Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation and Management

Purpose

The primary purpose of the redesigned qualification is to educate and train learners who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced and specialist level of conflict management theory and its application The qualification provides a multidisciplinary, theoretical understanding of social conflict and aims at presenting knowledge, applied knowledge and skills for the successful transformation and management of conflict in the private, public and civil society sectors. The qualification also provides the necessary specialist interdisciplinary and disciplinary instruction to students with a relevant Bachelor Honours Degree or a relevant Postgraduate Diploma.

Rationale

The qualification is designed to address the need for training in respect of specialist knowledge and skills in the field of conflict analysis, and an in-depth understanding of the implications of conflict transformation (from destructive to constructive forms), in the broader society and in the workplace. Specifically, this translates to equipping middle managers in general, and conflict management specialists in particular, with the skills and knowledge that they need to manage interpersonal, intergroup and international conflict.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All Recognition for Prior Learning will be guided by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) RPL Policy.

Entry Requirements

• A relevant Honours Degree.

Or

• A Postgraduate Diploma.

This qualification comprises of compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Theories and Approaches to Conflict, 20 Credits.
• Conflict Processes, 20 Credits.
• Conflict Types, 20 Credits.
• Treatise, 80 Credits.
• Research Skills and Application, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Conflict Resolution and Management, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Violence Studies, 20 Credits.
• Applied Conflict Management Skills, 20 Credits.
• International Peacekeeping, 20 Credits.
• Development, Change and Conflict, 20 Credits.
• Conflict in World Politics, 20 Credits.
• Communication Skills for Conflict Management, 20 Credits.
• Capita Selecta, 40 Credits.
• Internship, 20 Credits.

1. Critically analyse social conflict within existing theoretical frameworks at all levels of society.
2. Critically discuss the interdisciplinary approaches to conflict and conflict management.
3. Identify and explain various conflict management strategies and techniques.
4. Apply advanced knowledge in assessing conflict situations at all levels of society.
5. Select and apply relevant research approaches into complex social conflict issues using innovative and appropriate research methodologies.
6. Apply skills in conducting research and have the insights to manage and interpret research projects.
7. Critically discuss the ethics and professional practice in social conflict scholarship and research.

• Ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.
• Ability to use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within a field, discipline or practice.
• Ability to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational or professional issues, an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context.
• Ability to design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, in order to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
• Ability to make interventions at an appropriate level within a system, based on an understanding of hierarchical relations within the system, and the ability to address the intended and unintended consequences of interventions.
• Ability to develop own learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development, and can interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
• Ability to operate independently and take full responsibility for own work, and where appropriate accountability for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems, ensuring good resource management and governance practices.

Integrated Assessment

The research project, in its designed, preparation and assessment, lends itself to suitable use for Integrated Assessment.