeå

      Language

      English

      Application code

      UMU-P2030

      Eligibility Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6. A Bachelor's Degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university with 90 credits in Peace and Conflict Studies or equivalent, or a Bachelor's Degree with 90 credits in Political Science and a with minimum of 30 credits in Peace and Conflict Studies or equivalent, inclouding an independent written thesis equivalent of at least 15 ECTS. If you are still working towards your undergraduate degree, you need to include with your application a document from your current University, outlining when you are expected to graduate as well as a course outline for the last semester.
      Selection

      Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
      Degree

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) is Filosofie magisterexamen.The degree is awarded in the main field of Peace and Conflict Studies (Freds- och konfliktstudier) with the specialization Crisis Management and Peacebuilding.

      After completed study programme, a student who has applied for a degree certificate can obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) according to the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's web site). The Swedish translation of Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) is Filosofie masterexamen.The degree is awarded in the main field of Peace and Conflict Studies (Freds- och konfliktstudier) with the specialization Crisis Management and Peacebuilding.
      .
      Application

      The online application opens 16 March 2026 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 April 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.

      Application and tuition fees

      As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.

      Application fee: SEK 900

      Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300

      Total fee: SEK 193,200

      Details about tuition, fees and funding

       

How to apply

Apply online via universityadmissions.se  
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results. 
  
Late applications 
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed. 
 
More about application and admission 

Film about the programme

Alice Cassuriaga Dias Jalles and Fabio König tell about their studies at the Masterprogramme of Crisis Management and Peacebuilding at Umeå university.

Voices about the programme

  • Matheus Souza, Phd-student at the Department of Political Science

    The programme enables a research career

    Student

    We know that the winters are cold and dark - so why choose Umeå? Matheus Souza is one of the departments international PHD-students from Brasil. We asked him how he views his new city and why he choose the Department of Political Science at Umeå university for his doctoral studies.

Research excellence at Umeå University

Be a part of a world-class environment for teaching and research – where the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 geneediting began, and where innovation continues to shape the future.

Questions about the programme?

Please be aware that the University is a public authority and that what you write here can be included in an official document. Therefore, be careful if you are writing about sensitive or personal matters in this contact form. If you have such an enquiry, please call us instead. All data will be treated in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation.

Please be aware that the University is a public authority and that what you write here can be included in an official document. Therefore, be careful if you are writing about sensitive or personal matters in this contact form. If you have such an enquiry, please call us instead. All data will be treated in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation.

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