MASTERS PROGRAMMES IN CONFLICT AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION

Transcription

1 MASTERS PROGRAMMES IN CONFLICT AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION

2 The lecturers on my course are amongst some of the most respected and knowledgeable academics in their field of study and being provided the opportunity to tap in to that wealth of knowledge is extremely enjoyable and rewarding. Alan Fennel, MA Violence, Terrorism & Security A Russell Group university: one of the UK s leading researchintensive universities A gateway to interdisciplinary research harnessing both the national and international experience and expertise of staff. WELCOME I would like to welcome you to our new interdisciplinary Masters programme in conflict transformation and social justice, the first such programme to be based in Belfast, a city with a violently troubled past and dynamic and forward-looking present. Drawing on expertise from the social sciences, legal studies and the creative arts, and from practitioners as well as academics, the programme invites you to build a unique and personalised portfolio of knowledge and perspectives intended to have relevance far beyond the classroom and the city itself. Our focus on conflict transformation in South Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East as well as in Ireland delivers comparative insights and sensibilities that strive to meet one of the greatest global challenges of our times. We hope you will join us. Hastings Donnan Director, Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice As Course Director for the MSc Political Psychology, I would like to add my welcome to Political Psychology at Queen s. We offer the only MSc in Political Psychology in Europe and our cohorts include international students from America, Europe and Asia. We welcome the diversity and range of cultural experiences which they bring to the course. This booklet showcases the breadth of opportunities available in the conflict transformation space and the particular contribution which we make in Political Psychology. Dr Lesley Storey Course Director, MSc Political Psychology, School of Psychology A world class international university that supports outstanding students and staff, working in world class facilities, conducting leading-edge education and research, focused on the needs of society. President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick G Johnston Research of extraordinary diversity, advancing and exchanging knowledge, delivering impact and benefit to Northern Ireland and to the wider world. Queen s is in the Top 1% of Global Universities World Ranking Professor Hastings Donnan, Director of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice From its inception the MA in Comparative Ethnic Conflict has attracted students from North America, Europe, including of course Britain and Ireland. Naturally, the capital city of Northern Ireland offers an ideal setting for the study of ethnic conflict. The (relative) success of Northern Ireland s Peace Process is an example of the ending of political violence as a result of external mediation and negotiations among the parties. While at peace, Northern Ireland remains a deeply divided society and provides on a daily basis examples of how ethnic identity shapes political attitudes. Our staff consists of experts and many are internationally leading scholars in their disciplinary field. We are involved in a wide range of research activities, including collaborative projects at both national and international levels, which make for a very stimulating environment for students to develop their own research projects. Dr Timofey Agarin Course Convenor for the MA in Comparative Ethnic Conflict, School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy Welcome to the MA programme in Violence, Terrorism and Security. On this programme many of our students are drawn from law enforcement, the armed forces and government agencies from across the globe. The programme offers an opportunity for students to learn and problem solve around issues which represent core threats and challenges for modern societies around the world. The diversity of expertise and range of input from teaching staff ensures cutting edge study and debate. This booklet highlights the expert and professionally oriented range of opportunities which we offer on our programme which we hope you will enjoy reading about. Scott Rutherford, Director of Research and Enterprise Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards Programme Director, MA Violence, Terrorism and Security, School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy

3 MA VIOLENCE, TERRORISM AND SECURITY SCHOOL OF POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PHILOSOPHY (SEPTEMBER 2014 ENTRY) 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time Aim This programme provides dynamic and critical study in Violence, Terrorism and International Security. Its aim is to help students develop a critical and analytical approach to problems in history and the contemporary world of these three areas. It challenges accepted wisdom and opens up the debate about the role of violence in relation to political power in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Programme Content Six taught modules, plus a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words. Students will take: Violence, Terrorism and Security Approaches to Research Design International Security Conflict Intervention Global Terrorism Plus one module from the following: International Political Economy International Political Philosophy Ireland and Europe Issues in European Governance Politics of the Republic of Ireland Some recent MA VTS dissertation topics have included: Paramilitary recruitment Security and Development US Counter-terrorism strategies Religious Diplomacy and Paramilitary movements Taliban, counter-insurgency and narco-terrorism Security Sector Reform Policing Counter-insurgency and targeted assassinations Private Military Companies and Africa Cultures of Youth Violence UK Government PREVENT policy Covert Intelligence and Collusion Transitions from terrorism: ETA and the IRA compared Bioterrorism and arms control Cyberterrorism Child soldiers and international law It is also possible to study for a PG Diploma in each of the areas covered by the MA and the PG Diploma is constructed around the coursework elements of the MA. On successful completion of the coursework, it is possible to complete the dissertation for an award of MA. Assessment Method on the Modules: Continuous assessment and examination Normally these degrees are self-funded. Any School bursaries and other scholarship competitions are advertised on the School website. 