Conflict Resolution

Staff member? Login here

Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(MA) Master of Arts
Conflict Resolution
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Government
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
MA L252EB
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

A 2.2 degree in American Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Political Studies, Statistics, or United States Politics.

OR

A 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules. Relevant modules include, but are not limited to:

  • Comparative Political Systems
  • Constitutional Democracy
  • Contemporary World Affairs
  • Current Affairs
  • Democratic Theory
  • Econometrics
  • European Integration/Dynamics of Integration
  • Foreign Policy/Comparative Foreign Policy
  • Game Theory
  • Governmental Processes/Systems
  • Human Rights
  • Ideology and Political Analysis
  • International Economic Law
  • International Economic Relations
  • International Trade/Business Law
  • International Law
  • International Public Relations
  • International Security
  • International Trade/Business Law
  • Law of Armed Conflict
  • Micro/Macro Economics
  • Peace Studies
  • Philosophy(MA Political Theory only)
  • Political Conflict
  • Political Decision Making
  • Political Economy
  • Political Sociology
  • Political Studies
  • Public Administration
  • Public International Law
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Security Studies
  • Strategic Studies
  • Terrorism
  • Theories of Development

The following may also be considered:

  • Applicants with a degree in an unrelated subject and have at least 5 years of work experience such as working with a NGO, UN, or government. Please provide your CV.
  • Applicants with a lower class degree where relevant modules have been studied with marks of 2:2 or above.
  • Applicants who have achieved a first class degree in any subject.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code


If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Kyriaki Nanou

Associate Professor in European politics

Durham University

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 GV906-7-AU-CO Conflict Resolution Core 15 Compulsory Optional
02 GV914-7-AU-CO Research Design Compulsory 15 Compulsory Optional
03 GV946-7-SP-CO Conflict Resolution and Peace Core 15 Compulsory Optional
04 Social Sciences option(s) from list Optional 40 Optional Optional
05 Government option(s) from list Optional 45 Optional Optional

Year 2 - 2025/26

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 GV993-7-FY-CO MA Dissertation Core 60 Compulsory

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims


  • To ensure that students have a thorough grounding in the study of Conflict Resolution and its main theories and approaches.

  • To introduce students to the most advanced debates in the evolving field of Conflict Resolution.

  • To provide students with the opportunity to explore conflict resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation, arbitration, collaborative problem solving, peacekeeping operations.

  • To develop a capacity for independent study and research in the area of conflict resolution.



The difference between the MA and MSc variants is determined by the methods module you take – GV914 only for the MA and GV914 and GV900 for the MSc.



Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in conflict resolution or related field at appropriate level.

A2: Understanding the main political science methods for using quantitative and qualitative evidence to support arguments

A3: Critical awareness of the use of concepts and argument in political science and conflict resolution.

A4: Knowledge of the main research findings, and main developments and debates in conflict resolution or related fields.

A5: Systematic knowledge of the relevant sources of information.

Learning methods

A1 specifically in GV906 Conflict Resolution and the optional modules.

A2 specifically in GV914, GV906 and option.

A3 specifically in GV906 and in supervision of individual dissertations.

A4 specifically in GV906, GV902 (option) and options chosen in consultation with Scheme Director.

A5 specifically in GV914

Assessment methods

Taught modules either assessed 100% by continuous assessment through written assignments and essays, or 50/50 by continuous assessment through written assignments and essays and three-hour closed examination at end of the module.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: To question received thinking.

B2: To develop independent thinking

B3: To muster evidence

B4: To evaluate and analyse evidence

B5: To reason critically.

B6: To argue coherently and concisely

B7: To communicate ideas effectively in writing

B8: To carry out independent research

Learning methods

B1-7. participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, simulations, individual guidance on researching and writing essays, oral and written feedback on essays, individual interviews and group sessions with Study Skills Officer
B4 especially in GV914.

B8 especially in supervised dissertation.

Assessment methods

B1-7 written assignments and essays, written examinations

B8. the dissertation.

C: Practical skills

C1: Organise and structure an extended argument

C2: Use concepts correctly

C3: Compile systematic bibliographies.

C4: Provide references according to accepted conventions.

C5: Use libraries and IT to access information and scholarly resources

C6: Sift and synthesise complex information

C7: Conducting oneself in a scholarly and professional manner

Learning methods

C1-7. participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance for essays, individual supervision of dissertations, oral and written feedback on class presentations and essays.

C5 specifically in induction sessions for library use.

C7 specifically by means of experience the practice of negotation and mediation through a series of simulation exercises in GV906

Assessment methods

C1-7. participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance for essays, individual supervision of dissertations, oral and written feedback on class presentations and essays.

D: Key skills

D1: Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication.

D2: Access and organise information from a variety of electronic sources

D3: Understand the use of quantitative evidence

D4: To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.

D5: Experience the practice of negotiation and mediation

D6: Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in conflict resolution or related fields at an appropriate level. Positive response to feedback and criticism.

Learning methods

D1-5. participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, written assignments and essays, dissertation.

D3 specifically in GV914, GV906 and the option.

D4 specifically in scheduling and balancing requirements for four modules taught in parallel.

D6 specifically in individual guidance on essays, oral and written feedback on essays.

Assessment methods

D1-4. written assignments and essays, examinations, dissertation D6 classroom presentations, written assignments and essays.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.