MA Reconciliation

at University of Winchester

Year 1 (Level 7)

ModulesCredits

Foundation of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding
This module teaches the foundations of peace and conflict studies, and reconciliation, as well as introducing students to key study skills and research methods, such as critical thinking, academic writing, developing logical and rational arguments, and engaging with and enhancing existing scholarship. These are transferable and employable skills that will be useful to students not only throughout the programme, but also in their future careers. Students will learn about the key concepts such as theories on the causes of structural and violent conflict, different approaches and ideas about building just and sustainable peace, and the paradoxes and paradigms inherent on the more specialised area of reconciliation.
 

Theories and Dynamics of Reconciliation
This module offers a multidisciplinary introduction to the study and practice of reconciliation. Drawing on insight into reconciliation from a number of disciplines, such as psychology, religious studies, and arts, students are encouraged to examine key ideas, frameworks, and understandings of reconciliation and tackle the principal dilemmas of reconciliation practice. Students will become familiar with the work of leading practitioners and thinkers such as John Paul Lederach and Miroslav Wolf, with particular emphasis on how they draw on Christian theology. The module will explore a range of practical examples and case studies of reconciliation and relationship building processes at interpersonal, community, and international levels and consider the range of contexts and factors which impact upon and shape any given reconciliation process. Throughout students will be encouraged to draw on their own experiences of experiencing difference, division and relationship building, and reflect on how this informs their own ideas and views about reconciliation methods and techniques, and their motivation for studying this subject.
 

Practical Bridge Building
This module is designed to enhance students’ personal and inter-personal skills and equip them with practical tools which they can employ in promoting peace in the field. It centres on a four-day intensive workshop designed to enable students explore the practical application of ideas from other modules. It offers a learning experience of being a member of a divided group, in a supportive environment. Emphasis will be placed on digesting and reflecting on these experiences both as a group and individually through journaling, reflective practice and a skills self-assessment. Each student brings a “real-life” case study to which they are invited to apply their learning. In a final essay, students will reflect on these experiences and relate them to relevant theoretical concepts and theories. The learning of transferable and employable skills from this module will enhance students’ employability in this and related fields.

Normally a first or second-class Honours degree or professional experience in the area of study. The study of conflict resolution and peacebuilding requires the exploration of a wide range of themes and issues which cut across most subject areas, and draws on a range of both qualitative and quantitative methods. It is important that applicants can demonstrate some knowledge and experience of studying and engaging with contemporary issues, and global themes and challenges, and articulate a personal and professional motivation for engaging in peacebuilding and reconciliation work.
 

If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent.

International Students

• Full-time entry | £6,900
• Part-time entry | £3,450 p/a
• Total Cost | £6,900

Graduates pursue careers working in the fields of international development, conflict management, peacebuilding and international relations. This work is often in international and local Non-Governmental Organisations and government, civil service and peacekeeping institutions such as the United Nations and the European Union. Destination organisations include International Press Institute, Jesuit Refugee Service and Generations for Peace, Gallup International as well as other organisations such as Church of England.