PECOS4006 – Internship
Course content
The Peace and Conflict Studies (PECOS) program provides opportunities for students to acquire practical work experience in the field of peace and conflict through completing an internship. The students are expected to assist with various tasks, but a main component should include performing analytic tasks (such as research assistance) to support their host institution.
The scope of the work must be equivalent to six weeks’ full-time study. One week of full time study equals the same as one week full time work (37,5 hours per week). The writing of the internship report should be included in these hours. The students shall receive no remuneration for the work. Exceptions in the form of a living stipend for internships abroad may be approved by the program director. The internship may, but does not have to be, linked to the student's master's thesis. Each student is only granted one internship. Completion of an internship approved for the course PECOS4006 will result in 10 ECTS.
The work tasks are determined in collaboration with each host institution. Examples of relevant tasks may include:
- Information gathering and investigation
- Analysis and presentation
- Report writing
- Organizing conferences and seminars
Learning outcome
Knowledge?
Students will:
- Gain insight into the practical relevance of political science in general, and peace and conflict studies specifically, in a potential future workplace.
- Apply knowledge and research skills acquired through course work to contemporary issues and challenges related to (international) peace and conflict dynamics.
Skills?
Students will:
- Apply analytical competences gained during their studies to perform research and organizational tasks.
- Develop problem-solving strategies based on specific real-world scenarios encountered during the internship.
- Further develop their ability to collaborate and communicate with colleagues, superiors, and partners in the host institution.
- Critically assess how the analytical methodological techniques gained during their studies contributed to their effectiveness in the internship role.
General Competencies?
Students will:
- Reflect on their personal and professional growth during the internship, identifying key areas of development.
- Integrate insights from the internship to plan future career paths in field of peace and conflict.
- Demonstrate the ability to transfer academic knowledge to practical scenarios in a professional context.
Admission to the course
The course is restricted to students enrolled in the Peace and Conflict Studies program. For detailed information about the admission process, please refer to the PECOS4006 - Internship Procedures page (link).
Recommended previous knowledge
PECOS4025 - Analytic perspectives on peace and conflict and PECOS4022 - Applied Statistics for Peace and Conflict Studies.
Teaching
The internship is scheduled in the spring semester. Internships undertaken in the autumn semester may be eligible for approval.
Examination
Reflection report.
During the internship you must compile a report of 2000-4000 words. The report is to be submitted after the internships’ completion and should help you reflect on your experience and development and practical use of your competencies. The text must include:
- A summary of the tasks performed during the internship and how these have helped you develop specific analytic or professional skills.
- A discussion of how these experiences contribute to your professional development for a future career in the field of peace and conflict.
- An assessment of what analytical skills and professional perspectives the Peace and Conflict Studies program has provided that were useful during your internship.
Language of examination
You submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.