PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM - King's College … Diploma: 120 Credits 6. Attendance Full-time Part-time Distance learning Mode of attendance X X No Minimum length of programme 1 year 2

Programme approval 2008/09

QA&AA Approved: PAF checked Aug 2-17

ROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 1 – THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

1.

Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies For undergraduate programmes only Single honours Joint Major/minor

2. Final award

MA

3a. Nested awards 3b. Exit awards

n/a Postgraduate Diploma Social Science and Public Policy (Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies)

4. Level in the qualifications framework

7

5. Credit value for the programme and for each nested/exit award

MA: 180 credits PG Diploma: 120 Credits

6. Attendance

Full-time Part-time Distance learning

Mode of attendance

X X No

Minimum length of programme

1 year 2 years n/a

Maximum length of programme

3 years 4 years n/a

7. Awarding institution/body

King’s College London

8. Teaching institution

King’s College London

9. Proposing department

Department of Middle Eastern Studies

10. Programme organiser and contact Details

Prof Michael Kerr, [email protected] Prof Jeroen Gunning, [email protected] Dr Craig Larkin, [email protected]

11. UCAS code (if appropriate)

n/a

12. Relevant QAA subject benchmark/ professional and statutory body guidelines

No benchmark for MA

13. Date of production of specification

November 2008; amended February 2014

14. Date of programme review

2019/20

mailto:[email protected]





15 Entry profile

Academic criteria

GCSE

n/a

AS/A Level

n/a

Aptitude tests, plus English language requirements

Minimum language requirements: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/entry-requirements/english-language.aspx

Degree

An honours degree: upper second class or above or a professional qualification at an equivalent level.

Postgraduate degree

n/a

Professional Qualifications

n/a

Non-academic criteria

Community activities

n/a Compulsory/ Very desirable/ Desirable

Scholastic activities n/a Compulsory/ Very desirable/ Desirable

General activities/interests (including potential award bearing)


Paid or voluntary work


Work shadowing/ observation


Specific employment requirement


Interviewing policy

Are interviews offered?

Yes

Are all applicants interviewed?

No

Are all those made an offer interviewed?

No

What form does it take?

Semi-structured interview conducted by two members of staff and, in certain cases, an academic writing task

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/entry-requirements/english-language.aspx

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/entry-requirements/english-language.aspx



What is considered at interview?

Candidates’ ability to study and present at MA level

16. Educational aims of the programme The MA Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies is a research-led postgraduate programme that offers a multidisciplinary, comparative study of national, ethnic, religious and socio-economic conflict and conflict resolution/regulation in deeply divided societies. The MA will concentrate on case studies in the Middle East but with reference to other cases outside the region, examining the theoretical literature on the causes and consequences of conflict, conflict regulation, and internationally-led and grassroots peace processes. It will allow students to ascertain an in-depth understanding of the theory of conflict regulation in divided societies and immerse them in the history, politics, sociology, and international relations that shape and determine the dynamics of conflict and conflict resolution. The modules provided within the MA will enable students to undertake a detailed examination of the exogenous and endogenous variables that shape some of the world’s most intractable conflicts. Students will be able to choose from a broad range of modules, including an optional internship and languages, to support their developing interests. Topics covered include, indicatively, the dynamics of nationalism, sectarianism and identity, the role of civil society in peace processes, truth and reconciliation commissions, and the role of collective memory. The MA Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies is designed to equip students with the relevant analytical tools for further postgraduate study or for a career in conflict resolution, public service, journalism, civil society or (international) NGOs. Specifically the MA will permit students to

become familiar with the causes and consequences of conflict and conflict resolution/regulation in divided societies

gain specialist knowledge of and develop the ability to critically analyse divided societies through structured case study analysis and research led teaching

examine the political, socio-economic, religious, ideological and historical factors that contribute to the persistence of ethnic conflict

study and examine internationally led peace processes in different parts of the world and third party intervention in divided societies

master the discourse pertinent to this field and engage with the scholarly debates within it

begin to use an array of primary sources for research purposes

gain practical experience in designing and conducting research projects

17. Educational objectives of the programme/programme outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the following: 1. State building successes and failures in divided societies in the Middle East and elsewhere; civil war, conflict, conflict

These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: The acquisition of a highly focused and detailed knowledge of conflict and conflict resolution/regulation in deeply



resolution/regulation and socio-economic and political change in divided societies in the Middle East; 2. The role of ideology, religion and nationalism in divided societies in the Middle East; 3. Theories and debates concerning conflict and conflict resolution/regulation in the Middle East, including both international-led and grassroots peace processes; 4. Building a mult-disciplinary understanding and critical awareness of the different theoretical, historiographical and methodological approaches to conflict and conflict resolution/regulation in the Middle East; 5. Appropriate personal and professional conduct in the context of the discipline.