2014/15: 12,790 (International) Applications for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes are submitted online. The online system also allows application for funding where appropriate. General information for prospective students is available on the following website: To make an online application for a postgraduate programme, please visit Entrance Requirements The School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy requires applicants for MA programmes to have a 2:1 (or equivalent) honours degree at undergraduate level in, as appropriate, Politics, European Studies, International Studies, Philosophy or a relevant subject area. Those applicants with a high 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent recognised qualification, including professional) may be admitted if they have evidence of relevant professional experience. Entry to the Postgraduate Diploma normally requires a high 2:2 (58%) honours degree at undergraduate level. Diploma applicants who do not hold a high 2:2 at undergraduate level, may - at the discretion of the relevant Programme Convenor - be considered for admission on the basis of relevant post-graduation work experience and/or an assessed piece of written work. For further information on how to apply for any of our postgraduate taught courses please read the Prospective Student Information at the following link: Additional Information for International Students Applicants who are non-eea nationals must satisfy the UK Border Agency (UKBA) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes, by providing evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. *Taken within the last 2 yrs. Please see: for more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-eea nationals. This programme provides an opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge of current violence, security and terrorism related issues for those at any stage of their career. Our graduates now serve in the most Senior ranks of a number of National Police Services, and Law Enforcement Agencies, Border and Immigration Control, National Armed Forces including the US Army, US Air Force, British Army and Irish Defence Forces. Our graduates also now serve in as senior government policy advisors, work in international NGOs in diverse parts of the globe including major conflict zones and the media. The MA also provides the research skills and knowledge to carry out a PhD to pursue, as a number of our graduates have done, an academic career. Completing the MA in Violence, Terrorism, and Security at Queen s University Belfast has proven to be one of my most educationally thought-provoking and rewarding life experiences to date. Brian C. Mueller MA VTS 2011, Marshall Scholar, US Air Force My experience at Queen s University Belfast in the MA in Violence, Terrorism, and Security degree was the best academic and life experience that I have ever had. The course is well designed and broad enough to give you a solid theoretical understanding of the nexus between violence, terrorism, and security, while also giving you adequate opportunity to specialize in a certain area with the multitude of elective modules the course pathway offers. Eric Gardiner Ensign, United States Navy, 2009 VTS graduate I would recommend VTS to anyone with a keen interest in politics and security studies. It is a real experience and it was an honour to be taught by numerous tutors whom are leads in the field. Tanya Mc Camphill VTS Student LLB Parliamentary Assistant in Northern Ireland Assembly Professor Beverley Milton-Edwards School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy T: +44(0) E: b.milton-edwards@qub.ac.uk W:

4 MA COMPARATIVE ETHNIC CONFLICT SCHOOL OF POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PHILOSOPHY (SEPTEMBER 2014 ENTRY) 1 year full-time and 2 years part-time The Subject Ever since the end of the Cold War, ethnic conflicts have loomed large in the reporting of political developments around the world. However, neither national conflict itself nor the comparison of ethnic tensions is new. Different identities and their representation in public space are major concerns of political elites in contemporary societies, just as they were for much of the twentieth century. Alongside conflict and comparison, these are all key issues dealt with in our long-running MA Comparative Ethnic Conflict, with which students will become familiar during the first semester. In the second term, our MA programme offers students a choice of modules, including National and Ethnic Conflict Management, Conflict Intervention and Ireland & Europe. Seminars on the programme are characterised by lively discussions of both the theoretical issues involved and the interpretation of empirical case studies. Our MA programme is structured in a way that allows students to develop understanding of ethnic conflicts both with regard to the domestic dimensions and the mechanisms for their political management, even before they hit newspapers front pages. Aim The goal of our programme is to understand why ethno-national conflicts