MA Reconciliation and Peacebuilding

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.
 

Religion and Peacebuilding

In recent years religion has received much negative attention, being associated with a range of repressive and violent ideologies, and often linked with terrorism and conflict. However at the same time there has been increasing interest by scholars, governments and peace practitioners of the substantial resources for peace most religions can offer given the right conditions and circumstances. In this module students will learn about the history of religious peacebuilding, not only as an academic area of study but also the long tradition of religious actors on the ground contributing positively to peace processes. Key concepts in religious peacebuilding will be introduced, and students will be encouraged to critically evaluate religious sources for building peace and the roles religious actors can play to make peacebuilding interventions more effective and sustainable.
 

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.

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 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent
 

Personal Computing Requirements

Due to the Distance Learning deliverance of the course, there are minimum personal computing requirements. Please see the Distance Learning Policy.    

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 on international and local Non-Governmental Organisations and government, civil service and peacekeeping institutions such as the United Nations and European Union.