The philosophy of the MSc programme aligns with the vision of Redeemer’s University to produce graduates who combine academic excellence with strong ethical and moral values. The programme seeks to deepen students’ understanding of peacebuilding, governance, and conflict management while fostering critical thinking, research competence, and ethical leadership.

The Peace, Conflict Resolution and Governance Studies Programme aims at equipping the graduate students at the Postgraduate Diploma, Masters’ and Doctoral levels with a broad- based knowledge in the major theories, concept and themes of Governance, Peace and Conflicts, sources and causes of conflicts, stages of conflicts, conflict analysis, conflict mapping, early warning mechanism, arms control, methods and processes of peace making and conflict resolution.

The objectives of the programme are to

1. Prepare and produce graduates with the requisite knowledge of governance, and contemporary politics.
2. Turnout graduates who are well-grounded and resourced to take up leadership tasks in governance, politics, public sector as well as organized private sector.
3. Graduate students who are capable of analysing the basic concepts, theories, themes and issues in peace studies and conflict resolution;
4. Produce graduates with demonstrable ability to identify specific context of the sources, causes and processes of conflicts;
5. Turnout graduates with demonstrable understanding of various approaches to conflict mapping and conflict analysis;
6. Graduate students who can identify and apply various methods of conflict management;
7. Produce graduates with demonstrable understanding and competent skills in evaluating, interpreting and solving conflict situations.

To be admitted into the M.Sc. programme, prospective students must

1. 1. 1. In addition to the various Departmental requirements, which are available on the University’s website, prospective candidates satisfy the general regulations governing postgraduate admissions at the Redeemer’s University.
      2. Satisfy the matriculation requirements of the University, including English Language and at least a pass in Mathematics. (A credit or pass in Mathematics is not required for Disciplines in Humanities)

   In addition, candidates with the following credentials will be eligible for admission:

   1. Candidates with Bachelor’s degree in Peace Studies, Political Science, History and International Studies, Religion/Philosophy, and related programmes from an approved University whose programme is accredited by the NUC.
   2. Candidates with a minimum of second-class lower degree from the Redeemer’s University or any recognized University as approved by the Senate.
   3. Candidates with no background in Governance Studies, Development Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences, Administration and Management Sciences, and Law but possess a Postgraduate Diploma in Governance Studies or other relevant fields.
   4. Candidates with postgraduate Diploma Degree in Peace and Governance Studies from Redeemers University or other recognized Universities with a CGPA of 3.50.
   5. Candidates must participate in, and pass entrance test and the validity interview of the Adeboye Institute for Peace and Good Governance, Redeemer’s University
   6. Candidates must have completed the mandatory one (1) year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, or possess a Certificate of Exemption in lieu
   7. Candidates must submit three (3) Referees’ reports, attesting to the candidates’ intellectual capacity and aptitude for independent research and problem-solving skills
   8. Candidates must submit academic transcripts, as appropriate.

Minimum Requirement for the Award of the MSc (Peace, Conflict Resolution and Governance Studies) degree

In addition to satisfying other university requirements as may be specified from time to time by the College of Postgraduate Studies on behalf of Senate, the MSc (Peace, Conflict Resolution and Governance Studies) degree shall be awarded to students who have successfully sat for 43 units of courses and passed a minimum of 40 credit units of workload broken into:

First Semester (20 Units)

• Compulsory Courses: 15 Units (5 Courses)

• Elective Courses: 3 Units (1 Course)

• Faith Integration Course: 2 Units (1 Course)

Second Semester (17 Units)

• Compulsory Courses: 12 Units (4 Courses)

• Elective Courses: 3 Units (1 Course)

• Faith Integration Course: 2 Units (1 Course)

Third Semester (9 Units)

• Elective Course: 3 Units (1 Course)

• Dissertation: 6 Units

Total Units: 46

Moreover,

1. A research-based dissertation containing the results of the original work must be submitted.
2. Students are encouraged to published at least one article in a Redeemer’s University Journal shall be required before graduation.

• A candidate shall be expected to prepare and submit a dissertation.

1. The dissertation shall be the original research work of the candidate and shall include evidence of scholarship and contribution to knowledge in his/her chosen area of specialization.
2. The dissertation must not have been submitted for any higher degree elsewhere.
3. A panel of Examiners, according to university regulations, shall examine the candidate orally.

First Semester Courses

Second Semester Courses

Third Semester Courses (Areas of Specialization)

Peace and Religion Option

Peace and Governance Option

FIC 801: Advanced Integration of faith and Leadership (2 Units)

This course will equip postgraduate students to appreciate advanced leadership principles in the context of the Christian faith.  Students will critically engage with biblical truths, ethical leadership models, and psychological frameworks for personal and communal growth. The curriculum aims to prepare graduates for transformative leadership in ministry, academia, or secular fields.