divided societies in the Middle East is achieved by the provision of a core module, which offers a broad overview of key themes and disciplinary approaches, and is complemented by a wide range of lecture/seminar-based optional modules providing in-depth case studies and comparative analysis. For the duration of the MA students will be urged to undertake independent reading on the subjects of interest to them. This will complement what is being taught on the core and optional modules. Students will also have the opportunity to give (non-assessed) classroom presentations or participate in seminar debate on issues of academic interest in their core and optional modules to hone their critical analytical skills and deepen their empirical knowledge. Students will be able to focus further on areas of particular interest in their dissertations, which will be subject to individual supervision by a dedicated member of staff. Assessment modes include:

Essays;

Dissertation;

Class participation.

Skills and other attributes

The programme provides training in intellectual skills, including: 1. An ability to undertake critical analysis

of complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge, while communicating the outcome of the analysis effectively;

2. An ability to synthesise information in a manner that may be innovative, utilising knowledge or processes from the forefront of relevant disciplines/practices;

3. A level of conceptual understanding that will allow students critically to evaluate research, advanced scholarship and methodologies and argue alternative approaches;

4. Initiative and originality in problem solving, including an ability to act

These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: Through the core module and methods training in preparation for the dissertation, students learn to evaluate complex, incomplete and contradictory knowledge claims, to critically engage with different disciplines and to design complex research questions. Lectures will provide examples of critical and/or novel evaluation and synthesis. Student presentations (non-assessed), seminar debate and essay and dissertation writing will provide opportunities for students to hone their ability to evaluate and synthesise information critically and where possible innovatively, and develop



autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, making decisions in complex and unpredictable situations.

ideas for their dissertation. The requirement of independent reading for each of the modules, coupled with the assessment of research outputs, offers students a framework within which to develop initiative and originality in problem solving, acting autonomously and planning and implementing tasks at a professional level. Students will be able to focus further on areas of particular interest in their dissertations, in which they can further develop their critical analytical skills, their ability to synthesise, and their ability to autonomously plan and implement tasks at a professional level. Students will be required to design their own research topics for the dissertation which should be an original piece of work. Assessment modes include:

Essays;

Dissertation;


Practical skills, including: 1. An ability to operate in complex,

unpredictable and/or specialised contexts, and to have an overview of the issues governing good practice;

2. An ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility in professional practice.

These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: The core and optional modules coupled with the methods training provide a framework for students to gain the highly focused and detailed knowledge and the critical analytical skills necessary to operate in complex, unpredictable and/or specialised contexts. The dissertation, as a piece of independent, complex, specialised and often unpredictable research, provides a opportunity to put this ability to the test. The expectation of personal responsibility and initiative is embedded in the core and optional modules, and even more so in the dissertation. Essay deadlines, assessment schemes and plagiarism checks all serve to reinforce this expectation. Assessment modes include:

Essays;

Dissertation ;




Generic/transferable skills: 1. An ability to to work effectively with a

group as leader or member; to clarify tasks and make appropriate use of capacities of group members; and to negotiate and handle conflict with confidence;

2. An ability to use the full range of learning resources;

3. An ability to be reflective on one’s own and others’ functioning in order to improve practice;

4. An ability to competently undertake research tasks with minimum guidance;

5. An ability to be an independent and self critical learner, guiding the learning of others and managing one’s own requirements for continuing professional development;

6. An ability to engage confidently in academic and professional communication with others, reporting on action clearly, autonomously and competently;

7. An independent learning ability, required for continuing professional study, making professional use of others where appropriate.

These are achieved through the following teaching/learning methods and strategies: The core and optional modules and research methods training provide opportunities for group activity, giving students a platform to learn to work with a group as a leader or member, to clarify tasks, to handle conflict within the group, guide the learning of others, and reflect on one’s own and others’ functioning to improve practice. Seminar discussions and supervisory sessions with one’s dissertation supervisor create opportunities for students to learn to engage confidently in academic and professional communication with others, reporting on research clearly, autonomously and competently. Essay and dissertation writing provides students with the opportunity to learn to competently undertake research with minimum guidance, and to become an independent and self-critical learner. Seminar discussions, discussions with module conveners and supervisory sessions with dissertation supervisors help to hone the students’ self-critical skills. Assessment modes include:

Essays;

Dissertation;


18. Statement of how the programme has been informed by the relevant subject benchmark statement(s)/professional, regulatory and statutory body guidelines There is no benchmark for this programme at MA level. However, the programme’s structure and content have been informed by reference to the benchmark documents description of competencies that students would have attained at the end of an undergraduate programme in the areas of politics and IR, history and modern languages. The programme is also informed by the Framework for Higher Education and Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and in particular by its ‘Descriptors for a qualification as Masters (M) level: Masters Degree’.

