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The Master in Conflict, Peace and Security offers a distinctive opportunity to deepen understanding of conflicts in all their facets and explore innovative strategies for their management, resolution, and transformation, guided by world-leading academics and experts.
Partnering with the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), this programme equips participants with a comprehensive analytical toolkit, firsthand insights, and specialized expertise from the field. Designed for professionals in conflict-prone settings within international, regional, governmental, or non-governmental organizations, as well as graduate students and researchers, it enhances capabilities to comprehend and effectively address conflicts.
By enrolling in the Master in Conflict, Peace and Security, students join a global alumni community, offering lifelong networking opportunities and professional advancement. The programme, certified by UOC under the Spanish Education System, emphasizes applied and professional-oriented content, preparing graduates for impactful roles in conflict management and peacebuilding worldwide.
For those considering further academic pursuits outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), understanding the programme's distinction within Spain's educational framework is crucial. Specific entry requirements for PhD or Professional Doctorate programmes vary by institution and region, necessitating validation of credits from competent educational bodies and ministries.
Course Type Master's Degree
Award Credits 60 ECTS
Mode of Delivery Online, Web-based E-Learning
Duration 2 years
Mode of Study Part-Time Flexible
Language English
Apply Before 27 September 2024
Start 16 October 2024
CANDIDATES
The Master in Conflict, Peace and Security is ideal for:
- Conflict Resolution Specialists: Enhance your capacity to understand, analyze, and manage conflicts across international, regional, governmental, or non-governmental contexts. Develop advanced skills to navigate complex conflict dynamics and implement effective peacebuilding strategies.
- International Development Practitioners: Tailored for professionals working in conflict-prone environments, this programme equips you with essential tools to lead initiatives that promote stability and sustainable development. Gain insights into conflict transformation and enhance your ability to contribute to global peace efforts.
- Policy Analysts and Researchers: Perfect for graduate students and academics interested in deepening their knowledge of conflict dynamics and acquiring practical skills in conflict resolution. Prepare for impactful roles in research, policy formulation, and advocacy within conflict-affected regions.
- Humanitarian Aid Workers: Equip yourself with critical skills in negotiation, mediation, and conflict-sensitive programming. This programme supports professionals in NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations to lead effective interventions in crisis settings.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Graduates of the MA in Global Sustainability Leadership will achieve:
- Comprehensive Understanding of Conflict: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of conflict theories, diverse approaches, and the complexities inherent in contemporary conflicts.
- Analysis and Strategic Planning: Acquire analytical skills to assess conflict situations and develop strategic plans for peaceful interventions, focusing on conflict prevention and resolution.
- Non-violent Intervention Techniques: Master techniques and strategies for intelligent, non-violent intervention in conflict scenarios, aiming to mitigate escalation and promote peaceful outcomes.
- Development of Intervention Programmes: Access and utilize information and knowledge to design effective intervention programmes, seeking specific, positive solutions to conflict dynamics.
- Leadership in Negotiation and Mediation: Lead and facilitate negotiation and mediation processes with proficiency, promoting dialogue, consensus-building, and sustainable peace agreements.
- Transformative Communication Skills: Employ advanced communication techniques to proactively prevent conflicts and effectively resolve existing ones, fostering constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.
DURATION
The master's degree in Lifelong Learning in Conflict, Peace and Security at UOC is a fully online programme spanning 60 ECTS credits. Depending on the lifelong learning programme, students who complete their studies will be awarded a lifelong learning master's degree, a specialization diploma or an expert diploma. Students who pass other continuing education courses will be awarded the corresponding certificate.
At the UOC, an ECTS credit is equivalent to 25 hours of student work. Depending on the number of ECTS credits, the duration of lifelong learning programmes ranges from 1 month to 2 years, approximately:
- Lifelong learning master's degree:
- Part-Time: 2 years (4 semesters)
- Full-time itinerary: 1 year (2 semesters)
- Specialization diploma: 1 year (2 semesters)
- Expert diploma: 1 semester (6 months)
CURRICULUM
The Master in Conflict, Peace and Security is awarded upon completing 60 ECTS. This structured approach ensures a thorough understanding of conflict dynamics and prepares graduates to manage and resolve conflicts in various global settings effectively.
