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Programme Specification

MA Conflict Transformation and Social Justice

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MA Conflict Transformation and Social Justice Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Arts
Programme Code POL-MA-CT UCAS Code HECoS Code 100617 - War and peace studies - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time or Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Part Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

N/A

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

N/A

Programme Specific Regulations

This programme follows the University's Regulations.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

Students will develop intellectual skills (e.g. critical reasoning, analysis, interpretation); practical skills (e.g. retrieving and sifting information, evaluation skills, observational skills, qualitative and quantitative analysis skills); and transferable skills (e.g. time management, teamwork, effective communication).

Students will be provided with the opportunity to study and critically examine the key conceptual, moral, justice, political and cultural issues that define conflict, conflict transformation and social justice. This will relate to the fields of political science, law, philosophy, sociology, history, anthropology and psychology.

The programme will provide students with an opportunity to study across disciplines. This will promote employability and develop independent research skills.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Ability to use evidence to develop a clear and logical argument and use information effectively in a direct and appropriate way.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Class based teaching (core and elective), group discussions, methods based practicals, presentations, dissertation (supervision/writing). Also bibliographical skills development, IT skills development and methods based teaching. Graduate School training.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, seminar contribution, practicals, case report, literature review and dissertation.

Ability to organise and also synthesise extensive amounts of complex scholarship, information and data and in so doing be able to explain, verify and critique such information and knowledge;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Class based teaching (core and elective), group discussions, methods based practicals, presentations, dissertation (supervision). Also bibliographical skills development, IT skills development and methods based teaching. Graduate School training.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, seminar contribution, practicals, case report, literature review and dissertation.

Ability to develop and design conflict transformation and social justice practices;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Primarily through class based teaching, fieldwork visits, essay and report writing and dissertation tasks.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, seminar contribution, practicals, case report, literature review and dissertation.

Ability to develop and construct independent thinking around key approaches to conflict transformation and social justice;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Class based teaching (core and elective), group discussions, methods based practicals, presentations, dissertation (supervision). Also bibliographical skills development, IT skills development and methods based teaching. Graduate School training.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, seminar contribution, practicals, case report, literature review and dissertation.

Ability to identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant theoretical, subject-specific and methodological arguments;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Class based teaching, group discussions; methods based practicals, presentations and dissertation (supervision/ independent writing). Development of reading skills and use of IT to locate relevant sources and methodologies.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, seminar contribution, practicals, case report, literature review and dissertation.

Ability to manage, explain and develop subject-specific knowledge through independent study;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Assignments, presentations (individual/group), methods based, dissertation (independent writing) practicals, essay writing, report writing and subject evaluation in assessment.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, seminar contribution, practicals, case report, literature review and dissertation.

Ability to identify relevant and subject-specific and inter-disciplinary knowledge, sources and data;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Assignments, presentations (individual/group), methods based, dissertation (independent writing) practicals, essay writing, report writing and subject evaluation in assessment.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, seminar contribution, practicals, case report, literature review and dissertation.

Ability to identify relevant and subject-specific and inter-disciplinary knowledge, sources and data;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Class based teaching, group discussions; methods based practicals, presentations, dissertation (supervision). Graduate School training (bibliographical and IT skills).

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, seminar contribution, practicals, case report, literature review and dissertation.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Ability to use feedback effectively.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Meetings with dissertation supervisor; written feedback on dissertation drafts before submission; class based feedback.

Methods of Assessment

Non-Assessed

Ability to think and argue creatively, in an advanced manner, to display originality of thought and argument and clearly support arguments in innovative ways.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Class based teaching, group discussions; methods based practicals, presentations, dissertation (supervision). Graduate School training (bibliographical and IT skills).

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case report, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

Ability to work efficiently to deadlines.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Preparation of assessments for modules.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case report, literature review and dissertation.

Ability to manage time and multiple learning commitments;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Graduate School training; preparation of assessments for modules.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case report, literature review and dissertation.

Ability to reflect independently on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Graduate School training; meetings with tutor/advisor/supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Non-assessed

Ability to use information and communication technologies effectively and creatively.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Graduate School training; class based teaching

Methods of Assessment

Practicals, case study based assessments.

Ability to be self-directed and exercise initiative.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Dissertation (topic choice, data collection, independent writing).

Methods of Assessment

Dissertation

Personal study skills and study management.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Graduate School training.

Methods of Assessment

Non-assessed.

Advanced written skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Dissertation and other written assessment

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case report, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

Effective oral communication skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Presentations (group/individual).

Methods of Assessment

Presentations.

Ability to problem-solve.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Class based teaching, group discussions; methods based practicals, presentations, dissertation (supervision). Graduate School training (bibliographical and IT skills).