19. In cases of joint honours programmes please provide a rationale for the particular subject combination, either educational or academic N/A Which is the lead department and/or School?



20. Programme structure

Please complete the following table and, if appropriate, to include joint, major/minor or other variations Code = code of each module available for the programme Title = title of each module available for the programme, plus its credit level and credit value Status = please indicate whether the module is introductory (I), core (Cr), compulsory (Cp), one or more of however many modules must be passed to progress (CrCp), (P) professional (i.e. module testing skills/competency that has no credit level or value but is a professional body requirement) or optional (O) for each type of programme. For postgraduate programmes use the "single honours" column Pre-requisite/Co-requisite = where appropriate please indicate whether the module is pre-requisite to another module or co-requisite by noting pre or co and the module code that it is pre/co-requisite to. Assessment = please indicate in broad terms the assessment for the module eg written examinations, coursework (Note: the availability of optional modules may vary slightly from year to year; the following are the modules available at the commencement of the programme)



Code Title Credit Level

Credit Value

Status (I, Cr, Cp, CrCp, P, O) for each type of module

Pre-requisite/ Co-requisite (Please note the module code)

Assessment

S Joint Major/ Minor

Single

Joint Major/ Minor

Full-time Study

First Year

Core modules (100 credits)

7AAJM210 Conflict and Coexistence in Divided Societies

7 40 Cr Yes Coursework

7AAJCR01 Dissertation (MA Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies)

7 60 Cr Yes Dissertation (15,000 words)

Student must take 80 credits from the following list of optional modules

7AAJM202 The US & the Middle East:Intervention and Mediation since 1945

7 20 O No Coursework

7AAJM204 A History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict 7 20 O No Coursework

7AAJM203 Divided Cities, Contested States: Urban Violence and Transformations in the Middle East


7AAJM205 Power-sharing Agreements in Deeply Divided Societies


7AAJM206 Islamist Movements: Jihad, Revolution and Consensus


7AAJM212 Culture and Society in the Middle East & North Africa


7AAJM213 7 20 O No Coursework



States, Markets and People in the Contemporary Middle East

7AAJM214 State Builders, Revolutionaries and Reactionaries: Leaders of the Contemporary Middle East


7SSJM1201 People, Protest and Mobilisation: Exploring Social Movement Theory


7SSJM220 Displacement in the Contemporary Middle East


7SSJM231 Intolerance and Political Contestation


7SSJM232 Political Economy of Authoritarianism in the Middle East


7AAJIN01 Internship module 7 20 O No Coursework

Language modules in the Modern Language Centre

6 or 7 20 O No Varies according to module selected

Students may take other Level 7 modules in the Faculties of Social Science and Public Policy, Arts and Humanities, and Law

7 20-40

O No Various

Part-time Study First Year

Core module (40 credits)

7AAJM210 Conflict and Coexistence in Divided Societies

7 40 Cr Yes Coursework

Students must take 40 credits from the following module options.

7AAJM202 The US & the Middle East: Intervention and Mediation since 1945



7AAJM203 Divided Cities, Contested States: Urban Violence and Transformation in the Middle East










7AAJM213 States, Markets and People in the Contemporary Middle East













Optional language modules for Graduate students in the Modern Language Centre to the value of 20 credits


Students may take other Level 7 modules in the Faculties of Social Science and Public Policy, Arts and Humanities, and Law

7 20-40

O No Various

Second Year

Core module (60 credits)

7AAJCR01 Dissertation (MA Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies)

7 60 Cr Yes Dissertation (15,000 words)

Students must take 40 credits from the following module



options.

7AAJM202 The US & the Middle East: Intervention and Mediation since 1945



7AAJM203 Divided Cities, Contested States: Urban Violence and Transformation in the Middle East








7AAJM213 States, Markets and People in the Contemporary Middle East













Language modules in the Modern Language Centre


Students may take other Level 7 modules in the Faculties of Social Science and Public Policy, Arts and

Various



Humanities, and Law

If a Masters programme, are level 6 credit levels permitted within the programme? Yes. Graduate level language modules in the Modern Language Centre. Maximum 20 credits.

Maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded) 20 credits

Are students permitted to take any additional credits, as per regulation A4; 5.8? Yes, students are permitted to take up to 20 credits of level 7 language modules in the MLC in addition to their normal tariff of 180 credits.

