Introduction to the Programmes

Media Peace, and Conflict Studies

◎ Description

The Master of Arts programme in Media, Conflict and Peace Studies is designed to enable students coming from diverse cultures and academic backgrounds to develop skills to manage the many complex ways in which media interact with conflict, peace and security. The new thinking about media coverage of conflict on international and local level is also studied and students can develop critical thinking around issues such as objectivity and ethics in news reporting and news gathering. In this programme students can also discuss how free, responsible media can help prevent conflict and build peaceful societies - and in so doing provide the international community and employers with informed individuals.

Courses in this 45-credit MA programme are taught by UPEACE resident faculty and visiting professors who are prominent professionals and scholars in media affairs.

◎ Objectives
- To meet the growing demand from students and mid-career professionals to develop skills to manage the many complex ways in which media interact with conflict, peace and security.

- To inspire new thinking about media coverage of conflict on international and local levels.

- To help students develop critical thinking around issues such as objectivity and ethics in news reporting and news gathering.

- To educate in how free, responsible media can help prevent conflict and build peaceful societies - and in so doing provide the international community / employers with informed individuals.

◎ Student Profile
Students enrolling in this programme are expected to have some professional experience in media and related matters, because the MA provides them with limited practical journalism training. The courses to provide the students with a focus on media and their role in the areas of peace, conflict and security ; therefore, though a first degree in any discipline is acceptable, a degree in the social sciences or humanities is an advantage. All the sources are taught in English in which a high level of fluency is expected, but competence in a second language is also an advantage.