Reconciliation
Apply onlineThe Reconciliation programmes at Winchester draw on insights from a range of academic disciplines, case studies, and cultural and faith traditions from around the world. They give you a multidisciplinary introduction to the study and practice of reconciliation and peacebuilding, with the work and experience of St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace informing their design.
Course overview
Drawing on insights from subject areas including psychology, religious studies and the arts, you examine key ideas and theoretical frameworks in the study of reconciliation in a wide variety of different contexts. We discuss and reflect on the pivotal relationship between theory and practice and to consider a variety of factors which impact upon the effectiveness of peacebuilding and reconciliation activities. You also have the opportunity to become involved with peacebuilding projects and organisations throughout the duration of the programme.
The supportive learning environment stems from the teaching staff who are all fully committed to providing the best learning opportunities for all students. We have a range of ways we support the learning experience of our students including one-to-one online tuition, tutorial groups and inclusive teaching practices.
We have a vibrant virtual community that includes students from all over the world. We help our students get to know each other through relationship building exercises in the beginning of the course as well as regular pair and group work and tutorial group meetings throughout the year.
Study core modules including Foundation of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding, Theories and Dynamics of Reconciliation, and Practical Bridge Building. Supplement these with options including Multi-faith Cooperation on Peacebuilding, Dialogue and Disagreement, and The Relationship between Theory and Practice. You also complete a final assessment, for which you have the option of writing a dissertation of 15,000 to 20,000 words; undertaking a consultancy placement with an organisation working in the field; or participating in and reflecting on a practical peacebuilding project.
The independent study allows our students to tailor their final project to their current jobs and future career choices. The dissertation demonstrates your research and critical reading, writing and thinking skills preparing you for a career in academia whereas the project and consultancy options help you connect with future employers and develop practical skills in areas such as project management, networking and report writing. For those already in a career, the independent study offers opportunities to explore themes related to your work and potentially start new projects with your organisations and other stakeholders.
Find out more about the Department for Theology, Religion and Philosophy
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Mostly distance learning, with 4 days on campus in Winchester
Course length
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Apply
Apply online
Typical offer
Normally a first or second-class Honours degree
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of a broad range of contemporary debates relevant to the study of peacebuilding and reconciliation
- Acquire advanced abilities in critically evaluating peacebuilding and reconciliation theories and concepts and applying them to practice world-wide.
- Participate in practical peacebuilding projects throughout the course
- Enjoy a supportive learning environment and vibrant virtual community
- Benefit from informed teaching staff who are all international experts within their field
Course details
Work placements
There are opportunities for students to take part in voluntary work placements, or carry out a pre-determined piece of work for a relevant organisation.
Learning and teaching
Start date: September
Mode of Study: MA Reconciliation is delivered through blended learning (5 modules by distance learning and 1 module taught intensively (4 days) on campus).
MA Reconciliation and Peacebuilding is offered as distance learning only.
Teaching takes place: Full-time - three evenings a week during term time (2 terms x 12 weeks). Part time - one or two classes per week depending on the semester.
Location: The distance learning modules are taught in our virtual Adobe Connect classroom. We use Canvas as our main learning platform. Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester
The programme is taught by a team of highly qualified and enthusiastic staff who include internationally renowned scholars working in the areas of reconciliation and peacebuilding. The programme is delivered through a combination of distance and blended learning. Participation in practical modules requires intensive periods of attendance. All students have access to dedicated tutors and can converse with other students through the University's Learning Network and online forums.
Assessment
Types of assessment include portfolios, presentations, reflective journals, practical work, essays and reports. There are no examinations. For the final assessment students have the option of completing a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words; undertaking a consultancy placement with an organisation working in the field, or participating in and reflecting on a practical peacebuilding project.
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
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.
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.
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” dilemma 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.
- Religion and Peacebuilding - 20 credits
- Dialogue & Disagreement - 20 credits
- The Relationship between Theory and Practice - 20 credits
- Major Project - 60 credits
- Consultancy - 60 credits
- Dissertation - 60 credits
Optional
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.
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.
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” dilemma 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.
- Religion and Peacebuilding - 20 credits
- Dialogue & Disagreement - 20 credits
- The Relationship between Theory and Practice - 20 credits
- Major Project - 60 credits
- Consultancy - 60 credits
- Dissertation - 60 credits
Entry requirements
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.
There are additional entry requirements for Distance Learning programmes - please view the Distance Learning Policy online at www.winchester.ac.uk/publicdocuments
If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 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.
Applications need to be submitted before advertised deadline. Late applications can be accepted throughout the remainder of the application year, for more information see our How to Apply section.
Course enquiries and applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester at one of our Open Evenings.
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.
There are additional entry requirements for Distance Learning programmes - please view the Distance Learning Policy online at www.winchester.ac.uk/publicdocuments
If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent.
International students seeking additional information about this programme can email International@winchester.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1962 827023.
Personal Computing Requirements
Due to the Distance Learning deliverance of the course, there are minimum personal computing requirements. Please see the Distance Learning Policy.
Applications need to be submitted before advertised deadline. Late applications can be accepted throughout the remainder of the application year, for more information see our How to Apply section.
Course enquiries and applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester at one of our Open Evenings.
Additional costs
2024 COURSE TUITION FEES
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man
Full-time entry | £9,250
Part-time entry | £4,625 p/a
Total Cost | £9,250
International Students
Full-time entry | £10,725
Part-time entry | £5,362.50 p/a
Total Cost | £10,725
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
Mandatory
Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a free printing allowance of £20 each academic year. This will print around 500 A4 mono pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
CAREER PROSPECTS
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.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