Are there are any exceptions to the regulations regarding credits, progression or award requirements? (where relevant the information should also differentiate the particular requirements of pathways within a programme or nested/exit awards) A Postgraduate Diploma is available as an exit award only in cases where all taught modules have been passed, excluding the dissertation. With permission from the Programme Conveners, students may take up to 40 credits outside the programme from modules available in the Faculties of Arts & Humanities,Social Science & Public Policy, or Law.

Other relevant information to explain the programme structure Please note that new students enrolling on the information provided on this section of the PAF will have these regulations stipulated throughout their programme of study. The only exception to this will be if there are changes made by Professional, Regulatory or Statutory Bodies that are noted to this programme. Programme structure and award requirements (where relevant the information should also differentiate the particular requirements of pathways within a programme or nested/exit awards) (a) numbers of introductory, core, compulsory and optional modules to be taken in each year of the programme with related credit values full time: 180 credits earned through 1 x 40 credit core module, 1 x 60 credit core dissertation module and 80 credits of optional modules (students may take a maximum of 20 credits of graduate language modules at level 6 or 7). Part time Year 1 80 credits earned through 1 x 40 credit core module and 40 credits of optional modules (students may take a maximum of 20 credits of graduate language modules at level 6 or 7). Year 2 100 credits earned through 1 x 60 credit core dissertation module and 40 credits of optional modules (if not taken in year 1, students may take a maximum of 20 credits of graduate language modules at level 6 or 7). (b) range of credit levels permitted within the programme 7 (6 for language modules only) (c) maximum number of credits permitted at the lowest level



20 credits (d) minimum number of credits required at the highest level 160 credits



21. Marking criteria The assessment criteria follow the College’s general criteria for the assessment of MA programmes.

22. Particular features of the programme which help to reduce the barriers experienced by disabled students and ensure that the programme is accessible to all students who meet the entry requirements Publicity and programme handbook These clearly communicate the key skills that will be required during the programme, the content of each module, the intended teaching methods to be used and the module’s status (core/compulsory/optional). Teaching methods A wide range of teaching methods are utilised (as demonstrated by box 17), including: handouts in alternative formats, electronic resources placed on KEATS, powerpoint presentations in advance in electronic formats. Assessment Advice has been taken from the Equality and Diversity Department to ensure assessment methods do not unfairly discriminate against students with disabilities. The College’s Special Examination Arrangements Committee (SEAC) considers requests for adjustments to assessment to take account of learning and/or physical disabilities. Module outlines specify the assessment methods that will be used. Feedback Feedback on the programme is regularly collected from students, including information from students with disabilities about their learning experience. The information collected is used towards the on-going development and improvement of the programme. In particular, it has prompted closer working with library services to ensure that subject resources are offered in a range of alternative formats wherever possible.



PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 2 – SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Not all of the information in this section will be relevant for all programmes and for some programmes this section will not be relevant at all

1. Programme name MA in Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies

2. Is this programme involved in collaborative activity? Yes No If yes what type of Collaborative Provision is it (tick appropriate box)? Does the programme have an access/feeder Programme for entry into it? Does the programme have an articulation/ progression agreement for entry into it? Dual Award Franchised Provision Joint Award Partnership Programme Recognition of Study or Award of Credit through off-campus study or placement Staff and student exchange Validated provision Have the relevant stages and appropriate paperwork been approved and the paperwork forwarded onto QA&AA Office? Yes No Not applicable

3. If the programme is a joint award with an institution outwith the University of London, validated provision or franchised provision, has the necessary approval been sought from College Education Committee?

X

X



Yes No Not applicable Please attach a copy of Part 1 of the Partner Profile and checklist submitted to the College Education Committee

4. Partnership programme - in cases where parts or all of the programme are delivered away from one of the College campuses by a body or bodies external to the College please provide the following details Name and address of the off-campus location and external body N/A Percentage/amount of the programme delivered off-campus or by external body Nature of the involvement of external body Description of the learning resources available at the off-campus location What mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the ongoing monitoring of the delivery of the programme, to include monitoring of learning resources off-site or by the external body? Please attach the report of the visit to the off-campus location

5. Recognition of study or award of credit through off-campus study or placement - please indicate how the time will be spent, the length of time out, the amount of credit and whether it is a compulsory or optional part of the programme Year abroad Year in employment Placement Other (please specify)

X



Time spent ……………………Credit amount ………..Compulsory/optional..……………

6. Please provide a rationale for any such time outside the College, other than that which is a requirement of a professional, statutory or regulatory body N/A

