Introduction
Program description
The MA program in Peace and Conflict Management Studies introduces an interdisciplinary approach to peace and conflict management. The program addresses intergroup conflicts at different levels, ranging from local community conflicts to international conflicts. It also presents a variety of approaches to dealing with such conflicts, including formal and informal ones.
The program’s goal is to enable students to understand how conflicts unfold from a grassroots level and move up through the halls of government to the international community, and to introduce different interventions that are available at each level to transform the manner in which conflicts develop, and how to advance non-violent approaches to conflict and build peace.
The program is based primarily on theoretical and practical frameworks of the social sciences, including political science, psychology, social work, sociology, and international relations. While special attention is given to the Middle East, conflicts and peace processes in different parts of the world are also discussed.
The unique program includes a mandatory practicum component, which involves an internship at organizations active in the domains of peacebuilding, majority-minority relations, social development, social justice, or human rights. The practicum exposes students to the practice of peacebuilding and conflict management and to activities taking place in the field.
In addition to the great variety of courses, the program offers a wide range of exciting extra-curricular activities. These activities include field trips throughout Israel connected to local and regional conflicts; thoughtful simulations of decision-making, negotiations and conflict management; and guest lectures by practitioners and academics.
The one-year program is taught in English over three consecutive semesters from October through September. Students wishing to pursue the thesis track will need to submit a research thesis within one year of completing their coursework, which may require remaining at the university for one or two additional two semesters. Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Management.
Program Highlights
• Provide students with an invaluable opportunity to learn about discord around theworld, especially the specific conflicts within Israeli society and the Middle East.
• Endow students with theoretical knowledge and practical tools to deal with ethnonational conflicts and peace building.
• Provide students with field experience that will foster skills, knowledge, and unique perspectives, that can be applied to future careers.
Testimonials
Alex Gorman, USA - Peace and Conflict Management- 2017-2018 Cohort:
"My degree is going to help me with my future plans because it is very interdisciplinary. It's going to help me to get exactly where I want to go, it's going to help me and challenge me to be a better professional in the academic world"
Uta Freyer, Germany - International MA in Peace & Conflict Management- 2013-2014 Cohort:
"The program was amazing and the year in Haifa was the best year of my life. The team at the International School managed to create the perfect class, around 20 classmates from all over the world, from all continents, warm, colourful, creative people, different academic backgrounds."
"In my studies at the University of Haifa I really pushed my academic level and that improved my self-confidence, also as a woman, to make an international career."
