Graduate School of Social Sciences

MASTER

Conflict Resolution and 2017-2018

Governance
WWW.UVA.NL/MSC-EUROPEAN-UNION-GLOBAL-ORDER

The Master's in Conflict Resolution and Governance is FACTS & FIGURES

for students who would like to know more about
conflicts: their shifting character and significance, the Degree MSc Conflict Resolution
and Governance
possibilities for action and how they can be transformed Mode Full-time
into a resource for democratisation. The programme Credits 60 ECTS
provides a foundation in theory and research that helps Duration 12 months
Language English
students analyse conflicts and conflict resolution efforts Starts in September
in relationship to the dynamics of public governance. The Application deadline
case-oriented approach of the programme helps students 1 March, 3.00pm CET
to develop skills and experience through the analysis of
action.

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES EXCELLENT REPUTATION • DIVERSE INTERNATIONAL

STUDENT BODY • LOW TUITION FEES FOR EU STUDENTS • A CENTRAL LOCATION IN THE
MULTICULTURAL CITY OF AMSTERDAM • UVA SOCIAL SCIENCES IS NUMBER 1 IN CONTINENTAL
EUROPE
Rosa Dinissen 'It is the interpersonal relationships between different people and the conflict to which
Alumna this might lead in the interaction that I find fascinating. The differences and
contradictions between people, their backgrounds and ideas intrigue me. I have an
interest in complex social issues, from neighbours' quarrels to climate change or internal
conflicts in South Sudan. For that reason, the Master's programme fit perfectly with my
interests. I especially liked the guest lecturers, as they give you a clear picture of their
experiences and therefore of future possibilities. The negotiation workshop was one of
my favorite elements of the programme, because it gave me the opportunity to bring the
theories from the first semester into practice. In class, the diversity of participants - many
different people and perspectives - enriched discussions and deepened my knowledge of
issues related to conflict resolution and governance.'

Conflict Resolution and Governance

The programme
This programme provides students with a foundation
in theoretical research that will help them analyse
conflict resolution and the relationship to public
governance. Students will learn ways to respond
to analytical challenges presented by local, regional,
and global conflicts and to situate contemporary events
in a historical and comparative perspective.
The curriculum consists of:
• Capita selecta (selected topics) on conflict resolution
and governance
• Seminar on negotiation and conflict resolution
practice
• Elective course
• Research project
Learning outcomes
The programme is rigorous and intensive. Students are
expected to develop their capacity to work both
independently and in groups. While students come to
the programme from a wide range of disciplinary and
cultural backgrounds, they are united by a shared
interest in research and in the theory and practice of
conflict resolution and governance.
During the programme, students develop the capacity
to use theoretical orientations to make sense of the
various influences shaping conflicts and their
relationship to governance. They also gain skills in
conflict analysis, negotiation and conflict resolution,
and linking research with practice.
Focus on research
Lecturers in the Master’s in Conflict Resolution and
Governance are prominent researchers at the
Amsterdam Institute for Social Science
Research (AISSR). This connection with the AISSR
provides students with access to various academic
opportunities. The Master’s thesis is based on a topic
that students develop individually within a common
research project. Research and writing are conducted in
a tutorial setting with a member of the programme
faculty.

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Admission Tobias de Graaf
Alumnus

Applications will be carefully evaluated by the Admissions Committee.

The Committee determines whether or not all entry requirements as
specified below are met and assesses the quality of each application
compared to the other applications received. International diplomas are
evaluated on the basis of advice from professional diploma evaluators.

Limited capacity and selection

The number of available places is limited to 30 per year. Candidates will be
selected based on their academic results.

Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree
The MSc in Conflict Resolution and Governance seeks students with an
academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a social sciences discipline
closely related to the programme, such as political science and international
relations. Applicants with a background in other social sciences, law or
economics will also be considered. 'Having done a part of the Conflict Studies
minor during my Bachelor's in Political
Conflict studies Science, I was sure that I wanted to follow
All applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of social the Master's in Conflict Resolution and
sciences, conflict resolution and/or governance, with at least 30 ECTS Governance. Now, over a year later, I’m
credits (or equivalent) acquired in these subjects during previous study. glad to say that I’m still as positive about
the Master's as I was before. With a mixed
Grade average group of
Results obtained during previous study should demonstrate that a student 'YOU ARE ENCOURAGED Dutch and
is able to attain and maintain a good to excellent level, especially in the international
TO RESEARCH A
field of conflict resolution and governance. Undergraduate studies should students
be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B/3.0 (American SUBJECT IN YOUR OWN from all over
system), second class, lower division Honours degree (British system), C FIELD OF INTEREST' the world,
(ECTS system), 7.0 (Dutch system) or equivalent. you start out the year by broadly
reviewing what conflict actually means,
Research methodology after which you get many chances to
All applicants should have sufficient knowledge of social sciences research explore the subject in practical ways. For
methodology, demonstrated by the completion of at least 20 ECTS (or instance, there is a workshop in which you
equivalent) during previous study. Promising candidates with fewer than assess the dynamics of negotiation and
20 ECTS in social science research methodology may be admitted provided mediation: you need to interview and
they complete an intensive research methodology module first. write a profile about someone who works
with conflict. In the end, that variety is
English language proficiency what I liked about the Master's the most:
All non-native speakers of English (including Dutch students) applying to civil war is seen as a conflict, whereas a
one of the English-taught programmes offered by the Graduate School of business negotiation is also approached as
Social Sciences, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English such. Ultimately, the Master's gives you
language. broadly applicable knowledge on conflict
and ways to resolve conflict, while also
Questions providing you with a feel for the
If you have questions regarding applications and admission, please contact strategies actors employ. Furthermore, in
the Admissions Office at apply-gsss@uva.nl or visit the second semester you are encouraged
uva.nl/msc-conflict-resolution-and-governance/apply to research a subject in your own field of
interest. For example, I wrote my thesis on
the activism of the Argentine government
in the media realm and now I’m about to
start an internship at the Dutch embassy in
Buenos Aires, Argentina.'
 CONTACT

T: +31 (0)20 525 3777

E: gsss@uva.nl
www.gsss.uva.nl
www.facebook.com/uva.gsss

Office hours
Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00

Visiting address
Education Desk Social Sciences
Room B700
Nieuwe Achtergracht 166
1018 WV Amsterdam

Postal address
Grad. School of Social Sciences
PO Box 15725
1001 NE Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Career prospects
Students in this programme acquire valuable knowledge, understanding,
professional experience and expertise, ensuring excellent career prospects.
An education in the social sciences will impart a broad range of skills that
easily translate into a multitude of careers. Specific career examples from
alumni include:
• Development expert in fragile states
• Business development manager at Cordaid Urban Matters
• Lecturer, tutor and thesis supervisor at UvA’s College of Social Sciences
• Assistant at Stichting Bescherming Burgerrechten, a civil rights
organisation
• PhD candidate

UvA Career Centre

The career advisers at the UvA Student Career Centre can help students
with information, workshops and individual vocational counselling to find
out what they want, get insight into their capabilities and competencies,
make choices and improve their job application skills in order to
achieve their goals. CREDITS

Career event © 2016 University of Amsterdam

Every year, the Graduate School of Social Studies (GSSS) organises a career Design: Nancy Koot
event. Students and recent graduates can participate in various workshops Photography: Casey Butler, Fred van
or attend presentations by alumni who have already spent some time Diem, Leonard Faustle, Marcel van
developing their careers. Gaalen, Marte van Liere, Morguefile,
Wilbert van Woensel
Networks No rights can be derived from the
Political Science alumni can become members of the closed LinkedIn contents of this brochure.
groups UvA Social Sciences (Interdisciplinary group) and the Alumnikring
Politicologie.

For more information on career options: http://gsss.uva.nl/career