COURSE OVERVIEW
As a student on this course, you will:
• Develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of and an outstanding ability to analyse why interpersonal- and intercommunal conflict occur world-wide.
• Develop a thorough and critical insight into a wide range of contemporary peacebuilding- and reconciliation theories, practices and processes (with a special focus on religious peacebuilding) and how they are being applied in diverse international contexts.
• Acquire an awareness of your own and others’ potential roles in interpersonal- and intercommunal peacebuilding and reconciliation with a special focus on religious actors.
• Join our international vibrant and supportive learning community, led by tutors working in the fields of peacebuilding and reconciliation.
• Develop a diverse range of transferable competencies and skills that you can use in a wide range of jobs.
This course supports you in developing an in-depth understanding of diverse perspectives on peacebuilding and reconciliation. Drawing on the work of the Winchester Centre of Religion, Reconciliation and Peace, the course critically considers the complexities of interpersonal- and intercommunal conflict, peacebuilding and reconciliation and the connections between theory and practice. It addresses why individuals and groups around the world engage in violence and the effects it has on them and their communities. It also examines, which processes are needed to transform relationships, structures and institutions during and after violent conflict. In addition, it also teaches you how to use conflict transformation methods such as facilitation, dialogue and mediation. Furthermore, the course also enables you to conduct independent research and it pays special attention to the roles of religion and religious actors.
The course consists of some core modules (Foundation of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding; Theories and Dynamics of Reconciliation, and Religion and Peacebuilding) and some optional modules (The Relationship between Theory and Practice; Dialogue and Disagreement, and Practical Bridge Building). You also complete an independent study, 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 developing and reflecting on a practical project.
The course is designed to encourage you to personalise your learning journey in accordance with your interests and we encourage our students to reflect on their own personal and professional development throughout the course Our learning and teaching approach is student-centred, inclusive, informed by research and based on a high degree of interactivity. We offer an international curriculum that is unceasingly updated to reflect the everchanging field of study. In our virtual learning environment students engage in interactive lectures and seminars, group work, research exercises and one-to-one tutorials. The course is taught by a team of highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic staff who work for the Winchester Centre of Religion, Reconciliation and Peace a high-impact centre dedicated to fostering peace and reconciliation across the world. You are required to attend online sessions but all other activities can be carried out when it is convenient for you so studying with us can easily fit around other personal- and professional commitments. We provide a very inclusive and supportive learning environment with one-to-one modular tutorials, extensive feedback on assignments and tailored supervision. We also place a lot of emphasis on developing a vibrant learning community where students get to know each other through relationship building exercises and pair- and group work. Our greatest asset is our diverse and international student body that offers many opportunities of intercultural exchanges of experiences and perspectives from around the world.
Careers
The independent study allows our students to tailor their final project to their current jobs and/or future career choices. The dissertation demonstrates students’ research and critical reading, writing and thinking skills preparing them for a career in academia whereas the project and consultancy options help students 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 their work and potentially start new projects with their organisation and other stakeholders. The Winchester Centre of Religion, Reconciliation and Peace also occasionally offers students an opportunity to assist in research projects.
Graduates pursue careers in a wide range of fields including local, national and international peacebuilding and/or reconciliation organisations such as Transparency International, Jesuit Refugee Service and Generations for Peace. Some use the degree to kickstart a new career whereas others use the degree to support promotion within their current employment.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for applicants from:
UK, EU, World
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.
Field trips
Students have the opportunity to get involved with peacebuilding projects and organisations.
Learning and teaching
Start date: September
Distance learning available: MA Reconciliation and Peacebuilding is offered as distance learning only
Teaching takes place: Evenings
MA Reconciliation is delivered through blended learning (4 modules by distance learning and 1 module taught intensively (5 days) on campus).
Teaching takes place: Evenings
The programme is taught by a team of highly qualified and enthusiastic staff including 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 Canvas platform and online forums.
Location
The distance learning modules are taught in our virtual Adobe Connect classroom.
Assessment
Types of assessment include 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 organising and reflecting on a practical peacebuilding project.
We ensure all students have an equitable opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes and extra support is offered to students with recognised learning differences.
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.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Normally a first or second-class Honours degree or professional experience in the area of study. The study of reconciliation 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.
Course enquiries and applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Send us a message
International students
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023.
Late applications can be accepted throughout the remainder of the application year, for more information see our How to Apply section.
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Evenings.
Year 1: Level 7
Modules Credits
| Foundation of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding | 40 | |
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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. |
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| Theories and Dynamics of Reconciliation | 20 | |
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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. |
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| Religion and Peacebuilding | 20 | |
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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. |
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| Year 1 Optional Modules | ||
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Optional Credits
| Foundation of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding | 40 | |
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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. |
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| Theories and Dynamics of Reconciliation | 20 | |
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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. |
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| Religion and Peacebuilding | 20 | |
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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. |
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| Year 1 Optional Modules | ||
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Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man
Full-time entry | £8,750
Part-time entry | £4,375 p/a
Total Cost | £8,750
International Students
Full-time entry | £9,250
Part-time entry | £4,625 p/a
Total Cost | £9,250
ADDITIONAL COSTS
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials and seminars. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
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.
Optional
Field Trip
There is one optional practical module, usually run in April, which requires 5 days attendance at the University. Students are required to cover the costs of travel to and from the University and accommodation for the nights they attend. University accommodation may be available and can be booked by students at a reasonable cost. Costs vary depending on student's location. For a night in university accommodation, the indicative cost is £35 per night.
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.
Key course details
- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years
- Typical offer
- Normally a first or second-class Honours degree
- Location
- Distance learning
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