- Conflict Analysis - 3 ECTS
- Conflict Resolution - 3 ECTS
- Introduction to Peace Operations and History of PO (Peace Operations) - 3 ECTS
- Philosophy of Peace and Non-Violence - 4 ECTS
- Media, Conflict and Peace Building - 3 ECTS
- Game Theory - 4 ECTS
- Human Security - 3 ECTS
- Research Methods - 4 ECTS
- Economy, Environment and Migration - 4 ECTS
- The Intercultural / Ethnic Conflict and Diversity Management - 4 ECTS
- Corruption, Conflict and Security - 3 ECTS
- Prevention and Transformation of Conflict - 4 ECTS
- Mandate Evaluation, Leadership and Strategic Planning - 4 ECTS
- Gender Matters - 2 ECTS
- Crisis Management - 4 ECTS
- Final Master Project - 8 ECTS: integrates learning from the entire programme, showcasing practical applications in conflict resolution strategies.
The Master in Conflict, Peace and Security is a UOC Certified Master’s Degree, awarded according to the rules and regulations set by the Spanish education system. Given its specificity, it does not give general access to Doctoral studies (PhD and similar). Validation of credits for access to such programmes can be requested from competent institutions.
Students may alternatively opt for any of our shorter academic programmes:
- Specialization Diploma in Armed Conflict – 30 ECTS
- Specialization Diploma in Crisis Management and Strategic Planning – 31 ECTS
- Expert Diploma in Human Security and Peace Operations – 14 ECTS
- Expert Diploma in Conflict, Peace and Gender – 13 ECTS
- Expert Diploma in Intercultural Conflict Management – 14 ECTS
- Expert Diploma in Strategic Conflict Management – 16 ECTS
DELIVERY
Our programme embodies a unique student-centered, multidisciplinary philosophy where the workplace serves as the primary learning arena. Leveraging the Internet as a platform, our virtual learning environment unites students, practitioners, and scholars, fostering collaborative and experiential learning.
Key features of the Master and related academic programmes include:
- Full Online Delivery: Our programme is delivered entirely online, providing maximum flexibility to accommodate the schedules of full-time working professionals.
- Student-Centered Approach: At the heart of our programme is a commitment to placing the learner and their learning journey at the forefront.
- Cutting-Edge Insights: We offer pioneering perspectives on current theories and practices in conflict, peace, and security.
- Lifelong Learning Focus: Emphasizing continual professional development, our approach integrates real-world workplace experiences into the learning process.
- Multicultural Pedagogy: We value and respect diverse perspectives, paradigms, and intellectual traditions, enriching the educational experience.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Our curriculum draws from multiple fields of study, providing a comprehensive understanding of complex global challenges.
TUITION FEES
The tuition fee for the Online Master's Degree in Lifelong Learning in Conflict, Peace, and Security at UOC is 7,410 EUR. This fee is applicable upon completion of enrolment and is subject to annual revisions.
- Specialization Diploma in Armed Conflict – 4,445 €
- Specialization Diploma in Crisis Management and Strategic Planning – 4,445 €
- Expert Diploma in Human Security and Peace Operations – 1,975 €
- Expert Diploma in Conflict, Peace and Gender – 1,975 €
- Expert Diploma in Intercultural Conflict Management – 1,975 €
- Expert Diploma in Strategic Conflict Management – 1,975 €
Please go to the UOC webpage to read more about the Enrolment and Fees.
APPLICATION
Application Deadlines
Next Application Deadline: 27 September 2024. Programme to start on16th October 2024.
- Application Periods: Applications are accepted twice a year, depending on the programme start date. Please check the specific registration period and course commencement dates on the UOC website. Applications received after the final deadline are evaluated case by case on a rolling basis.
- Same requirements and deadlines apply for the other shorter programmes.
Application Instructions
All applicants must apply online, following this link: https://ptpreg.unitar.org/. Candidates must complete all required fields and uploads prior to submission. Please note that applications for all programmes (including Certificates and Courses) are accepted through the same system/link.
The Project Coordinator is available to help students during the application process. Learners are encouraged to email the Programme Coordinators at elearning.ptp@unitar.org with any questions.
Application Requirements
To apply for the master's programme, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
1. UNIVERSITY STUDIES
UNITAR is responsible for the admission of the students collecting CV, letters of motivation, etc. but the UOC will be responsible commencing from Spring 2024 semester to collect the documentation of previous university studies according to the Spanish
Royal Decree (RD 822/2021. Chapter VIII).
1.1 Certificates: Students can access the master’s degree and related qualifications by submitting to the UOC a certificate of university studies.
