UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Social and International Studies
Division of Peace Studies
Programme title: MA Conflict Resolution
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final award and interim
award(s):
MA
Postgraduate Diploma.
Postgraduate Certificate.
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 7]
Programme title:
Conflict Resolution
Programme approved /
accredited by:
N/A
Duration:
1 year full-time; 2-5 years part-time
UCAS code
N/A
Relevant subject benchmark
statement(s):
FHEQ Level:
N/A
Date produced:
June 2009
Last updated :
February 2014
7
Introduction
The MA Conflict Resolution is located within the Division of Peace Studies, an
internationally recognised centre for excellence in teaching and research on peace
and conflict issues. Staff are accomplished scholars, and many also deploy their
research skills in a range of practical work in many parts of the world. Our
international reputation received formal confirmation in 2002, when Peace Studies
was chosen from more than 100 universities worldwide to be one of six Rotary
International Peace Centres.
Conflict Resolution is concerned with understanding the causes, dynamics and
consequences of conflict, and using that knowledge in practical efforts to mitigate or
resolve conflict, and to respond to some of the most pressing challenges of the 21 st
century. Conflict is an inescapable feature of social life. While conflict can sometimes
be positive, our main concern is with those forms of conflict that are socially
damaging or violent. There have been between 20 and 35 wars happening around
the world at any one time over the last two decades, and social conflict and violence
are problems in almost every society around the world. The human and
1
environmental costs of conflict are already very significant, and we can see potential
for increased conflict in the coming decades as issues like climate change and
resource depletion take hold. Finding effective responses to conflict is therefore of
fundamental importance, either to prevent escalation towards violence, or to create
conditions for reducing conflict and building positive peace.
Although we study conflict at all levels, from the interpersonal to the interstate, our
programme has a strong emphasis on the analysis of violent conflict within and
between states, including ethnic conflict and other forms of collective mobilisation.
Recognising that most contemporary conflicts have multiple dimensions and causes,
the course engages with a range of evidence and theories relating to conflict,
examining their utility and validity in relation to different case-studies. We also look at
the ways in which the drivers and characteristics of conflict are changing, as
processes like globalisation, development, population growth and ecological change
unfold.
Conflict Resolution is ultimately distinguished by its orientation towards practice. The
emphasis in the course is therefore on introducing and learning to evaluate different
methodologies and processes for peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
We explore different modes of intervention – from mediation and dialogue work, to
international efforts at state-building – and consider questions about the efficacy,
ethics, timing and coordination of these responses. The course offers an opportunity
for students to study the theoretical underpinnings of contemporary processes of
mediation and dialogue, and to critically evaluate the kinds of decisions that
practitioners make about issues and dilemmas that arise in the practice of conflict
resolution. In our view, this provides a foundation for students going on to acquire
skills and pursue careers in conflict resolution or other related professions. Conflict Resolution attracts many students who already possess significant field
experience, often in some of the most challenging conflict-affected societies in the
work. The course is structured to enable experienced practitioners to reflect on and
systematise their existing knowledge through engagement with theory and research,
and provides an opportunity for students to share and learn from each other. The MA
Conflict Resolution degree not only provides training in the discipline of Conflict
Resolution, but also allows students to undertake modules in other disciplines and
subject areas, including Peace Studies, International Relations and Security
Studies, and Development, and areas specialisms like Africa Studies. In addition to
module options within Peace Studies, you are also able to choose electives from the
wider span of University offerings. So while the degree provides a solid in grounding
in international conflict analysis and resolution, we also enable some flexibility,
allowing some individual and specialised focus while maintaining the overall
coherence of the degree. The 15,000 word dissertation provides an opportunity for
in-depth research on a topic of your choice, working closely with your academic
supervisor over a period of about four months.
Programme Aims:
Postgraduate Certificate
A1. Develop your knowledge and understanding of a coherent, current and
intellectually stimulating body of theory and analysis
2
A2. Encourage you to develop an independent, critical and scholarly approach
to the field which will enable you to apply your knowledge and develop your
understanding;
A3. Encourage you to relate academic study to questions of public concern in
the peace and conflict field;
A4. Provide you with a curriculum supported by active scholarship, staff
development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of
intellectual enquiry and debate;
A5. Help you to develop a valuable range of key skills and personal attributes
for a wide variety of careers;
Postgraduate Diploma
A6. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the emergence, nature and
significance of conflict analysis/conflict resolution as a distinct field of
academic study;
A7. Explain and critically evaluate key theories of conflict, demonstrating
advanced understanding of the causes, dynamics and outcomes of
conflict in different contexts;
A8. Explain and critically evaluate different mechanisms and processes for the
management and resolution of conflict, demonstrating critical
understanding of the challenges and dilemmas that can arise in
peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding practice;
A9. Demonstrate progress towards competence in a range of skills relevant to
conflict resolution practice or related social professions, including conflict
mapping and analysis, facilitation, negotiation and mediation, critical
reflection, and research.
