Peace Studies at The University of Basel, Switzerland

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

--Margaret Mead

The World Peace Academy (WPA), in cooperation with the Advanced Study Center at the University of Basel, offers a 9-month full time Master of Advanced Studies in Peace and Conflict Transformation every year from March-November. Students can begin the program either in March, June or September each year. It is also possible to obtain an Advanced Certificate for 12 weeks of courses, or to take individual 1-week courses. The first group of 22 students from 16 countries successfully completed their course work on 26 November 2010. The program is accredited by the University of Basel, which also issues the MAS diplomas. All courses are taught in English by leading specialists in their field from around the world, including Johan Galtung, founder of the academic discipline of peace studies.

The program includes lectures, seminars, exercises, group activities, excursions, self-study, library research and writing papers. For a course calendar, course descriptions and biographical notes about our faculty members, see www.world-peace-academy.ch.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: The program is addressed to students from any discipline interested in peace and conflict resolution, including NGO members, diplomats, government officials, international civil servants, teachers, journalists, social workers, lawyers, officers, psychologists, artists. A first university degree (bachelors or equivalent) is required, or comparable professional experience.

COSTS: 15'000 Swiss Francs (currently about 11'400 Euro or 16'300 US dollars) tuition for 9 months of study, including thesis advisement. For part-time students, costs are 250 Swiss Francs per ECTS. Rooms cost about 500 Swiss Francs per month. Meals, health insurance and travel costs are extra.

SCHOLARSHIPS: A limited number of partial scholarships is available on a competitive basis. We receive many applications, particularly from conflict regions and developing countries, but many of those applicants cannot afford to study in Switzerland. Therefore, a Circle of Friends has been formed (www.friends-wpa.ch) that seeks to endow a scholarship fund. This is an excellent investment in peace.

WHEN TO APPLY: WPA has a rolling admission policy. You can apply at any time before the beginning of a trimester (March, June or September every year) and if you qualify and we have space left, you will be admitted. Those who need a Swiss visa are advised to apply at least 9 weeks in advance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY, see www.world-peace-academy.ch