5. Please give details if the programme requires validation or accreditation by a professional, statutory or regulatory body Name and address of PSB Frequency of validation/ accreditation Date of next validation/ accreditation



PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM SECTION 3 – ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

1. Programme name

MA in Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies

2. Programme code (for SDA use only)

3. JACS code

T600

4. Estimated intake 5. Campus

Low fee 8 High fee 2 Strand

6. Duration

When will the programme start (give month and year)

September 2009; with amended name September 2015

Does the programme run: Sept – Jun, Sept – Sept, Jan – Dec, other (please specify)

Sept-Sept

Are there any other entry points to the programme and if so when

No

Are any years of the programme longer than standard, if so please give details

No

Does the programme follow standard term dates? If no what are the term dates?

Yes No

7. Finance

Major source of funding

HEFCE and fees

Price group for which the programme is approved

Band H2; Band OS2

Should the fees be billed at the programme or unit level?

Programme Level

Level of fees if different from the standard level in the College’s fee schedule

n\a

8. Contributing departments/divisions/Schools (if the programme is not taught 100% by the “home” Department)

Contributing Department/ Division/School

Nature of involvement % contribution to teaching

Departments within the Faculties of Social Science and Public Policy, Arts & Humanities, and Law

Teaching

0% to 44% depending on modules taken by student

PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM

X



SECTION 4 – THE APPROVAL PROCESS

1. Programme name MA in Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies

2. Initial approval/consultation at the planning stage Initial approval by the Head of School*:……………………………. Date: ……………… (To include approval of business plan and marketing plan) Will the new programme require new ISS stock Yes No or facilities/systems? Will the new programme require any new resources Yes No (eg teaching space, staff, offices, additional support from central services?) If Yes to either of the above, please attach details plus signed approval from ISS and/or School Management Accountant, Academic Facilities Manager or other relevant College officer Which other Departments/Schools have been consulted during the design of the new programme? Department of History Department of War Studies

3. Approval by the School Education Committee (or its equivalent) Date programme approved:…………………. Signature of the Chair of the School Education Committee*: …………………………………… Date: ………………. Signature of the CEC member of the School Teaching Committee*: ………………………………. Date:.………………. Name of the external peer: ………………………………………………………………… Signature*: …………………………………… Date:.……………….

4. Approval for joint honours programmes/jointly taught programmes Date programme approved by the other School(s): ………………… Signature of the Chair of the other School Education Committee(s)*: ………………………….. Date:……………………

*Electronic Signatures are acceptable – copy of email confirmation from External Peer/Specialist is also acceptable.

x

x



PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM

SECTION 5 – EXTERNAL SPECIALIST ADVICE

1. Report of the external specialist (2008) Please include comments on the following: The nature of the interaction with the Department/School ie attendance at programme planning meetings, electronic communication, scrutiny of documentation I have communicated in person and over the email with Drs Kerr and Miller about the programme The extent to which the programme meets a defined market need: Conflict studies, conflict regulation, and Middle Eastern studies, are all growing areas of interest at the post-graduate level. It is timely for a course to be provided that could combine these themes, and do so in a historical way. Subject content: The subject matter is appropriate to Middle Eastern Studies. I note that the thematic focus on the conditions which produce conflict are many: state building failure (ubiquitous), revolution (ever present), ideology (ditto), cleavage structures (many) but the title indicates a focus on conflict regulation. Surely Conflicts and their regulation would be more appropriate as a title. I am worried that the term Conflict Regulation is borrowed from the ethnic conflicts literature but the introduction to the course should say something about distinctly Middle Eastern categories of dealing with conflicts. Engagement with the various points of reference of the national quality assurance framework such as the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and subject benchmark statements, if applicable: Appropriate. Engagement with the requirements of a professional, regulatory or statutory body, if applicable: Appropriate Any other comments: I am sure that if the course director manages to reconcile the theoretical literature to the history and context of the Middle East the course will be a success. What seems especially promising is the emphasis on revolutionary background and conflict since this applies to many cases. I think there should be some consideration of democratization and regime form. Name: …Bill Kissane…………………Signature*:…Bill Kissane……………… Position: Senior Lecturer……………Institution: …London School of Economics Address:…Department of Govt, LSE, Houghton St., London WC2A 2 AE………… Date:16/1 2009……………..…

*Electronic Signature is acceptable – copy of email confirmation from External Specialist is also acceptable.

2. Response of the department



Documents

PROGRAMME APPROVAL FORM - King's College … Diploma: 120 Credits 6. Attendance Full-time Part-time Distance learning Mode of attendance X X No Minimum length of programme 1 year 2