INTRODUCTION

The Nelson Mandela University-based Unit for Study and Resolution of Conflict has a wealth of expertise and a credible track record in conflict management processes in the Eastern Cape, nationally and internationally. The programme draws on the extensive experience of a range of top South African and international experts in the field. 

This advanced, theory and practice-based postgraduate programme culminates in a one or two-year MA degree in Conflict Management. 

This programme has been designed to benefit civil servants, middle and top-level management, community leaders, development specialists, foreign service personnel, social work practioners, teachers and school administrators, police officers and all those who manage conflict as part of their daily routine.

 

Please note: Applicants must possess a relevant postgraduate honours degree to apply for the qualification

 

CURRICULUM

The programme’s depth is in its core courses in approaches to the study of conflict, conflict processes, and conflict resolution and management techniques, which are complemented by practical short courses in negotiation, mediation and facilitation.

Variety and specialisation are built-in through interdisciplinary themes such as development and conflict, world conflict and its management, conflict and regional integration and conflict in the workplace. 

Students will complete a treatise by research as a capstone element of the degree.

DELIVERY

This advanced study combines distance education in short, intensive contact lecture blocks – A Summer Peace Academy at the end of February, and a Winter block during the final weeks of July – opening up the programme to interested candidates irrespective of their geographical location.

Outcomes

Learners are equipped to pursue careers as experts in conflict management and resolution. They will have advanced, practically-earned conflict handling skills, and will be able to analyse conflict situations, be fully conversant with conflict literature and comfortable with theoretical debates.

Admissions

The Master’s programme is open to candidates with an Honours degree in a relevant field, who will be given appropriate recognition.  Although students may be able to attain the Master’s qualification in one year, this assumes a total full-time commitment, and the normal completion will be over a period of two years.

Modules

The six core modules are compulsory. 

COURSE CONTENT

Core Modules

• Theories and Approaches to Conflict
• Conflict Processes
• Conflict Types
• Advanced Conflict Resolution and Management
• Research skills and theory
• Treatise or Internship