Master
A10. Relate the study of conflict and conflict resolution to wider debates in
the field of peace studies;
A11. Gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence
or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments which
address specific problems;
A 12. Apply conceptual frameworks and research methodologies to casestudies.
A 13. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use
communication and information technology for the retrieval of and
presentation of information, work independently, demonstrating
initiative, self-organisation and time management and collaborate with
others to achieve common goals.
3
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
Postgraduate Certificate
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of a coherent, current and intellectually
stimulating body of theory and analysis;
LO2 Demonstrate an independent, critical and scholarly approach to the field
which will enable you to apply your knowledge and develop your
understanding;
LO3 Relate academic study to questions of public concern in the peace and
conflict field;
LO4 Engage critically with intellectual enquiry and debate;
LO5 Be equipped with a range of key skills and personal attributes for a wide
variety of careers;
Postgraduate Diploma
LO6 Have an advanced understanding of the emergence, nature and
significance of conflict analysis/conflict resolution as a distinct field of
academic study;
LO7 explain and critically evaluate key theories of conflict, demonstrating
advanced understanding of the causes, dynamics and outcomes of conflict in
different contexts;
LO8 explain and critically evaluate different mechanisms and processes for
the management and resolution of conflict, demonstrating critical
understanding of the challenges and dilemmas that can arise in peacemaking,
peacekeeping and peacebuilding practice;
LO9 demonstrate progress towards competence in a range of skills relevant
to conflict resolution practice or related social professions, including conflict
mapping and analysis, facilitation, negotiation and mediation, critical
reflection, and research.
Master
LO10 Relate the study of conflict and conflict resolution to wider debates in
the field of peace studies;
LO11 Gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence
or data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments which
address specific problem;
LO12 Apply conceptual frameworks and research methodologies to casestudies.
LO13 Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use
communication and information technology for the retrieval of and
presentation of information, work independently, demonstrating initiative, selforganisation and time management and collaborate with others to achieve
common goals.
4
Curriculum
The MA Conflict Resolution is taught over three semesters, with students taking 60
credits per semester. The first two semesters offer a taught programme of modules.
The final semester is taken up with the 60-credit dissertation.
Semester 1 has two 20-credit core modules: Introduction to Peace Studies (IPS),
and Conflict Resolution Theory (CRT).
Introduction to Peace Studies is taken by all MA students in the Division of Peace
Studies, and serves as an important introduction to key themes, questions and
debates in peace research and education – the historical development of peace
scholarship, the contested nature of violence and peace, non-violent action for social
change, and attempts to build more peaceful cultures. Many of these themes cut
across all our degrees, including Conflict Resolution. IPS therefore provides a
distinctive framework for study at Bradford
Conflict Resolution Theory (CRT) provides an introduction to the field of conflict
resolution, showing how it has evolved in response to key events and developments
in the last hundred years. We start by exploring some of the core approaches to the
analysis of conflict, looking at some of the main theories and concepts used in
conflict analysis. With this set of theoretical tools for analysing conflict in place, we
then come to the central question in the degree: what can be done to prevent,
manage or resolve conflict? We introduce a range of strategies and processes for
responding to conflict at different levels, by different actors, and begin to consider
some of the key debates that surround efforts for conflict prevention and
interventions to contain, de-escalate or resolve conflict. This provides a framework
for the more detailed consideration of conflict resolution practice in the second
semester.
In Semester 2, students can choose one of two modules as a further core: Applied
Conflict Resolution Skills (ACRS) and Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (P&P).
Applied Conflict Resolution Skills (ACRS) is about the theory and practice of
peacemaking – efforts to manage and resolve conflict primarily through
communicative processes. Among the range of peacemaking processes that exist,
this module focuses primarily on negotiation, mediation, dialogue and deliberation.
We will engage rigorously with attempts to theorise and evaluate different
approaches to negotiation, mediation, etc., to understand the conditions under which
more ethical and effective peacemaking practice occurs. You will also have extended
opportunities to engage in practical, experiential learning throughout the module, to
work on the core skills and qualities that practitioners need. Some of this practical
work is built-in to weekly sessions, but we will also run longer role-play and
simulation exercises, including a full-day mediation class developed by leading
mediation practitioners. This link with practitioners is a key theme in the module, and
there will be other opportunities to meet and learn from people who are active in
peacemaking work in different contexts.