are so prevalent in the contemporary world. How do contemporary states communicate with residents of ethnically diverse origins? To illustrate this, we study theories investigating the salience of ethnic identity and explaining reasons for intergroup conflict. Starting from an example of Northern Ireland, a post-conflict society, the programme assesses challenges posed by multicultural diversity to contemporary states. We analyse the role of international organisations in improving relations between groups who perceive of themselves as having different, and at times conflicting, identities and study modalities of ethnic and national conflict management. The aim of our MA programme is to offer students a thorough understanding of the social and political origins of ethnic conflict, knowledge of policy instruments of conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peace building, and competence in comparative analyses of intergroup conflicts across the globe. Programme Content Six taught modules and a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words. Students will take: Theories of Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict Politics of Northern Ireland National and Ethnic Conflict Management Conflict Intervention Approaches to Research Design Plus one of the following: Ireland & Europe Politics of the Republic of Ireland Philosophy of Conflict and War Recent MA Dissertation Topics Included Secessionist movements in federal states Ethnic bargaining in former Yugoslavia Accommodation of minorities in Kurdistan Conditions for ethnic peace in post-conflict societies Institutionalised ethnicity in Northern Ireland It is also possible to study for a Diploma in each of the areas covered by the School s MA programmes; this is constructed around the coursework elements of the MA programmes. On successful completion of the coursework, it is possible to complete the dissertation for an award of MA. Assessment Continuous assessment. Normally these degrees are self-funded. If there are any School bursaries, they will be advertised on the School website. Applications for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes are submitted online. The online system also allows application for funding where appropriate. General information for prospective students is available on the following website: Entrance Requirements Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above or equivalent recognised qualification in Politics, International Studies or a related subject. Additional Information for International Students Applicants who are non-eea nationals must satisfy the UK Border Agency (UKBA) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes, by providing evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. *Taken within the last 2 yrs. Please see: for more information on English language requirements for EEA and non-eea nationals. The MA Comparative Ethnic Conflict prepares students for a variety of pathways to employment in all industries engaged in management, transformation and resolution of ethnic conflict situations. The programme provides an excellent set of analytical and comparative skills for a career as researchers in ethnic conflict, in the NGO sector, for the UN or other international organisations and practitioners dealing with intergroup enmity. In addition, our graduates go on to a wide range of careers in both the private and public sectors. This MA programme also provides an appropriate basis for those who wish to proceed to doctoral studies. Our MA is linked to the Centre for the Study of Ethnic Conflict and brings together staff of the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy with research expertise on, and interest in, practical resolution of protracted conflicts. Our teaching staff are multiethnic and multilingual. Students with Marshall, Fulbright, Mitchell and Commonwealth scholarships have come to Belfast to do MA in Comparative Ethnic Conflict. But it is the mix of backgrounds in the class that has proven of even greater importance than the number of high-fliers on the programme. MA Comparative Ethnic Conflict gave me strong theoretical and research-based skills to continue with further studies, particularly with opportunities to attend events held by the Centre for the Study of Ethnic Conflict. Having discussions about ethnicity and conflict whilst living in Northern Ireland pushed us to think critically about local events in comparison to conflict in many other parts of the world. Laura Wise, University of Graz That year proved to be an intellectual revelation. The course managed the difficult task of balancing depth with breadth, so that we were encouraged to get to grips with comparing the dynamics of (sometimes very different) conflicts around the world. When they were ranged alongside each other, much about the world s trouble spots finally began to make some tentative sense. Dr Tim Wilson, Hertford College Oxford You are welcome to contact convenor of the programme, Dr Timofey Agarin: t.agarin@qub.ac.uk

