Conflict Resolution Major - Bachelor of Arts

Study conflict resolution and learn to identify causes of conflict, and develop practical negotiation, mediation and facilitation skills.

Conflict resolution is an essential skill for many fields. Wherever there are people, companies or states, there are differences. Conflict resolution explores how to overcome these differences and reach a peaceful settlement at an interpersonal, community, organisational and international level.

You learn through case studies, role play scenarios and visits from guest speakers who share their views on current issues and approaches. Our passionate lecturers draw from international experiences and include best practice models.


This is part of the Bachelor of Arts.

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Courses cover multidisciplinary perspectives on conflict resolution and a wide range of examples including the Treaty of Waitangi. This major draws on the disciplines of psychology, political studies and sociology.

You identify causes of conflict (systemic, structural, inter-personal), explore different approaches to conflict resolution, develop a basic understanding of human rights, and gain practical skills of conflict negotiation, mediation and facilitation.

Apart from the courses below you also need to complete courses from your second major, your chosen minor(s) or electives.

Core courses

All Bachelor of Arts students need to complete core courses that help you develop transferable skills and support your work in all other courses in the degree.

Academic Communication

Choose one of:

Culture and Society

Complete one course from each of the following clusters. Each cluster aligns with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Knowledge and Inquiry

Choose one of:

Conflict Resolution courses

Level 5 courses

Choose two from:

  • PSYC580 Introduction to Psychology A
  • SOSC582 Social Thinking
  • SOSC583 Social Institutions
  • DIGM550 Making Digital Media I

Level 6 courses

Complete the following courses:

  • CONF682 Conflict Resolution: An Introduction
  • CONF683 Human Rights and Human Wrongs

And choose one of:

  • DIGM650 Making Digital Media II
  • HIST690 Te Tiriti O Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi

Level 7 courses

Complete the following courses:

  • CONF781 War and Armed Conflict in Global Affairs
  • CONF782 Practicing Peace

And choose one of:

  • CRIM782 Understanding Restorative Justice
  • POLS781 International Relations
  • SOSC780 Multicultural Communities
  • SOSC787 Diversity, Power and Discrimination

Workplace experience

Workplace experience (Work Integrated Learning) is the final part of your degree and takes a full semester. This is a supervised work placement related to your major(s), for an organisation of your choice.

Recent placements included:

  • Auckland Council
  • Aotearoa NZ Peace and Conflict Studies Centre Trust
  • Community Organisations
  • Human Rights Foundation
  • Family Focus Rotorua
  • National Foundation for the Deaf
  • Paul Diver Associates
  • Safer Aotearoa Family Violence Prevention Network
  • The Fono
  • The Peace Foundation
  • Child, Youth and Family
  • Global Peace and Justice
  • International peace, justice organisations and bodies dedicated to conflict resolution
  • Lobby groups
  • Local councils
  • Ministry of Social Development
  • New Zealand Peace Foundation
  • New Zealand Police
  • Peace Movement Aotearoa
  • Political parties
  • Unions
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Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

Conflict Resolution Careers

Key features
  • A unique, integrated approach to solving conflict
  • Wide-ranging conflict resolution skills, including negotiation, mediation and facilitation
  • Workplace experience in your final semester
See yourself as
  • A mediator and negotiator
  • A problem-solver
  • A communicator
  • Empathetic and calm
  • A team player
Aleka Timog
Angie Sun
Sarah Vercoe
Aleka Timog
Great graduatesAleka TimogBachelor of Arts
Bachelor of LawsShe believes in the importance of human rights, says Aleka Timog who is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution.She believes in the importance of human rights, says Aleka Timog who is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution. Aleka says she chose to transfer to AUT in her second year because she was attracted by the welcoming study environment, interactive classes and dedicated academic staff.
Angie Sun
Great graduatesAngie SunBachelor of ArtsThere has been conflict throughout history, whether between nations or on a personal level, says Angie Sun who studied a Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution.There has been conflict all throughout history, whether between nations or on a personal level, says Angie Sun who studied a Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution with a minor in social sciences. As a resolution coordinator for FairWay Resolution, Angie helps families through the mediation process. She says she credits her time at AUT for helping her find such a rewarding career path.
Sarah Vercoe
Great graduatesSarah VercoeCourt Registry Officer, Ministry of Justice, ChristchurchBachelor of ArtsShe has always been fascinated by crime and justice, says AUT alumna Sarah Vercoe who completed a Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Criminology.She has always been fascinated by crime and justice, says AUT alumna Sarah Vercoe who completed a Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Criminology. Now working as a court registry officer in Christchurch, she loves being able to interact with legal professionals and customers from a range of departments on a daily basis.

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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