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (P&P). This module complements ACRS, and
similarly builds from the discussion of conflict theory and intervention strategies in
5
CRT. The first part of the module explores responses to conflict at points which seek
to establish or maintain a 'negative peace'. Primarily this refers to the use of military
or civilian peacekeeping forces, whose may be deployed to monitor ceasefires,
support peace agreements, or protect civilians. This first part of the module therefore
focuses on understanding the range of peacekeeping roles and functions, and the
critical debate that has surrounded the expanded use of peacekeepers in
contemporary conflict. The second part of the module turns to the concept of
'peacebuilding', referring to a broad range of activities that seek to establish
conditions for lasting peace, and to address underlying causes of conflict.
Discussions of peacebuilding occur across many Peace Studies modules, which is a
consequence of the terms breadth and wide usage by international actors. The focus
in this module is on the more relational dimensions of peacebuilding efforts – those
processes which seek to re-establish trust and understanding between adversaries,
as part of a process to build positive peace. We will consider the characteristics of
societies affected by violent conflict, and a range of mechanisms for engaging
populations with the legacies of trauma, hate and division. This encompasses a
range of work on post-war or transitional justice, including the role of criminal
tribunals and truth commissions in establishing common understanding of a violent
history. We also look at grass roots initiatives for trust-building, reconciliation and
dealing with the psychological harm caused by violence, for example, through peace
education, arts-based programmes, and memory-work.
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SP-7008D
SP-7010D
Introduction to Peace Studies
Core
20
7
Sem 1
Conflict Resolution Theory
Core
20
7
Sem 1
SP-7005D
Applied Conflict Resolution Skills
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Core
20
7
Sem 2
SP-7026D
Core
20
7
Sem 2
SP-7007D
Introduction to African Politics
Option
20
7
Sem 1
SP-7009D
Fragile States and the SecurityDevelopment Nexus
International Politics and Security
Studies
The Arms Trade and Arms Control
Option
20
7
Sem 1
Option
20
7
Sem 1
Option
20
7
Sem 1
Option
20
7
Sem 1
SP-7001D
Religions, Conflict and
Peacemaking in a Post-Secular
World
Africa Study Visit
Option
20
7
Sem 2
SP-7002D
Gender, Conflict and Development
Option
20
7
Sem 2
SP-7003D
Natural Resource Governance
Option
20
7
Sem 2
SP-7004D
Cities in Conflict
Option
20
7
Sem 2
SP-7006D
African Security Studies
Option
20
7
Sem 2
SP-7013D
The Authoritarian Challenge to
Democracy
Social Movements, Globalization
and Political Change
Regional and Global Security
Politics
Option
20
7
Sem 2
Option
20
7
Sem 2
Option
20
7
Sem 2
SP-7011D
SP-7012D
SP-7023D
SP-7014D
SP-7015D
6
Master [level 7]
The 15,000 word dissertation provides an opportunity for in-depth research on a
topic of your choice, working closely with your academic supervisor over a period of
about four months.
Module
Code
SP-7018Z
Module Title
Dissertation (CR)
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
Core
60
7
DISS
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The teaching and assessment for this degree are designed to help you engage
actively with the themes and objectives of the degree, and to enable you to capture
and demonstrate learning in relation to both the conceptual, theoretical part of the
course, and the more practical, experiential elements. Teaching sessions last for up
to three hours, and will usually include a mix of lectures, small group work (e.g.
problem-based learning exercises), and class discussions. Practical sessions – for
example, on mediation skills – will be structured around role-play exercises and
more demanding, complex simulations. There will often be some preparatory work
involved each week, such as a short reading or research exercise, which may be
part of the assessed work for the course. This is intended to support and deepen
your learning experience.
A virtual learning environment called “Blackboard” is used to support ‘tandem’
learning (posting of lecture notes and presentations, readings and other relevant
materials; email discussion groups, notice boards and announcements) and as a
portal to information and organisations which focus on peace and conflict issues.
The form of assessment varies according to specific pedagogical requirements of
each module. However, a range of assessment methodologies are employed across
the course units including: essays, reflective journals, individual and group projects /
reports.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission Requirements
Peace Studies admits about 100 postgraduate students a year. The MA student body
is diverse: some 30 nationalities are represented by men and women of all ages and
with a wide range of backgrounds and experience.
7
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme.
Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact
the programme leader before you apply.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of
Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support
your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group
study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students.
Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance
in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise
your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and course-related materials this way. Staff are
on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT
helpline available.
Student Support and Guidance
Course Team
Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the
University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is
someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
8
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part
of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as
council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can
access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability
and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available
throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find parttime work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.
Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the
extensive resources on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring
options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input
by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged
workshops.