5 MSC POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY (SEPTEMBER 2014 ENTRY) 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time The Subject Political Psychology is a growing inter-disciplinary sub-field drawing on insights from a number of disciplines including Psychology, Political Science and History. The MSc in Political Psychology adopts a predominantly critical social psychological approach, and places a strong emphasis on understanding how political psychological concepts may operate in practice. Aims provide a critical understanding of the historical development of political psychology from different epistemological, ideological and disciplinary perspectives provide an advanced understanding of current theoretical debates within political psychology enable students to engage in multidisciplinary dialogue and research provide skills to use appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to address research questions as well as with the skills to interpret quantitative and qualitative data train students to use political psychological theories to formulate research questions relevant to current political phenomena and provide skills to apply political psychological theories and empirical findings in a number of different employment settings Why choose to study at Queen s? The School of Psychology at Queen s has a longstanding international reputation for its social psychological research on political issues. Being based in Belfast has helped us to study at first hand one of the most intractable and protracted conflicts in the world, and now the peace process which is fostering cohesion between communities. Programme Content The course consists of six compulsory elements and a dissertation. Students are encouraged to conduct their research whilst placed in a relevant setting, e.g. a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), a political institution, or a media organisation. The taught modules include: 1. Applying Political Psychology to Current Social Issues 2. Principles of Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analyses 3. Quantitative Data Analysis 4. Research Design and Professional Skills 5. Theoretical Perspectives and Focal Issues in Political Psychology 6. Understanding Political Behaviours: Civic Engagement, Political Participation and Disempowerment Political Psychology is a growing sub-field sited on the borders of psychology and political science. It is concerned with understanding political issues and phenomena by exploring how socio-political contexts and institutions are affected and how they affect individual and collective cognitions and behaviours. Assessment A variety of formats including essays, critical reviews of the literature, proposals, reports of empirical projects, seminar presentations, plus the dissertation. The School of Psychology has historically awarded a full-fee scholarship to each of its MSc programmes. The scholarship is based on academic performance, and it is up to the Course Director to determine how it is awarded. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must apply, be accepted and register onto the programme. 2014/15: 12,790 (International) Applications for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes are submitted online. The online system also allows application for funding where appropriate. General information for prospective students is available on the following website: To make an online application for a postgraduate programme, please visit Entrance Requirements Applicants must normally possess or expect to possess by admission to the course, a First Class or 2.1 Honours degree in Psychology or Political Science, or another relevant discipline, or equivalent recognised qualification. If the course is oversubscribed, applications will be ranked based on quality of academic performance, references and relevant qualifications. Applicants may be required to undertake an interview also. Additional information for International Students Applicants who are non-eea nationals must satisfy the UK Border Agency immigration requirements for language for visa purposes, by providing evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. For more information, please visit: The MSc in Political Psychology will help those seeking a career in public policy or in local/ national Government, international and European organisations, political parties, the media and lobby groups. It will also provide the research skills and knowledge to carry out a PhD in Political or Social Psychology or other cognate discipline to pursue an academic career. What attracted me to the MSc in Political Psychology is that it is not taught anywhere else in Europe. Being based in Belfast makes it an even more attractive course given the recent political changes. I would definitely recommend this Masters as it really gives you a new interdisciplinary perspective on why things happen and the staff want to help you to succeed. Margaret Schoop, Germany Dr Lesley Storey School of Psychology E: l.storey@qub.ac.uk T: + 44 (0) W: Entrance requirements E: admissions@qub.ac.uk T: + 44 (0) For any additional funding available, please see the Academic Affairs and Postgraduate Centre websites. Republic of Ireland students please see

6 MA CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (SEPTEMBER 2015 ENTRY) 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time Aim This MA provides students with the opportunity to undertake study across the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and beyond, and thus benefit from the enriched interdisciplinary learning environment and expertise of award winning academic staff. Students will engage with core theories, concepts, issues and debates within conflict transformation and social justice related to the nature and character of conflict, examples of global conflicts, modes and forms of conflict transformation and legal and human rights. Students will study and critically examine the key conceptual, moral, legal, political and cultural issues that relate to conflict, conflict transformation and social justice. This will relate to the fields of political science, law, sociology, history, anthropology, English, drama and psychology. The modules on offer will be streamed and students will have an opportunity to choose a stream in which they wish to specialise. Students will take modules from one of three streams: Stream 1: Conflict and Transformation Stream 2: Asserting Social Justice, Inclusion and Rights Stream 3: Religion, Society, Peace-building and Conflict Programme Details Students are required to complete TWO compulsory taught modules: Global Concepts and Practices of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice (20 CATS), and Concepts, Issues and Methods