Location:

Colon, Costa Rica

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

International Education

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Master of Arts degree programme in Peace Education builds the capacity of educators from around the world to contribute to educational, social, and cultural change through peace education. Graduates of the programme will also be specialists in the application of the insights of peace studies to the broader social and cultural environments within which formal and non-formal education take place. It also prepares leaders and specialists committed to the building of a culture of peace and non-violence by educational means: analyzing, developing, and reforming curricula, didactic methods, pedagogies, and educational resources for a comprehensive view of peace education. This Programme is particularly suitable for persons who have completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent at an accredited higher education institution, demonstrate an active interest in the field of Peace Education, and have experience in educational policy and development, administration and evaluation, both in public and private educational settings. It is also suitable for educators interested in community education, as well as teachers and professors interested in peace oriented pedagogy. The 40 credits programme is distributed over two semesters and one research term, for a total duration of 11 months. Courses will be 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: Foundation in Peace and Conflict Studies (3 credits): Collegiate course by UPEACE Faculty UPEACE Institute, elective courses (3 credits): Resident and Visiting Professors Seminars (1 credit) PEP-6010 Peace Education: Theory and Practice (3 credits) PEP-6016 Change in Educational Systems (3 credits) PEP-6033 Cultures and Learning: From Violence Towards Peace (3 credits) PEP-6020 Research Methods (3 credits) PEP 6015 Formal, non-formal and informal education Peace Building Actions (3 credits) PEP-6051 Practices of Conflict Management and Peacebuilding (2 credits) PEP-6012 Human Rights Education (3 credits) PEP-6034 Language, Media and Peace (On Line) (2 credits) PEP-6040 Education for Sustainable Development (2 credits) . PEP-6014 Gender and Peace Education (3 credits) PEP-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:

UPEACE invites applications from women and men who have the equivalent of a four-year undergraduate degree (BA, BS) or similar, from an accredited college or university. Some have an MA in related areas and are seeking supplemental training in peace studies. Students admitted to any UPEACE MA programme must exhibit an outstanding academic record. There is no one "formula" for success in order to be accepted into the UPEACE family. What UPEACE seeks are highly motivated and hardworking individuals who are committed to positive social change; a year or more of work experience in a related field is a plus. In addition, having some background in international studies and/or cross-cultural experiences is also desirable.