Location:

Colon, Costa Rica

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Conflict & Peace Studies

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Master of Arts Degree Programme in Gender and Peacebuilding is designed to encompass the many fields of knowledge and regional experiences in which gender is an essential part of peacebuilding processes. The programme responds to the needs and interest of participants and professionals who seek to increase their knowledge and understanding of current events and participate in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. The programme is designed for graduate students from all professional and academic backgrounds who desire to pursue a career in gender and peace issues. Participants can expect to gain the skills and tools that will enable them to serve as gender trainers or officers, to participate in peace negotiations, to understand conflicts through the gender perspective, and to work in international organizations, humanitarian aid agencies, and governmental institutions. Participants in the programme will also acquire advanced skills in research, data collection, and critical analysis. The Department of Gender and Peace Education has worked with professors from around the world to develop a set of truly unique courses that address the interface between the fields of Gender and Peacebuilding. The final product of these consultations has produced a demanding curriculum that requires participants to think critically about the two overarching themes while covering a broad range of specific issues. The 40 credits programme is distributed over two semesters and one research term for a total duration of 11 months. Courses are taught in intensive three week time periods, requiring 45 hours of class work, under the guidance of a highly qualified professor and recognized international guest lecturers. During the final term, participants are expected to finalize their work at UPEACE's main campus through the completion of an Independent Research Project. The required courses are: PCS6000 Foundation in Peace and Conflict Studies (3 credits) UPEACE Institute, elective courses (3 credits) GPB-6011 Gender Studies and Peacebuilding (3 credits) GPB-6031 Seminars (1 credit) GPB-6060 Gender and Human Rights (3 credits) GPB-6010 Peace and Non Violent Transformation of Conflict (3 credits) GPB-6020 Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits) GPB-6022 Gender mainstreaming in peacekeeping operations and in humanitarian assistance (3 credits) GPB-6050 Practices of Conflict Management and Peacebuilding (2 credits) GPB-0000 Gender, Economics and Development (2 credits) GPB-6090 A Gender Analysis of the Environment and Sustainable Development (3 credits) GPB-6012 History of Sexual Rigths (3 credits) GPB-7100 Independent Research Project (8 credits)

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

According to the UPEACE Charter, as approved by the General Assembly, "the University is established with a clear determination to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace". To this end, the University was authorized by the General Assembly, inter alia, "to grant master's degrees and doctorates" . This unique world-wide authorization to award academic degrees, recognized by all countries which are members of the General Assembly, has been the basis of UPEACE's work ever since. Building on the strength of this unique and universal international mandate, the University established an International Academic Council, composed of distinguished academics from around the world, to review, validate and ensure the highest academic standards of its programmes and courses. Since 2008 UPEACE has also been a full member of the National Accreditation System of Costa Rica (SINAES) and the Central American Higher Education Accreditation Council (ACAP).

Financial Aid:

No

Requirements:

Admission to the Masters Degree in Gender and Peacebuildingis open to qualified participants who have completed a Bachelor’s degree at a recognized academic institution and who demonstrate an active interest in the field of Gender and Peace studies. A written essay will be requested as well as two letters of recommendation from faculty members and/or employees. In addition, applicants will be required to demonstrate an adequate knowledge of English, through TOEFL results or completion of studies at an English-speaking institution.