FIC 802: Christian Identity in Secular Workplace (2 Units)

This course will explore the Christian identity in the workplace and aims to empower students to navigate secular workplaces with integrity, creativity, and purposeful orientation. Racism, Gender Bias, and Economic Inequality in the work environment, coping mechanisms for burnout and failures, understanding the core concepts of Artificial intelligence, Data Privacy, and Digital Discipleship, navigating Cross-Cultural barriers in the global work place shall also be discussed.          

PCR 811: Theories in Conflict Management (3 Units)

Conflict management theories can be categorized by approach, such as the Thomas-Kilmann Model (competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, accommodating), and by level of analysis, including individual psychological theories, social theories, and structural theories. Additionally, there are theories on conflict resolution, such as distributive versus integrative models, and different approaches to managing conflict within states or organizations. Definition of Conflict management, Approaches to Conflict Management, Conflict Management Styles, Communication and Conflict Management, Third Party Intervention: Mediation, Negotiation, Arbitration, African Traditional Conflict Management, Conflict Transformation, Peace building and Early Warning System, Peacemaking and Peacekeeping, Disarmament and Arms Control, Preventive and Multi-Track Diplomacy, Post Conflict Reconstruction, Ethnicity and Conflict Management, Culture, Identity and Conflict Management, Policy Making and Conflict Management, Sources of Conflict in Africa, Taxonomy of Conflict Worldwide, National and International Peace Institutions, United Nation and Peace Initiatives in Conflict Situations, UN Peace Initiatives in Africa, UN Intervention Strategies, Globalization, Civil Society and Conflict. Attenuating

PCR 813:  Peace and Security in a Global Context (3 Units)

Definition/Meaning of concepts like Peace, Security, Human Security, Theories of Security, Causes of Insecurity, Conflict and Internally Displaced Persons, Peace Enforcement, Peace building, Crisis Management,  Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution.

PCR 815: Peace Building and Humanitarianism (3 Units)

Meaning/Definition of Conflict, Types of Conflict, Causes of Conflict, Stages of Conflict, Conflict Analysis, Mapping and Resolution, Basic Standards of International Law and Humanitarian Principles, Early Warning and Preventive Measures, Skills and Methods of Conflict Resolution, Women in Peace Building and Reconstruction, Protection of Civilian and Vulnerable Groups, Conflict Management, Humanitarian Intervention, Protection and Promotion of Rights, Peace Building/ Agents, Decommissioning and Demobilization of Combatants, Loss and Denial of Refugee Status, Community Peace Building and Protection of Rights of the Child, International Law and Peace Building, Confidence Building Mechanisms for Crisis Management, Anti-Terrorism and Peace Building during and after Conflict.

PCR 819: Religion, Power and Politics in Contemporary Nigerian Society (3 Units)

Concept of Religion; Theories and Perspectives of Religion; Major Religions in Nigeria; New Religious Movements; Religion and Nigerian Society; Theories on Functions of Religion in Nigerian Society; The Concept of Power; Sources of Power; Religious Leadership; Political Leadership and Social Change; Religion and Politics, Religion and Stratification; Religion and Democracy.

GOV 803: Indigenous Governance in Africa (3 Units)

This course focuses on indigenous institutions of governance in Africa. The steering mechanisms, law making process, conflict and conflict resolution in the pre-colonial era, the traditional institutions for peace making, strategies articulating conflict resolution models, the dynamics of peace and harmony, and influence on cultural development and governance. The course will address the models of governance of contemporary Nigeria, the philosophy and logic as well as the contribution to development. This includes the poverty alleviation programmes.

GOV 807: State and Modern Governance (3 Units)

This course focuses on the nexus between the state and modern governance; the state and governance debate; the overarching role of the state vis-à-vis other actors such as the market and civil society organizations; the dispersal of governance occasioned by global forces and network governance; the traditional role and functions of the state and how the New Public Management is changing the role, autonomy, sovereignty and power of the state. State disinvestment, Public Private Partnership and Service Delivery; Safety Net and Wellbeing of the citizens

PCR 823: Leadership, Communication Skills, Reporting and Conducts (3 Units)

This postgraduate-level course examines advanced theories and practices of leadership, communication, reporting, and professional conduct in the context of contemporary organizations and governance systems. It integrates leadership psychology, communication theory, ethics, and applied professional reporting, preparing students to lead effectively, communicate persuasively, and maintain integrity in both academic and professional environments. The course explores the power of “soft skills,” emotional intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication within multicultural and multidisciplinary settings. Students will learn through interactive online modules, case-based discussions, and face-to-face simulations, developing a portfolio that demonstrates leadership competence and professional writing ability.