in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences [Training Spine module comprised of Strands A, B and C] (40 CATS) and the triple-weighted dissertation (60 CATS points). In addition to the compulsory modules, students take 60 CATS points of optional modules from the following Schools: English, Education, Creative Arts, Law, Politics, International Studies and Philosophy, History and Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work. Within each stream students must take modules from at least two Schools. A student cannot take more than 40 credits in any School. Where a student wishes to take more than 40 credits in a particular School, it is recommended that they apply for the Masters programme in that School. The taught modules are delivered during two 12 week semesters, with examinations at the end of each semester. Examples of elective modules: Freedom of Assembly and the Right to Protest: Democracy, Transition and Social Justice (ISCTSJ) Restorative Justice (Law) Human Rights in the Americas (Law) Global Terrorism (PISP) Theoretical Perspectives and Focal Issues in Political Psychology (Psychology) Trauma in the Lives of Children (Education) Applied Theatre: Drama with an Ulterior Motive (Creative Arts) Topics in Religion, Identity and Conflict (History and Anthropology) Religion and peacebuilding (Sociology, Social Work and Social Policy) Conflict and Change in Northern Ireland: Sociological Perspectives (SSPSW) Trauma and Memory in C20th Irish Literature (English) (*NB please note that module content may vary from year to year and is subject to timetabling and availability). Only global MA programme on conflict transformation and social justice Only MA programme actively to facilitate study and research that combines cultural and creative aspects of conflict transformation and social justice together with their socio-legal, institutional and inter-state contexts Only MA programme in the field to be interdisciplinary across all the humanities and social sciences in order to offer a fully rounded and multilevel analysis of the subject whilst offering optional modules for specialisation Teaching in advanced research methods, with particular emphasis on methodologies appropriate for research in the fields of conflict transformation, social justice and societies in transition Annual masterclass with visiting world-leading researchers Peer group seminars across the Faculty in qualitative research methods Participation in interdisciplinary, small research seminar groups on related topics of specialisation, e.g. shared space ; divided cities Opportunities to conduct new empirical research in the field Opportunities to complete assignments with direct policy relevance Location of Belfast: globally-significant locale for conflict and peace research; access to institutions, community projects, case studies for students own work Assessment Examination and continuous assessment. The Programme will also be complemented by a non-assessed Personal Development Programme (PDP) which will enhance graduate study and employability. Normally self-funded. 2014/15: 12,790 (International) Applications for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes are submitted online. The online system also allows application for funding where appropriate. General information for prospective students is available on the following website: To make an online application for a postgraduate programme, please visit For current general University entry requirements for this pathway go to Criteria For Admission (Subject Specific Requirements) To Programme The Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice requires applicants for this MA programme to have normally as a minimum a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent recognised qualification) in an Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences discipline or another cognate subject area. Those applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) may be admitted if they hold a Masters degree, or if they have 3 years relevant working experience in the field of conflict transformation, youth work, social justice or related experience in community engagement or public service delivery. Additional Admissions Information for International Students Applicants who are non-eea nationals must satisfy the UK Border Agency (UKBA) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes, by providing evidence of an IELTS (taken within the previous 3 years) score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. For further information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-eea nationals, please see INTO at Queen s can provide tuition to help you meet the University s English Language Requirements, please see The MA programme provides our graduates with the skills to pursue a wide range of careers in the private, public and voluntary sectors, both domestically and internationally. In addition, the learning and intellectual environment provided by the Institute will prepare students for Doctoral study. For Further Information Refer To Professor Peter Shirlow Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice 19 University Square Queen s University Belfast Belfast BT7 1NN Tel: +44 (0) ctsj@qub.ac.uk

7 Masters programmes at Queen s in Conflict AND CONFLICT Transformation MA Comparative Ethnic Conflict School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy. (September 2014 entry) ProspectiveStudents/PostgraduateTaughtDegrees/MAinComparativeEthnicConflict/ MA Violence, Terrorism and Security School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy. (September 2014 entry) ProspectiveStudents/PostgraduateTaughtDegrees/MAinViolenceTerrorismandSecurity/ MSc Political Psychology School of Psychology. (September 2014 entry) PoliticalPsychology/ MA Conflict Transformation and Social Justice Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice. (September 2015 entry)