We live in a world shaped by conflict, inequality, displacement, political polarization, and urgent struggles for justice—locally and globally. Understanding these challenges is no longer optional for those interested in global affairs, public policy, law, or social change. It is essential.
The Peace, Conflict & Justice (PCJ) program at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate education that equips students to analyze the causes and consequences of peace, conflict, and injustice, and to think seriously about how societies respond to them. PCJ students are challenged to move beyond the traditional boundaries of international affairs by examining conflict within and between states, the lived experience of violence and inequality, and the complex processes through which peace and justice are pursued.
Through the program, students develop strong interdisciplinary skills in critical thinking, research design, data analysis, and clear, effective communication. These skills prepare graduates for advanced study in law and the social sciences, as well as for meaningful professional paths in international organizations, government, NGOs, advocacy, and policy-oriented careers. Just as importantly, PCJ students learn to apply theory to practice through experiential learning, internships, research opportunities, and partnerships within Canada and abroad.
PCJ students join a close-knit community of high-achieving peers who share a commitment to understanding and addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
A message from the PCJ Director
Students learn from scholars, practitioners, activists, alumni, Munk Fellows, and guest speakers who are actively engaged in global affairs. Just as importantly, PCJ is a community—one where students find belonging, build lasting relationships, and grow together as learners and future leaders.
About the program
The Peace, Conflict & Justice (PCJ) program provides students with an interdisciplinary education focused on understanding the causes, dynamics, and consequences of conflict and violence, as well as the pathways toward peace and justice. Drawing on perspectives from economics, political science, sociology, law, and history, the program explores a wide range of topics, including interstate wars and civil conflicts, insurgencies and revolutions, ethnic and identity-based violence, transitional justice, human rights, and peacebuilding processes. By engaging with these issues, students learn to analyze some of the most pressing humanitarian and political challenges facing societies today.
At the heart of the program are three core areas of inquiry:
- understanding the meanings, causes, and patterns of peace, conflict, and justice across different contexts
- examining what it means to live in societies affected by violence, inequality, and institutional fragility, with attention to the lived experiences of individuals and communities
- exploring the strategies and institutions designed to prevent violence, resolve conflicts, and promote reconciliation and justice at local, national, and global levels
The PCJ curriculum combines intellectual rigor with flexibility, allowing students to develop a program of study that reflects their interests while building strong analytical and methodological skills. Through a combination of foundational courses, electives across multiple disciplines, and experiential learning opportunities, students engage with both theory and practice. Graduates of the program leave with the tools to critically analyze complex conflicts and contribute thoughtfully to efforts aimed at building more peaceful and just societies.