MSc in Conflict Resolution and Mediation Studies

Entrance Requirements

At least a second class honours degree and relevant experience

OR successful completion of the GRADUATE Certificate

Non - standard entrants (e.g. non-graduates) who are experienced conflict resolution and mediation practitioners wishing to gain an academic qualification in this field will be considered; non-standard entrants who have other suitable academic and professional qualifications may be considered.

Aims of the training

• To provide an in-depth theoretical understanding of conflict and different forms of conflict resolution, drawing upon theories from psychology, sociology, philosophy, and the sciences;

• To develop a GRADUATE understanding of social, legal, ethical, moral and philosophical aspects in conflicts and ways of addressing them.
• To develop an understanding of how race, gender, sexuality, culture, class and disability affect conflicts and how they relate to effective use of conflict resolution and mediation skills
• To enable participants to link theoretical study and practice skills through practice seminars
• To provide seminars in research methodology as preparation for the Dissertation in the second year

• To enable participants to evaluate and understand their role as conflict resolution practitioners and mediators and to increase self awareness of their reactions and responses to conflict situations.

  
  

Course Structure

The MSc is a 180 credit programme consisting of four 30 credit moudules and a 60 credit Research and Dissertation Module.  Academic blocks of two days will be held monthly, for 9 months a year. It will include lectures by visiting speakers, input from the course tutors, small group discussions, peer presentations and experiential exercises.

In previous years we have had Masterclasses by Bernard Mayer; author of The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution and Beyond Neutrality; Joseph Folger, author of The Promise of Mediation; Kenneth Cloke, author of Mediating Dangerously). Visiting speakers have included professors from the Philosophy Department at Birkbeck, Dr. David Campbell from the Tavistock Clinic, Dr. Simon Roberts, Professor of Law at the LSE, Dr. Herbert Blumberg from Goldsmiths College and many others.

Students will have individual tutorials and supervision of their dissertations in the second year.

Assessment for MSc

Year 1

• 1 x 3,000 word case study
• Module 2:  Applied Theory
• 1 x 3,000 word essay 
• Module 3: Research Methods 1 
• 1 x 1,500 word dissertation proposal

Year 2

• Module 4: Professional Practice
• 1 x 3,000 reflective journal 
• Module 5:  Research Methods 2
• 1 x 10,000 - 12,000 word dissertation

Fees

£1,784 pa, a non returnable administration fee of £40 is payable to the Institute of Family Therapy on application. The course fee is due in full at registration and payable to BIRKBECK COLLEGE.

Late applicants: as of 30th July there are a limited number of places available. Please contact the Training Department for an application pack. 
 

Course Chair, Institute of Family Therapy

Lorraine Schaffer, BSc, DipSW, MSW, UK College Accredited Family Mediator

 
Course Tutor

Barbara Wilson, CQSW, MSc, MCFM
Birkbeck Liaison Tutor
Dr Virginai Eatough, BA, MA, PhD

Frequently asked questions about the Advanced Certificate and MSc in Conflict Resolution & Mediation Studies