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MAS ETH in Mediation in Peace Processes

This description is only available in English.

  • November 2025

    Start

  • 2 years

    Duration

  • ETH Zurich

    Location

  • English

    Tuition language

  • 01–30.06.2025

    Application period

  • CHF 55,000

    Programme fee

In brief: The MAS ETH in Mediation in Peace Processes

A globally unique programme aimed at preparing the next generation of peace mediators. Bringing together renowned scholars and mediators, it is both academic and practitioner oriented.

Structure and content

Programme description

The MAS ETH in Mediation in Peace Processes (MAS ETH MPP) aims to prepare the next generation of mediators to solve violent political conflicts. Multi-disciplinary in character, it combines a strong academic foundation with an explicit practitioner orientation. The curriculum draws on the logic of mediation that conflict parties decide together on the content of a peace agreement, and the mediator assists them by shaping the process.

Objectives

The goal is to provide participants with the necessary knowledge, skills and techniques to effectively mediate violent political conflicts. Participants gain knowledge of the theory and practice of mediation in peace processes and internalise the necessary skills and techniques of mediation.

Professional perspectives

Career perspectives of a MAS graduate include working in a formal track one or track one-and-a-half mediation team; working in a conflict context where there is no formal mediator; being engaged in mediation support through a foreign ministry, the United Nations, a regional organisation or a relevant non-governmental organisation (NGO); shaping mediation policy; and being engaged in research and policy organisations (e.g. think tank, university) seeking to link mediation practice and research.

Structure and format

Six face-​to-face modules over two years, self-​study, two written papers. Topics covered: Conflict analysis & basic skills for mediators, negotiation/mediation theory & methods, mediation content in theory & practice, mediation process design, advanced mediation skills & tools, mediation simulation.

Additional information

Teaching modalities: As an academically based, practitioner-​oriented programme, the MAS uses a combination of the following teaching forms: lectures, exercises, self-​study, group/team work, case studies, flipped classrooms, written work, oral presentations, role plays, integrated simulations, interactive exercises, and blended learning.

Tuition language(s)

English

Credits

60 ECTS credits
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Target group and admission

Target group

Mediators who work in formal track one and track one-and-a-half mediation teams led by a chief mediator; in conflict contexts where there is no formal mediator; in mediation support units; or in research and policy organisations seeking to link mediation practice and research.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a Master's degree acknowledged by ETH or equivalent educational qualifications. Additional selection criteria include career perspectives, relevant professional experience, and English language competency.

Required language skills

English: C1 – external page Show proficiency scales

Language(s) of performance assessment

English
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Dates and venue

Start

November 2025 (every second year)

Duration

2 years, part-time; 1,800 hours

Application period

01–30.06.2025 (admission after the application deadline)

Location

ETH Zurich
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Fees

Programme fee

CHF 55,000 for the entire programme
(ca. CHF 16,000 should be calculated for food and accommodation for the face-to-face modules for those who do not live in Zurich)

Application fee

CHF 50 for persons with a Swiss university degree, CHF 150 for persons with another university degree (non-​refundable, credit card payment only)

Withdrawal fee

30 days or more after admission: CHF 10,000

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Application

Questions about the application

ETH Zurich, School for Continuing Education, HG E 17–​18.5, Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zurich, Tel. external page +41 44 632 56 59, E-mail

Recommended procedure for a successful application

Application documents

Additional application documents

Besides your letter of motivation and CV, please provide any additional documents related to your work experience of mediation in peace processes and career perspectives in this field (e.g. recommendation letters, institutional career pathways), if these are available. Please also clarify if you are being sent by an organization (e.g. MFA) and indicate how you plan to be mentored (e.g. by the foreign ministry sending you, the UN, a regional organization, NGO, or another entity with mediation expertise) in your mediation work during and after the programme.

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Organiser

Programme management

Professor Andreas Wenger
Programme Director
Professor Andreas Wenger
Professor Lars-Erik Cederman
Deputy Programme Director
Professor Lars-Erik Cederman

Contact

Eemeli Isoaho
Programme Coordinator
  • +41 44 632 44 87

ETH Zurich

Professor Andreas Wenger
Director of the Center for Security Studies (CSS)

ETH Zurich

Responsible body

ETH Zurich, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS), Center for Security Studies (CSS)

Further information

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