The Department of Peace Studies (DPS), which is a leading centre for Peace Studies in West Africa. The department undertakes research as well as train postgraduate students in the areas of conflict, peace and security studies. Our faculty conduct cross-cutting research in the areas of peacebuilding, conflict management and transformation,human rights, violent extremism, ethno-political conflicts, natural resource conflicts, peace and security reforms. The DPS undertakes researches and consultation services for international development agencies, government institutions and local and international NGOs. For instance, the National Peace Council (NPC) of Ghana recognises the peace studies programme as important in helping to maintain Ghana’s stability and democracy, security and peace as research fellows of the department are regularly featured in its outreach and training activities. The DPS through the regular and sandwich programmes produces skilled professionals in security issues, conflict prevention, management, resolution, transformation and peacebuilding. We currently offer regular PhD, MPhil and Sandwich MA programmes in Peace and Development Studies. The programme, therefore, is designed to contribute to research, build capacity and create a critical mass of practitioners to help in solving security,
developmental and governance challenges in Ghana and Africa. The programme challenges students to engage in critical analysis of these problems with emphasis on the interface between peace and development.
The uniqueness of our programmes lies in the fact that it examines the nexus between peace, security and development. Peace studies, as an interdisciplinary field, is connected to a plethora of developmental challenges arising from the community, national and global levels. Peace is not only instrumental in the pursuit of development, but it is also a virtue, which should be pursued in all its rights. There is an inextricable link amongst conflict, peace, security and development. Protracted developmental and security challenges across Africa, such as political vigilantism, cross-border crimes, threats of violent extremism, intractable ethnic, chieftaincy and land conflicts, electoral disputes, boundary disputes, urban and peri-
urban violence, environmental degradation (e.g., Galamsey) and the impacts of climate change, advances in technology (e.g., social media) and endemic corruption all require needed manpower, knowledge and research to deal with them.
If you are looking for a Master's or research degree in a Peace and Development Studies, then the Department of Peace Studies provides you with a stimulating and innovative environment to pursue your academic goals. Apply or contact us today.
VISION STATEMENT:
To be a world-acclaimed centre of excellence for knowledge production, dissemination and
research in the field of peace, security, justice and development.
MISSION STATEMENT:
To offer quality research, teaching and capacity building in the specialised field of peace,
security, justice and development to students and other stakeholders, as well as foster peace
and security through research, teaching and other outreach activities in Ghana and across
Africa.
CORE VALUES:
Inclusiveness
Excellence
Integrity
Justice
Service to Humanity