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case report, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

A systematic understanding and knowledge of the principal features of conflict transformation and social justice within an inter-disciplinary frame.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Core and elective classes on the principal features. Group discussions on the knowledge and principal features. Presentations that discuss these principal features. Dissertation in which principal features may be discussed/analysed and/or accounted for.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case reports, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

A systematic understanding and critical awareness of the influence of theories and models that affect conflict transformation and social justice practices;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Core and elective classes that include teaching and illustrating the influence of theories and models of conflict transformation and social justice. Group discussions regarding form and meaning of theories and approaches to conflict transformation and social justice. Presentations regarding key and/or multiple approaches/theories. Dissertation centred upon understanding of various theories and models on conflict transformation and social justice with regard to analysis, explanation, comparative analysis, theorisation and/or paradigm study accounting.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case reports, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

A systematic understanding and knowledge of the skills required in order to study conflict transformation and social justice;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Class based teaching (core and elective), group discussions; methods based practicals, presentations, dissertation (supervision). Graduate School training (bibliographical and IT skills).

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case reports, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

A systematic understanding and knowledge of the application of conflict transformation and social justice;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Core and elective classes that includes teaching (i.e. case studies) and illustrating the application of conflict transformation and social justice. Group discussions regarding application of conflict transformation and social justice. Presentations regarding application. Dissertation centred on application of conflict transformation and social justice via analysis, explanation, theory and or case study based.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case reports, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

An efficient understanding and knowledge of various approaches to conflict transformation and social justice within contemporary societies, regions and related global interactions;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Core and elective classes that include teaching (i.e. case studies) and illustrating approaches to conflict transformation and social justice. Group discussions regarding form and meaning of approaches to conflict transformation and social justice. Presentations regarding key and/or multiple approaches. Dissertation may be centred upon understanding of various approaches by region and global interactions as regards analysis, explanation, comparative analysis, theorisation and/or case study accounting.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case reports, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

An understanding of alternative forms of dispute resolution and significance of advocacy and negotiation methods in the administration of social justice and conflict transformation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Core and elective classes that include teaching (i.e. case studies) and illustrating the advocacy, mediation and negotiation as means, modes and practices. Group discussions regarding application of dispute resolution and models for/of same. Dissertation may be centred on analysis of dispute resolution as analysis, theory or case study.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case reports, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

An understanding of multiple processes involved in designing and delivering conflict transformation and social justice;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Core and elective classes that include teaching (i.e. case studies) and illustrating the application of conflict transformation and social justice. Group discussions regarding application of conflict transformation and social justice. Presentations regarding application. Dissertation centred on application of conflict transformation and social justice may be analysed, explained, theorised and/or case study based.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case reports, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

A conceptual appreciation and critical awareness of the ethics of conflict transformation and social justice delivery;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Core and elective classes that include teaching and explaining the ethics of conflict transformation and social justice. Dissertation examining the context of ethics both in terms of permission for independent study and also ethics as a mode of study/analysis.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case reports, practicals, literature review and dissertation.

A conceptual understanding and critical awareness of the context (historical, political, policy, sociological, international, legal, human rights etc.) of conflict and its reproduction;

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Core and elective classes that include teaching and illustrating the various understandings (from variant disciplines) of conflict reproduction. Presentations regarding causality of conflict. Dissertation examining the context of conflict and its reproduction.

Methods of Assessment

Essays, presentations, case reports, practicals, literature review and dissertation

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Religion and Peacebuilding CSJ7005 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Engaging citizens in democratic institutions PAI7100 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 90% 10% 0%
Human Rights in Practice LAW7813 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
International Human Rights Law LAW7812 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Comparative Human Rights LAW7816 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN HAP7001 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
From Cold War to Cold Peace: The Transformation of the International Order, 1979-1999 PAI7058 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Algorithms and Society SOC9071 7 10 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Social Injustice PHL7057 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Anthropology of Conflict: Ireland and Beyond ANT7023 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 80% 20% 0%
Anthropology of Business: Designs for a New Age ANT7003 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 80% 20% 0%
Policing and Crime Prevention LAW7841 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Transitional Justice LAW7811 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Theoretical Criminology LAW7810 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Conflict Intervention PAI7027 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Global Political Economy PAI7030 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
The Politics of the Republic of Ireland PAI7022 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland PAI7021 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Global Terrorism PAI7007 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Gender and Politics PAI7032 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Cultural Policy: International Perspectives SCA7002 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Global Concepts and Practice of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice CSJ7001 7 20 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 60% 40% 0%
Dissertation CSJ7002 7 60 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Institutions and Politics of the European Union PAI7052 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Conflict and Change in Northern Ireland: New Sociological Research SOC9062 7 10 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Inequality and Emotions SOC9058 7 10 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
The Anthropology of Music ANT7013 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 80% 20% 0%

Notes

Students must take 180 credits - 6 MODULES (THREE in Semester 1 and THREE in Semester 2) PLUS the MA Dissertation (60 credits).
Students are required to take TWO CORE modules in semester 1 PLUS the MA Dissertation.

Students should normally have passed all taught modules prior to progression to the dissertation.

Students are required to take FOUR OPTIONAL modules (One OPTIONAL module in semester 1 and THREE OPTIONAL modules in semester 2. N.B. If choosing to take SOC modules, Students must take BOTH in order to ensure they gain sufficient credits

“Students will be notified each academic year of the optional modules being offered in the following academic year. Students are advised that not all optional modules will necessarily be offered in each academic year. Also, the delivery of a module may be subject to a minimum number of enrolments as well as unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness of a member of staff).  The range and content of optional modules will change over time as degree programmes develop and students’ choice of optional modules may also be limited due to timetabling constraints.“