Conflict resolution Masters

George Mason University, US, and the University of Malta will begin offering the world's first international Masters programme in the field of conflict resolution from October.

Students completing the 13-month intensive course of studies at the University's Valletta campus will receive the degrees of Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security from the University of Malta.

The dual degree program combines the faculties of two renowned educational institutions: George Mason University's Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (Icar), the oldest and largest programme of graduate conflict studies in the United States; and Malta's Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (Medac), which has been offering advanced degrees in diplomacy and building bridges between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for the past 20 years.

Icar and Medac will share teaching responsibilities, as well as engage in collaborative research, conferencing, and peacemaking activities.

Students in the program will hail from all over the globe, but most are expected to come from the US, Europe and the Mediterranean region, including North Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans.

The international master's requires full-time intensive study for 13 months - the so-called Bologna model, commonly offered in Europe. The course curriculum culminates in a dissertation researched and written by students working under faculty supervision during the summer term.

The course will introduce theoretical foundations of conflict analysis and resolution, exploring questions such as why do conflicts occur, how are conflicts managed, and what are the tools available to resolve conflict.

This theoretical analysis will be complemented by an examination of how conflict and conflict resolution impacts upon and is impacted by issues as diverse as economics, religion, environment, human rights and media.

Furthermore, case-studies of conflicts (especially conflicts in the Mediterranean region) will bring a practical and empirical perspective to the programme.

Graduates from this programme can expect to work in a variety of settings where conflict resolution skills are useful, such as businesses, unions, government agencies, religious groups, community centres, conflict resolution consultancies as well as international organisations including the United Nations and the EU.

Graduates from this programme will have the added advantage of specialisation in the Mediterranean region, thus increasing their attraction to Mediterranean regional organisations and governmental agencies.

For more information call 2340 7501 or 2340 7502, e-mail info.imp@um.edu.mt, or visit www.um.edu.mt/imp.