The specific provision on this programme is intended to meet the employability
expectations of Peace Studies graduates. These are typically focused on careers in
conflict management, international organisations, non-governmental organisations,
civil service, local government, police, journalism, diplomacy, research and
education. Teaching on the program is research informed and delivered by an
academic team that is engaged in knowledge transfer activities with employers and
practitioners, enabling us to constantly review our employer engagement capability.
The MAs provide a mix of both discipline and personal transferable skills. Graduates
develop an independent and critical ability to gather, organise and analyse relevant
primary and secondary evidence or data, to use communication and information
technology for the retrieval of and presentation of information, to demonstrate
initiative, and to collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
The calibre and diversity of our student body adds value to our programme in terms
of the networking opportunities provided.
Learner Development Unit
The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths,
numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is
delivered during both semesters which complement the individual support available
from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to
help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can
discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether
these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact
the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
9
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
The Admissions Office
School of Social and International Studies
The University of Bradford
Pemberton Building
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 234198 or +44 (0)1274 235255
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
http://www.brad.ac.uk/acad/ssis
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
10
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Curriculum Map
This table shows in which modules the main learning outcomes are developed
and/or assessed:
Programme Learning Outcomes
Stage
Mod
LO
1
LO
2
LO
3
LO
4
Pg
Cert
SP70
08D
A
A
A
A
SP7010
D
A
A
A
A
SP7026
D
A
A
A
A
MA
LO
6
SP7008
D
A
A
A
A
SP7010
D
A
A
A
A
SP7026
D
A
A
A
A
LO
7
LO
8
LO
9
S
A
A
A
A
SP7005
D
Pg
Dip
LO
5
A
A
A
SP7005
D
A
SP7021
Z
A
A
A
A
LO
11
S
A
A
A
A
A
S
A
LO
10
S
A
S
A
A
A
A
A
S
A
A
LO
12
LO
13
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module
S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not
formally assessed
NB: The learning outcomes for optional modules in the programme are not indicated
in the above matrix. However, these will also map on this matrix and are expected to
reinforce several learning outcomes.
Postgraduate Certificate
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of a coherent, current and intellectually
stimulating body of theory and analysis;
LO2 Demonstrate an independent, critical and scholarly approach to the field which
will enable you to apply your knowledge and develop your understanding;
11
LO3 Relate academic study to questions of public concern in the peace and conflict
field;
LO4 Engage critically with intellectual enquiry and debate;
LO5 Be equipped with a range of key skills and personal attributes for a wide variety
of careers;
Postgraduate Diploma
LO6 Have an advanced understanding of the emergence, nature and significance
of conflict analysis/conflict resolution as a distinct field of academic study;
LO7 Explain and critically evaluate key theories of conflict, demonstrating
advanced understanding of the causes, dynamics and outcomes of conflict in
different contexts;
LO8 Explain and critically evaluate different mechanisms and processes for the
management and resolution of conflict, demonstrating critical understanding of the
challenges and dilemmas that can arise in peacemaking, peacekeeping and
peacebuilding practice;
LO9 Demonstrate progress towards competence in a range of skills relevant to
conflict resolution practice or related social professions, including conflict mapping
and analysis, facilitation, negotiation and mediation, critical reflection, and research.
Master
LO10 Relate the study of conflict and conflict resolution to wider debates in the field
of peace studies;
LO11 Gather, organise and analyse relevant primary and secondary evidence or
data so as to present coherent and clearly reasoned arguments which address
specific problems;
LO12 Apply conceptual frameworks and research methodologies to case-studies.
LO13 Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing, use
communication and information technology for the retrieval of and presentation of
information, work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time
management and collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
12
Appendix 2.
Assessment map
This table shows the methods of assessments used across different stages and
modules:
Methods of assessment
Stage
Mod
1
Pg
Cert
SP7008D
X
SP7010D
Pg
Dip
MA
2
3
4
5
X
X
X
X
SP7026D
X
X
X
X
SP7005D
X
SP7008D
X
SP7010D
X
X
X
X
SP7026D
X
X
X
X
SP7005D
X
X
X
X
SP7021Z
1 = Coursework (e.g. essay; assignment; portfolio, etc)
2 = Individual Presentation (e.g. seminar paper)
3 = Group Presentation
4 = Group Assignment
5 = Dissertation or Project Report
13
Appendix 3. Teaching map
This table shows the main delivery methods which are used across modules and
stages:
Teaching Methods
Stage
Mod
1
2
3
Pg
Cert
SP7008D
X
X
X
SP7010D
X
X
X
SP7026D
X
X
X
SP7008D
X
X
X
SP7010D
X
X
X
SP7026D
X
X
X
SP7021Z
X
X
X
Pg
Dip
MA
1 = Lectures
2 = Seminars
3 = Directed Study
14