UNITAR Online Catalogue
International Master Degree in Conflictology
Background
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) have joined forces to create a unique International Master’s Degree in Conflictology for professionals working in the field of peace and security. This Master’s programme is designed to enable candidates to upgrade their studies and professional experience with a formally-recognised degree awarded by the Open University of Catalonia. The Master’s is an innovative degree in which students learn from a highly-respected academic institution and a UN Institute which specialises in peacekeeping training. This combination allows students to benefit from the UN’s experience in peacekeeping and from the critical thinking which is essential in academia.
Conflicts are everywhere...but solutions exists!
The International Master’s Degree in Conflictology presents empirical knowledge and insight on conflict resolution, transformation, mediation and management in an educational setting. Practitioners and academics from prestigious universities, the United Nations and peace research institutes get together with participants from different countries in this virtual course, no matter where they live, to learn about peace and security and to prepare for professional practice. This programme trains participants in all applications of conflictology and facilitates the development of professional projects by giving participants access to the largest network of people working to promote peace.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the Master's Programme, students will be able to:
- Analyse the nature and characteristics of contemporary conflicts;
- Access information and knowledge to develop efficient intervention programmes;
- Synthesise techniques and strategies for non-violent intervention;
- Formulate a plan of action for peaceful interventions, both for the prevention of conflicts and for their resolution;
- Lead and facilitate mediation and negotiation processes.
Content and Structure
To receive the Master’s Degree in Conflictology, issued by the UOC in partnership with UNITAR, candidates must complete the following courses equivalent to 60 ECTS (1500 hours) in no more than two years.
UNITAR COURSES:
- Introduction to Peace Operations
- History of UN Peace Operations
- Conflict Analysis
- Conflict Resolution
- Human Security in the Practice of Peace Operations
UOC COURSES:
- Philosophy of Peace
- Media and Peace Building
- Crisis Management
- Economy and Conflict
- Deconstructing the War
- The Intercultural/Ethnic Conflict and the Management of Diversity
- Family Mediation
- Non-violence
- Business Mediation
- Implementation of Conflict Strategy in Workplace and Commercial Conflicts
- Business Ethics
- Mandate Evaluation
- Postgraduate Project
- Master Project
Targeted Audience
The Master's Degree aims to prepare candidates for professional careers in the field of peace and security, a goal which is reflected in our selection of teaching staff and trainers.
Beyond UOC and UNITAR staff, we invite experienced practitioners from our partner institutions, universities and organisations to consider stuying for the Master's Degree. With guest trainers and lecturers from various continents, the Master’s programme creates a stimulating balance between the theoretical and the practical and ensures that students receive cutting-edge and relevant knowledge.
The Programme addresses:
- Personnel of peace operations (civilian, military and police);
- Civil servants and staff of international, regional and national organisations involved in peace and security;
- NGO representatives and humanitarian workers;
- Researchers and academics;
- Students;
- Any person with responsibilities and interest in solving conflicts.
Additional Information
Application Procedure
- Completed application form_download here;
- Cover letter / personal statement (approx. 400 words);
- Essay (approx. 400 words) on a subject related to the Master’s Degree;
- Copies of your previous degrees;
- Curriculum vitae (optional);
- Copy of your passport and passport size picture;
- Letter of reference.
Applications should reach UNITAR/UOC in January of each year for starting courses in the Spring semester, and in August of each year for starting courses in the Fall semester. Information on fees is available online at: www.unitar.org/event/pkp and on the website of the Open University Catalonia at: www.uoc.edu. You must register online; click here to register and forward all the relevant application documents to ptp [at] unitar.org (ptp[at]unitar[dot]org). You will receive a confirmation e-mail once you submit your application. Only complete applications will be reviewed and considered for admission.
Selection Procedure and Eligibility
Applications should reach UNITAR / UOC in January of each year for courses starting courses in the Spring semester, and in August of each year for courses starting in the Fall semester.
Each application will be reviewed by the Selection Committee of UNITAR and UOC.
To gain admission on the official Master’s course, candidates must have an official university degree.
This notwithstanding, UNITAR and the UOC may admit candidates with pending degrees, as long as all necessary courses for said degrees were passed.
The Selection Committee will verify prior to enrolment that the courses taken were the equivalent level of a university degree and that they allow admission to postgraduate courses in the country of issue of the qualification.
In some cases, candidates with at least 5 years of diplomatic experience or experience in the field may be accepted on the postgraduate programme without a university degree.
Participants are not expected, however, to have prior experience in or knowledge of the field.
Candidates must be proficient in English and have reliable access to the internet.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Full scholarships covering the fee may be available to outstanding candidates from developing countries and these will be advertised on the UNITAR website: http://www.unitar.org/ptp/
Fee waivers may be available for candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to cover parts of the fees. Once the fee waiver has been applied, fees will be: USD 8800
Candidates having taken relevant UNITAR courses in the past and candidates currently enrolled in UNITAR courses may decide to register for the above Master Degree. The completed courses may be transferred and accepted as part of the fulfilment of the degree requirements in specific cases. Prices and completion deadlines apply.
Download our brochure and leaflet for more information on other available qualifications.