- Electronic Certificates: UOC gives priority to certificates in electronic format that can be certified electronically. Electronic certificates must include an alphanumeric or numeric code and a URL where to check the validity of the document, otherwise they can’t be accepted
- Hard Copy Certificates: When the documents cannot be certified electronically, students need to submit a hard copy that is identical to the original (notarized or certified copies) and send it by mail to the following address:
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
Ref. Documentación de acceso
Rambla del Poblenou, 156
08018 Barcelona, España
1.2 Other documents: Depending on the country where the original document is issued, they may also have to meet further requirements.
- Certificates from EHEA (European Higher Education Area) countries: In this case a certified photocopy is sufficient (original stamp). The original document does not need to be legalized.
- Non-EHEA countries: In this case, there are 2 ways to access.
1. Hague Convention member countries: The original document must have the Hague Apostille. (In some countries, an electronic Apostille is available. In these cases, a hard copy of the document is not required.)
2. Non-Hague Convention member countries: The original document must have three stamps from the following institutions in the country it was issued in:
- A stamp from the ministry responsible for university education.
- A stamp from the foreign ministry.
- A stamp from the Spanish embassy or consulate in the country
For non-EHEA countries, the certificate submitted must certify that the degree provides admission to further master's or doctoral degree studies in the country of origin of the degree. Certificates of master’s degrees or postgraduate studies won’t be accepted. Never send original certificates to the UOC, otherwise they won’t be re-sent to the student.
2. PROFESSIONAL AND / OR WORKING EXPERIENCE
Students who do not submit any university study certificate can be admitted in the master’s degree with 2 years’ work experience and/or professional experience in the following fields:
- Legal Practice and Representation
- Humanitarian Action
- Political Science
- Cities and Urbanism
- International Cooperation
- International Conflict
- Criminology
- Diplomacy
- Law
- Human Rights and Democracy
- Taxation
- Public Administration and Management
- Mediation
- International Relations
- Military and Security Forces (only for the Master of Conflict, Peace and Security)
These fields have been set by the direction of the Law and Political Science Studies and can be found at the UOC website:
- https://www.uoc.edu/en/studies/masters/certified-masters-degree-conflictology#access-requirements
- https://www.uoc.edu/en/studies/masters/certified-masters-degree-international-affairs-diplomacy#access-requirements
Students who access through this option will need to submit 2 files:
- A self-report of his/her working or professional experience which can be downloaded on the UOC platform (after login) and submit a resume of the working life.
- Employment history report: You need to send to UOC a document with a description of the professional activity undertaken and the number of years of social security contributions. In Spain it is issued by the Spanish Social Security website.
3. TIPS AND GUIDANCE
- Students will receive information from the UOC about how to submit these documents, deadlines, etc. All the information is available at the UOC platform.
- The UOC will request the documentation from the moment of enrolment, therefore it is highly recommendable to have the required documentation before enrolling. The period to submit the document is 10 days. If the student requires more time, it is very important to ask it actively to the UOC through the official channels.
- The importance of taking seriously the emails regarding complying the academic requisites sent by the UOC. Students should be aware of the deadline and do not disregard the emails about this process they receive in order to ensure they submit the documentation in the timeframe requested.
- Students who belong to non-Hague Convention Countries, can access through the professional or working experience as an easier option to be admitted in the master’s degree and related qualifications.
- The submission of documentation, doubts or queries related to this process, must be asked through the official channels available at the UOC or Help Service on the UOC platform. The Admission Department is responsible for this process, and it is the only communication channel for the students.
- In case of not submitting the documentation in the timeframe at the UOC or not complying the requisites accordingly, the student won’t be able to continue the programmeme enrolled and fee payed will be reimbursed.
- The Spanish Royal Decree sets that only students with university previous studies or 2 years of professional experience in specific knowledge fields can access to the master’s degree and related qualifications. The Decree sets that there is no option to have an extension diploma or any alternative to a diploma as it was before for students without previous university studies or this professional experience.
CONTACTS
UNITAR
United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Av. de la Paix 7 bis, 1202 Genève, Switzerland
Online Learning and Education Team
E-mail: elearning.ptp@unitar.org
Open University of Catalonia
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
Av. Carl Friedrich Gauss, 5, 08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona)
Website: www.uoc.edu
Mr. Alfred Salat Rosas
Programme Coordinator
E-mail: asalat@uoc.edu