PCR 812: Human Rights and Diplomacy (3 Units)

Definition and Origin of Human Rights; Philosophers and the Concepts of Human Rights; the United Nations and Human Rights; Universal Declaration of Human Rights; International Human Rights Laws; Human Rights in a Globalized World; African Charter on Human and People's Rights; Human Rights in Africa Module; The Beijing Declaration on Women's Rights; The Rights of the Child; AU Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child; Human Rights Violationsand Enforcement; The Concept of Diplomacy; Diplomatic Duties and Actions; Citizenship and Rights of Citizens; Rule of Law and Human Rights; Civic Duties and Citizenship Responsibilities; Human Rights Education;  Human Rights and Good Governance

PCR 832: African Traditional Methods of Conflict Resolution (3 Units)

Definition of Conflict, Origin/Causes of Conflicts in Traditional Nigerian /African Societies; African Traditional Political Structures, Processes of War Making, Weapons

of War, Times of War, Rules Guiding War Making, Fate of War Victims, Prisoners of War; Examination of Different Traditional Methods of Conflict Resolution in African

Societies; Similarities and Differences between African Traditional Methods and Contemporary Approaches to Conflict Resolution, Traditional Processes of

Peace building.

PCR 872: Research Methods in Peace, Conflict Resolution and Governance (3 Units)

Definition of Research, Research Overview, Types of Research, Tools of Research, Research Process, Definition/Meaning of Research Concepts such as: Theory, Hypothesis, Scope, Variables, Sample, Sampling and their types; Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, Formulation of Research Topic, Research Design, Research Objective, Statement of Problem, Justification for the Study, Literature Review, Theoretical Framework, Research Design, Sample Design, Frame and Size, Concept of Reliability and Validity; Meaning/Definition of Data, Types of Data, Importance of Data Collection, Problems of Data Collection, Data Analysis /Interpretation, Recommendation/Suggestion, Basic Features of Research Proposal, Problem to Investigate, Importance of Problems, Objectives, Process, Results/Findings expected, Result Beneficiaries.

PCR 822: International Law and Peace (3 Units)

Definition of International Law, Origin of International Law, Sources of International Law, Contending Theories of War and Peace,Principles and Problems of the Laws of Armed Conflict, Criticism of Debate about Reality, Reliability and Effectiveness of International Law; Maintenance of Global Peace and Securitythrough law; Nature and Scope of Conflict of Laws, Examination of relevant International Instruments such as International Court of Justice, Geneva Conventions and Protocols, the United Nations Charter;Human Rights, Status of Combatants,Civilians, People of War, Journalists, Spies, Combatants, before, during and after Conflict or Hostility; War Crimes and War Guilt, Structure and Functioning of International Organizations and their Role in the maintenance of peace in theContemporary WorldOrder.

GOV 804: E-Governance (3 Units)

The approaches to e-governance; stages of e-governance in the application of Internet facilities in the planning, implementation and evaluation of service delivery. The classification of e-governance: government to government, government to business and government to citizens. Online service delivery, in health care, education, agriculture, judicial administration, business, arts, culture, rural and urban development, and local authority, state and federal administration, and information communication management. Obstacles to e-governance and strategies for overcoming the barriers.

GOV 818: Gender and Governance in Africa (3 Units)

Understanding gender and feminist epistemology; Gender and governance: participation and representation, gender and leadership, state building, gender equality movement, women and political participation and leadership in Africa.

GOV 806: Nigerian Government and Politics (3 Units)

This course examines characteristics of government and politics in Nigeria. It examines constitutional evolution and undertakes a critical evaluation of the legacies of colonialism. It examines the nature and practice of democracy in Nigeria and explains the roles of political parties. The course discusses the problem of transparency and accountability in governance, mode of representation, revenue allocation, forms of federalism and issues like state police, local government autonomy, the size of government and cost of governance, god-fatherism, insecurity, herdsmen and farmers’ clashes, etc. It examines the problems of election, political succession and democratic consolidation, ethnic politics and military in politics.

PCR 874: Early Warning, Early Response Mechanism (3 Units)

The Anatomy of Conflict, Complexity and Conflict, Anticipation of Conflict, Meaning/Definition of Early Warning, Historical background of Early Warning, Importance of Early Warning, Types of Early Warning; Theoretical Explanations of Early Warning, Examination of Early Warning Instruments, Early Warning Signs, Components of EarlyWarning, Early Warning Monitoring Agencies/Bodies; Analytical framework for monitoring and warning, Conflict Analysis, Warning and Prevention, Definition of EarlyResponse, Importance Early Response, Approaches of Early Response, Bridging Warning and Response, Response Mapping, Planning and Implementation; Case studies ofContributions and Responses of Government, Regional and Continental Organisations, including the United Nations to various forms of Early Warning information and Conflict Prevention.

GOV 830: Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria (3 Units)

The course takes a wider look at the historical security landscape of the Nigerian state. It examines in broader terms; the meaning, nature, scope, and causes of terrorism and banditry in Nigeria; It looks at the evolution of Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, kidnapping for ransom, rape, politically motivated heinous crimes, etc. It also assesses the socio-economic posture and remedies.

CRS 989/ GOV 898: Dissertation 6 CR

Research project in the chosen option for specialization.Each student will be assigned a supervisor to provide the required guidance.