Overview
REGULATIONS FOR POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN PEACEKEEPING AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION (DPCR)
Duration: 1 year
Actual Credit Load: 306
Minimum Credit Load: 270
Maximum Credit Load: 340
Maximum MBKs credit Load: 210
ZNQF Level: 9
1.0 PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The purposes of the programme are:
1.1 To equip students to identify and analyse mechanisms of peacekeeping and conflict resolution, to understand those processes which lead to a more desirable human condition.
1.2 To guide students through contemporary research methods in peacekeeping and conflict resolution, and ethical procedures guiding the discipline.
1.3 To impart critical analytic thinking to students, teaching them that it is not possible to study a conflict based on one single phenomenon. By using an interdisciplinary approach to studying peace, security and development, students learn different aspects of societal development work together.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
At least a 2.2 pass in any relevant social science degree programme or 2 years of relevant experience.
3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS
The Post-Graduate Diploma in Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution is a two-semester part-time programme structured to meet Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution needs in Zimbabwe, the region and beyond.
Career Opportunities
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
Graduates have career opportunities in a wide array of disciplines which include the following;
- Public Administrators in Central Government Ministries and Local Authorities (Rural and Urban),
- Community Development Officers
- Project Managers in Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations
- Lectureship
- Further education: Masters studies in Peace Studies
PROGRAMME DELIVERY
Lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, presentations, public lectures, practicals, guest lecturers, and lecture notes.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this programme the graduate will be able to:
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution.
- Ability to use principles of peacekeeping, conflict and reconciliation issues to gain a critical understanding of current problems and challenges in peacekeeping, peacebuilding, reconciliation, security and post-conflict development.
- To be able to use the necessary skills for peacekeeping and conflict resolution processes.
- Use appropriate research methods to create new insights into peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
- Communicate effectively and present information using multimedia to both experts and non-experts in the field of peace studies.
Programme Structure
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester 1
Code Module Description Credits
DPCR 631 Introduction to Peacekeeping and Reconciliation 18
DPCR 632 Religion Peacekeeping and Reconciliation 18
DPCR 633 Humanitarian Rights, Law and Transitional Justice 18
DPCR 634 Research Methods and Statistics 18
DPCR 635 Project Management 18
Electives
DPCR 637 Communication and Human Factor in Peacekeeping 18
DPCR 636 Psychology of Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution 18
Level 1 Semester 2
DPCR 638 Gender, and Conflict 18
DPCR 639 Mediation and Conflict Analysis 18
DPCR 640 Dissertation 90
DPCR 641 Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation in Africa 18
Electives
DPCR 642 International Institutions and Peacekeeping 18
DPCR 643 Migration, Displacement and Peacebuilding 18
14.0 MODULE SYNOPSES
DPCR 631 Introduction to Peacekeeping and Reconciliation
The module dwells on important theories that inform peacekeeping and reconciliation processes and their relationship to development. It also introduces students to key issues and debates in peacekeeping and conflict studies.
DPCR 632 Religion Peacekeeping and Reconciliation
The module examines the role played by religion in maintaining peace and creating space for reconciliation in societies. It emphasises the central role that religion plays in comprehending peace and reconciliation processes.
DPCR 633 Human Rights, Law and Transitional Justice
The module enables students to attain knowledge of human rights law and to develop their understanding of a unique branch of law dealing with current humanitarian problems. In this module, students are equipped with knowledge of the nature of, and theories behind, human rights law. Mechanisms of enforcement of human rights law, transitional justice theory and practice for sustainable peacekeeping are also covered in this module.
DPCR 634 Research Methods and Statistics
The module is intended to enable students to understand the techniques widely used in gathering, interpretation, analysis and presentation of data in social research. Students will be equipped with statistical training that will help them in tabulating quantitative data.
DPCR 635 Project Management
The module is primarily about the rationale, context, and methods of planning, appraising and evaluating development projects and programmes. The module primarily focuses on appraising the financial and economic efficiency of peacekeeping-related projects. The module covers planning and management techniques for the project cycle; including project identification and logical framework analysis.
DPCR 637 Communication and Human Factors in Peacekeeping
The module dwells on communication and human factors as they address conflicts, maintain peace, and resolve conflict. The course integrates challenges to effective communication caused by interpersonal, intrapersonal, intergroup, or intra-group conflict and the role of communication in resolving such conflicts; thus focusing on the various psychological, social, cultural and emotional aspects of conflict and efficient communication strategies.
DPCR 636 Psychology of Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution
The module explores basic psychology such as its meaning and origins. The module discusses the various psychological approaches and concepts in peacekeeping and conflict resolution. These concepts prepare students to be in a position to observe and predict human behaviour in peace and conflict issues.
DPCR 638 Gender and Conflict
The module is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of basic gender issues in regard to peacekeeping and conflict resolution. The module adopts an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach that takes as its subject matter on aspects of peacekeeping and conflict resolution. The varied roles played by men and women in peacekeeping and reconciliation are also explored.
DPCR 639 Mediation and Conflict Analysis
The module explores the cause and effects of different forms of conflict around the world. The module tries to understand conflicts between states and conflicts within states, explaining their effects and describing their dynamics to prepare actors, be they state governments, international organisations and individuals, to better manage conflict peacefully, or to prevent it in the first place.
DPCR 640 Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation in Africa
The module focuses on the causes, challenges and opportunities of peacekeeping and Reconciliation in Africa. It also examines the diversity and complexity of conflicts and cases of successful conflict, peacekeeping and reconciliation in Africa.
DPCR 641 International Institutions and Peacekeeping
This module identifies the contributions of international institutions to peacekeeping and reconciliation processes. The module aims to equip students with knowledge about international actors and how the law is applied and implemented in international politics, with a focus on international peace and security.
DPCR 642 Migration, Displacement and Peacebuilding
The module focuses on forced migration as a result of conflict. Physical and psychological experiences faced by migrants in transit as well as in the host countries will also be explored. The module will look at possible ways to foster peace and reduce incidents such as xenophobia against these migrants.
DPCR 643 Dissertation
Students shall research on a topic of their choice concerning pertinent issues in peace, conflict, reconciliation and related issues. Students are to prepare and present a dissertation based on the concepts learnt in Research Methods and Statistics module. The guidelines for the dissertation are based on the basic skills of research and report writing which include the development of a research problem, formulation of research objectives, research methodology, data analysis, results and discussion, conclusion and recommendations.