MA Reconciliation - University of Winchester

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COURSE OVERVIEW

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

The 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.

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

Careers

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.

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.

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.

Assesment

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.

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.

Course enquiries and applications

Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234

Send us a message

International students

International students seeking additional information about this programme can email International@winchester.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1962 827023.

Visit us

Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester at one of our Open Evenings.

Additional requirements

Personal Computing Requirements

Note - these requirements are reviewed annually by ITS and the Head of Technology Enhanced Learning. They were last updated in February 2016. Any currently enrolled student who has concerns should contact their Programme Leader in the first instance.

Any computer or mobile device purchased within the last 5 years should be sufficient. If in doubt, or for older devices, the following minimum specifications will ensure that a workstation performs to a reasonable standard:

* Considerably more disk space will be needed to store large amounts of personal files.
** May be required to install additional software if supplied on DVD/CD-ROM and can be an externally attachable one, e.g. USB
*** Required if the programme requires media which has sound. Most modern computers and mobile devices have integrated sound.

Computer Hardware Explained

a) Processor
This is the main component which will determine the speed of the computer. Intel processors are currently labeled Core i3, i5 and i7 with the latter being the most powerful and most expensive. Other brands such as AMD have equivalent models.

b) Memory (RAM)
This component is also very important to the overall performance of a PC. RAM stores files related to the operating system and programs which are running while the computer is turned on. Every program requires a certain amount of memory to run, so if too many programs or large files are run at the same time, the computer may run out of memory and begin running very slowly.

c) Hard Disk
Hard disk is the permanent means of storage and is where all the files such as Docs, Music, Pictures and the Operating System files are stored. It is important to have enough hard disk space to serve your storage needs. If a hard disk becomes very full it can negatively impact the overall computer performance.
For further advice on specification when purchasing a new computer, seek guidance from your preferred reseller.

d) Screen
When buying a new computer a screen size of at least 17” is recommended but sizes these days are routinely far larger and in wide screen format. Screen size for mobile devices such as laptops and tablets will generally be smaller than 17” but should be selected at a sufficient size for comfortable use.

e) Printer
There are currently no printer specific requirements for Distance Learning programmes.

Mobile Devices and Tablets

This heading covers the increasingly popular Smart Phone and Tablet devices such as the iPhone/iPad, Android, or Windows-based phone/tablet devices. Most of the University online systems work on these mobile devices. However we do not guarantee that all systems will be problem free. There is also a dedicated and fully supported University app available, UoW mobile app, which contains useful information and services and is available on Apple App Store, Google Play as well as a browser based version.

Workstation Health & Safety

From a health and safety point of view, staff and students are advised to use a conventional workstation for long periods of study rather than laptops and mobile communication devices. As these more portable devices have become more popular there has been a corresponding increase in the number of people suffering from upper limb disorders and back problems. Please refer to the Health & Safety pages on the Intranet of Setup Help Guides and Workstation Exercises.

Computer Software requirements

a) Operating System

Microsoft Windows 7, 8.1 or 10, or Mac OS X are recommended and supported by our services. We are unable to support Linux or other less mainstream operating systems.

b) Other Software
The following software will be required for distance learning:

i) Microsoft Word or an equivalent word processor which can save documents in the format .doc or .docx.
ii) Other Microsoft Office products such as Excel or PowerPoint may be required by some courses
iii) Access to an email service - the Unimail email system is provided by the University through the Microsoft Office 365 service.
iv) A supported web browser - Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 11 or above) or the latest versions of Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari.
v) Free downloads such as Adobe Reader may be required to open online material
vi) A form of Malware/Virus Protection
vii) Adobe Flash Player

From time to time Microsoft offer deals to University staff and students. Details of any currently available deals will be posted on the Intranet by ITS.

Internet Connection

Distance learning programmes all require extensive access to online resources. As such, a broadband connection of at least 1Mbps is recommended. Higher speed services would be advantageous due to the reduced load times for online resources. A dial up connection is not recommended.

Electronic submissions for assessment

These should be word-processed documents in Microsoft Word format (either .doc or .docx). Students can submit assignments prepared using a Mac, running their preferred word processor and a standard web browser, as long as they submit work in one of these formats.

Computer Security and Disaster Recovery

Keeping the PC secure and ensuring coursework can be recovered in the event of a disaster is extremely important. Computer and printer failure cannot be used as a reason to be granted an extended deadline for an assignment.

To try and ensure the PC is kept as secure as possible staff and students should:

a) Use strong virus protection:

i) Microsoft offer Security Essentials for Windows 7, which is free for home use, if there is no other protection in place. Windows 8 and 10 come with Windows Defender already installed but you may wish to choose a different solution for your protection.
ii) Ensure the virus protection is kept up to date
iii) Run scans for viruses at least once per month

b) Use strong passwords:

i) Use numbers
ii) Upper and lower case letters
iii) Do not use common words or names
iv) Do not use the same password for everything

c) Be aware when using the computer that most threats can be eliminated by taking the following precautions:

i) Take care what links you click on in emails and online
ii) Be careful what email attachments you open
iii) Be careful where you browse on the internet
iv) Be careful what you say yes to when a dialogue box appears
v) McAfee SiteAdvisor is a free download which can help you to determine where it is safe to browse

d) Make sure the operating system and software is kept up to date using services such as Windows Update

e) Use a Firewall: Windows has a firewall built in which is more than adequate in most cases.

It is very important that work can be recovered in the event of a PC based disaster, the following can help:

a) Save your work regularly
b) Save your work in versions, especially large assignments to minimise loss of work in the event of a file corruption
c) Backup your work regularly to CD, Memory Stick or using an online service such as Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive which is part of your Office 365 services as a student. You could also email assignment backups to yourself
d) Make sure you have your computer's recovery disk available in case it needs reinstalling as a result of failure

For more information, please see the Distance Learning PolicyApplications need to be submitted before the 15 May 2023. Late applications can be accepted throughout the remainder of the application year, for more information see our How to Apply section.

Year 1 (Level 7)

Modules Credits

Foundation of Reconciliation and Peacebuilding	40
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	20
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	20
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.
Optional Modules
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

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, 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.

Key course details

Duration: Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years
Typical offer: Normally a first, second-class Honours degree
Location: Distance learning

Danielle Vella

The design of the course is extremely helpful for practitioners seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills in their chosen area of work.

Reconciliation