PhD in International Conflict Management (PICM)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Conflict Management (PICM) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) is one of only a few such programmes available in Africa. Admitted Ph.D. students will receive broad interdisciplinary training and opportunities that draw on an array of social science and humanities disciplines. Graduates will be able to address problems from a nuanced knowledge base of substantive and methodological approaches

Programme objectives

Within the broad framework of the KAIPTC’s mandate, the course aims at equipping participants with tools for analytical thinking, good judgment, leadership and other critical managerial skills. The specific objectives of the course are to:

  • Achieve the highest professional and academic standards in conflict prevention, resolution and management, mediation, negotiation, peace brokering, security management and gender and conflicts;
  • Provide graduates with broad training allowing them to integrate the latest research findings into theoretically rich, issue-relevant publications and reports;
  • Prepare graduates to address global conflict issues using the latest and most effective quantitative and qualitative research methods through methodological training;
  • Integrate theory and practice in the analysis of international conflicts based on student’s experience.
    • Course Structure
    • Philosophy of Social Science
    • Qualitative Methods
    • Quantitative Methods
    • International Relations: Theory and Practice
    • Conflict Management: Theory and Practice
    • Indigenous Conflict Approaches
    • Mediation and Negotiation
    • Peacebuilding
    • Peacekeeping and Peace Support Operations
    • Transitional Justice
    • Humanitarian Assistance
    • Governance and Leadership in Africa
    • Emerging Issues in Conflict, Peace and Security
    • Democracy, Elections and Conflicts in Africa
    • Intercultural Dynamics

      Students take dissertation seminars after successfully completing their first-year course work. The purpose is to guide students through various stages of the dissertation, with particular emphasis on the research proposal, methodology, data collection and results. Each student is assigned a dissertation committee chaired by a senior faculty member.

      Working under the close supervision of a faculty member, students enhance their capacities and competencies by designing and executing an independent project. Upon completion of the directed study, the final product, which may be a short academic paper, may be assessed and awarded a grade by the supervising faculty member.

      Students are required to complete and defend their Ph.D. dissertation before they can proceed to graduate and be awarded their degrees.

    Organization of Programme

    Start Date: October 2021

    Duration: Minimum three years (Full Time Applicants)

    Entry Requirements

    Candidates are required to obtain the following to qualify for admission:

    1. A good first degree (2nd Class Upper and above); and
    2. MPhil or Master’s degree (Researched); and
    3. Excellent understanding and comprehension of English is required.

    In addition, candidates are required to submit a thesis proposal along with the completed application form to qualify for admission. Previous experience in security-related issues as well as working in a conflict and peace environment is an advantage for admission.

    How to Apply
    Download the Application Forms. For other details about the course, contact the Registry on telephone + 233(0) 20 6752054, +233(0) 54 8335027 /e-mail: margaret.sosuh@kaiptc.org; ruth.frimpong@kaiptc.org.

    Applicants must indicate the course they are applying for on the application form.

    Closing Date for Applications:

    Tuesday, 31st August 2021.