Finland · Master's
Tampere University
MA Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research
Tampere University
Course Overview
Tampere University is home to the Tampere Peace Research Institute (TAPRI), one of the world's oldest peace-research institutes, and its English-taught MA in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research is a globally distinctive programme. The two-year degree combines critical peace and conflict theory with applied skills in mediation, conflict transformation, and dialogue facilitation — preparing graduates for careers in international peacebuilding, diplomacy, humanitarian work, and research. Finland's strong reputation in mediation and conflict resolution (and its hosting of major international peace initiatives) gives the programme real-world grounding and an internationally networked alumni base.
Sri Lankan applicants — particularly those interested in post-conflict reconciliation, given Sri Lanka's own peacebuilding context — find this programme deeply relevant, and a Bachelor's in Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Law, History, or related fields is a strong base. English-medium Sri Lankan degrees can waive the IELTS requirement via an MOI letter. Finland charges non-EU tuition but offers generous scholarships, and graduates may apply to extend their residence permit for up to two years to seek work — opening doors in the UN system, INGOs, and reconciliation-focused organisations.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (SLQF Level 6) in Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Law, History, Development Studies, or a related social science/humanities field, with good standing.
- check_circle Motivation letter linking your background and goals to peace and conflict research.
- check_circle CV and academic transcript.
- check_circle Relevant experience (NGO, reconciliation, civil society) strengthens the application.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 5.5).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 92 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution — most Sri Lankan English-medium degrees qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | €12,000 | Rs. 4,140,000 |
| Accommodation in Tampere (per year) | €5,400 | Rs. 1,863,000 |
| Living Expenses & Food (per year) | €6,600 | Rs. 2,277,000 |
| Residence Permit, Insurance & Books | €1,500 | Rs. 517,000 |
| Estimated Annual Cost | €25,500 | Rs. 8,797,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Finland lets graduates apply to extend their residence permit for up to two years to seek work after studies. Tampere Peace and Conflict Research alumni move into roles at the UN system (DPPA, UNDP, UNHCR), the OSCE, the EU's external-action service, international mediation bodies (CMI — the Martti Ahtisaari foundation is Finnish), humanitarian INGOs, and peace-research institutes. Sri Lankan returnees take roles at the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UN agencies in Colombo, reconciliation-focused NGOs, and policy think tanks (Verité Research, the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute).
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Ready to Start Your Journey?
Our counsellors have helped hundreds of Sri Lankan students secure placements in Finland. We handle everything from applications to visa processing.
ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.