How long is the Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies?

The Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies runs for fifteen to eighteen months across all study modes. On-campus students typically finish the Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies slightly faster than online or distance progressors.

In what modes can I study the Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies?

The Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies is delivered on-campus in central London, live online, and by distance learning. All three modes of the Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies share the same seminar and capstone structure.

Is the Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies UK-recognised?

Yes. The Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies is a UK Level 5 qualification aligned with BISA and Chatham House-informed themes, with confirmed credit transfer into a UK Bachelor's top-up.

What are the entry requirements for the Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies?

Applicants to the Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies need a relevant Diploma or comparable qualification, GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C, IELTS 6.0 for non-native speakers, and one reference.

How much does the Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies cost and is funding available?

Tuition for the Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies is confirmed in your written offer. Fee-in-instalment plans and employer-sponsorship letters are supported across all three study modes.

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

Course Overview

The Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies is a UK Level 5 qualification running fifteen to eighteen months, calibrated for progressors targeting conflict analysis, peacebuilding, mediation-support and post-conflict recovery work at NGOs, UN agencies and specialist consultancies. Delivered on-campus, online and by distance learning, the programme is a technician-to-graduate articulation route with confirmed credit transfer into a UK Bachelor's top-up in politics, international relations or peace studies.

By capstone stage you will be running conflict-analysis frameworks on live cases, drafting mediation-support briefs, and defending a substantial applied capstone in front of a panel drawn from conflict-and-peace practitioners and researchers.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with British International Studies Association (BISA), Chatham House and Institute of Development Studies (IDS)-informed themes.
Applied conflict-analysis exercises using SCF, PCIA and equivalent frameworks.
Case work drawn from ODI, HD Centre and Berghof Foundation-adjacent working papers.
Weekly seminars in the case-room and select-committee tradition with named tutor support.
Capstone supervised by a practising conflict-and-peace analyst.
Structured articulation into a UK Bachelor's top-up with credit transfer confirmed in writing.

What You Will Learn

Classical and modern theories of armed conflict and their applied implications.
Applied conflict-analysis frameworks including Strategic Conflict Assessment and PCIA.
The mechanics of mediation from track-one to track-three approaches.
Applied peace-agreement design and constitutional-reform sequencing.
The role of the UN Security Council, peacekeeping and Chapter VII authorisation.
Applied post-conflict recovery including DDR, SSR and transitional justice.
The political economy of war, spoilers and illicit financing.
How to write a conflict-analysis brief for a donor or programme audience.

Who This Course Is For

Diploma-holders in politics, international relations or development progressing toward a UK Bachelor's top-up.
Working professionals in conflict-and-peace NGOs and foundations.
Analysts in think tanks and consultancy specialising in security and peace work.
International applicants targeting UK conflict-and-peace careers.
Public-sector staff moving into conflict-prevention and peacebuilding briefs.

Career Pathways

Political Analyst on a conflict-and-peace desk
Human Rights Officer in a UN or NGO team
Programme Manager on a peacebuilding country programme
International Affairs Officer on a mediation-support team
Think Tank Researcher on conflict-analysis briefs
Development Analyst on a fragile-states programme
Public Sector Consultant supporting conflict-prevention mandates

The LSLPE careers service supports Higher Diploma students with peacebuilding-sector application coaching and warm introductions to NGO and think-tank recruiters.

Entry Requirements

A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Advanced Diploma or comparable qualification.
GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
One academic or professional reference.
Working professionals moving from country-programme, security or peacebuilding roles are especially welcomed.

Why Study at LSLPE

The London School of Law, Politics and Economics teaches conflict and peace studies as an applied practitioner discipline in small, tutor-visible cohorts. Central London places Chatham House, the FCDO, the ODI and the LSE-adjacent think-tank corridor within a short tube ride, which matters for a course whose seminar guests come out of those rooms.

The LSLPE careers service refreshes curriculum alignment each year against BISA and Chatham House-informed guidance.

Apply for Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies

Applications for the Higher Diploma in Conflict and Peace Studies are reviewed on a rolling basis. Complete a Higher Diploma at LSLPE and articulate into a UK Bachelor's top-up with credit transfer confirmed at enrolment. Enrol Now