Conflict Studies

The minor Conflict Studies examines intrastate conflicts from all around the world. In case you want to follow the minor, you must register for both the minor program as a whole, and also for each individual course. 

Number of EC

30 EC

Start

Period 1

Coordinator

Dr. Fabio Cristiano

Minor code

CCS-MINOR-14

Entry requirements

At least 45 EC Bachelor level

Register between 2 June and 20 June 2025

Make sure to register for the minor as well as all its courses

Content

Why are people willing to die for a nation, religion or cause? How do terrorist organisations mobilize followers, why do states outsource violence, and how do emerging military technologies impact civilians? How do societies rebuild after extreme violence?

If these questions interest you, the interdisciplinary minor Conflict Studies is the right choice. This programme examines internationalized intrastate conflicts and post-violence reconstruction, combining insights from conflict studies, war studies and peace studies. You will learn to analyze both the local and international dimensions of violent conflict, as well as the challenges of rebuilding peaceful coexistence.

The minor teaches you to understand the complex dynamics of actors, issues and technologies in cases like Afghanistan, Israel-Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Ethiopia, Ukraine, terrorist attacks in Europe, and the use of autonomous weapons by the Dutch military. You will also study post-conflict reconstruction and transitional justice in contexts such as Mali, Rwanda, Bosnia and Peru.

The modules include lectures, readings, documentary screenings, individual and group assignments and debate. You are encouraged to follow the news on current conflicts and to apply your knowledge through conflict maps, podcasts, peace proposals and policy recommendations. Courses are interactive and promote discussion, critical reflection and active contribution.
 


Curriculum

The minor consists of four compulsory course modules (30 EC) and starts in term 1. For more information, see the detailed descriptions of each of the courses below. 


Interested in these Masters?

The minor provides substantive preparation for the Master's programmes listed below. It does not guarantee admission, so always check the entry requirements. 


Entry requirements

To take the minor Conflict Studies you need least 45 EC at Bachelor level. If you have questions about the minor and its courses, please contact minor coordinator Dr. Fabio Cristiano (f.cristiano@uu.nl). For all questions regarding registration and enrollment, please contact the Student Information Desk of the Faculty of Humanities. 


Application and registration

How to register for this minor and its course modules, depends on whether you are a student of Utrecht University or not.


Contact

If you wish to know more, or have questions about this minor, please contact the Student Desk Humanities.