The Programme

We are currently accepting applications for enrolment on the programme for 2011/2012, commencing in September 2011.   The programme is based on the Magee Campus, in the city of Derry/Londonderry, with some modules available on the Jordanstown Campus, Belfast. See the attached PDF course brochure

The MSc in Human Rights and Peacebuilding is a multidisciplinary course being offered by INCORE (International Conflict Research Institute) and the Transitional Justice Institute.  INCORE has an international reputation in the area of conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and a long history of engaging with the conflict and peace process in Northern Ireland, in comparative context.  The Transitional Justice Institute is one of the leading institutes globally in this this fast-expanding area of research and practice.

This newly established programme has been developed to enable students to:

• Gain an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and practical application of peacebuilding and related areas of human rights and humanitarian law
• Understand the particular peacebuilding and human rights issues in conflicted and transitional societies
• Gain knowledge and skills in carrying out research projects from design to write-up
• Enhance skills in critically appraising published and commissioned research
• Develop skills highly relevant to legal practice, and to policy, research and advocacy roles in the voluntary, public and private sectors in the UK, Ireland and beyond. Successful completion may also open up a range of further study and research options.

Structure and Content

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials. Various exit awards are available: a PgCert exit award upon completion of modules to the value of 60 credit points; and a PgDip exit award upon completion of six modules (120 credit points).  An MSc in Human Rights and Peacebuilding will be awarded on the successful completion of a 15,000 word dissertation (180 credit points).

The programme is taught through a combination of weekly classes (3 hours each) and day-long block classes (9.15am to 5.15pm).   Assessment is undertaken through a variety of coursework assignments.

Duration and Mode of Attendance

The programme can be taken in either full or part-time modes.  

• Full-time - three semesters (1 year).
• Part-time - six semesters (2-3 calendar years).

There are three compulsory modules.  For more detailed information on the modules, see the attached PDF course brochure.

• Foundations of Transitional Justice (30 points)  (delivered in Semester One: September - January)
• Peacebuilding in Divided Societies (30 points) (delivered in Semester Two: January - June)
• Dissertation (60 points) (Semester Three: July - September)
  

In addition, one of the following two modules must also be taken in Semester One:

• Peace and Conflict Research (30 points)
• The Northern Ireland Conflict (30 points)
  

The following are the optional modules for Semester 2 (two to be chosen):

• Gender and Political Transition (15 points)
• Policing and Human Rights (15 points)
• Memory, Transition and Conflict (15 points)
• Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (15 points)
• Transitions from Conflict: Law and Politics (15 points)
• International Criminal Justice (15 points)

*Please note that not all modules listed here will be offered in every academic year. Applicants are advised to check, prior to application, if modules of particular interest are likely to be offered in that academic year.

Entry Conditions

Applicants must:
(a) have gained:

(i) A second class honours degree or higher in a cognate discipline from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard,

OR

(ii) An equivalent standard (normally 50%) achieved through a primary third-level degree in another discipline in combination with either (a) a relevant post-graduate degree or diploma, or (b) relevant and demonstrable experience in human rights law, legal advocacy and/or peace and conflict studies.

AND

(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent);

OR as an alternative to (a)(i) or (a)(ii), and/or (b):

(c) in exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, provide a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes), as determined by the Programme Committee. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme. This will follow the University’s GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND POLICY FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR LEARNING.

Applicants must also provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English minimum IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550. 

Careers and Postgraduate Opportunities

The MSc allows you to develop the analytical skills prized by employers in a wide range of career pathways within the United Kingdom, Ireland and internationally. Students obtain experience in all aspects of legal research, from design to write-up, and develop the skills necessary to critically appraise published work. The degree is relevant to legal practice and policy, and to research and advocacy roles in the voluntary, public and private sectors. Successful completion also opens up a range of further study and research options.

How to Apply

Applications must be made directly to the University of Ulster. For additional information on the MSc in Human Rights and Peacebuilding and to apply on-line, see, at http://prospectus.ulster.ac.uk//course/?id=9176.

Applications should ordinarily be received before the last Friday in June, although consideration may be given to applications received after this date.   For more information on current fees for the programme, see http://www.ulster.ac.uk/finance/fees/

Contact Details:

Ms Emer Carlin, Secretary, Room ME013a, Transitional Justice Institute, University of Ulster, Magee campus, BT48 7JL.  Tel: + 44 (0)28 7137 5146. Email: e.carlin@ulster.ac.uk.