The International Summer School (ISS) at the University of Oslo is an academic centre for learning in an international context and a forum for fostering intercultural understanding. The Peace Research course has been part of the University of Oslo International Summer School since 1969. PRIO is responsible for the academic syllabus, as well as for teaching and other practical matters.
The course provides a general introduction to the interdisciplinary field of peace studies, combined with more focused study of selected areas and themes. The course analyzes violent conflict with a view towards conflict management and resolution. Students learn about the major theoretical and methodological issues within peace research, both as an academic and as an applied research field. Sessions include lectures by Norwegian and international practitioners and scholars doing research on international issues, group work with presentations and discussions, and also field visits. At the beginning of the course, there is a two-day workshop on conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Admission is highly competitive, and admitted students hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and have a demonstrated interested in peace and conflict issues. Students come from a wide array of countries across the globe and have various backgrounds and experiences. Many are from the field of political and social sciences and others have a more practical experience as NGO managers and workers.
On this website you will find information about the academic objectives of the course and about excursions and social events during the course, such as the cabin trip. You can also view pictures from previous years and learn about former students’ experiences with the course.