ACTS MA PROGRAMME
UNIQUENESS: THEORY-PRACTICE APPROACH
The Applied Conflict Transformation Studies (ACTS) Master’s Programme is unique in conflict transformation through its approach to a hybrid academic-practitioner perspective.
The two-year programme, provided in partnership with the Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, offers a thorough, rigorous, dynamic and state-of-the-art approach, drawing on the most up-to-date analysis of conflicts in the Asia-pacific region.
During the programme, participants engage in six two-week residential seminars in Siem Reap, where they are exposed to academic theory, research methodology, and research planning and implementation. Some residential seminars are held outside Cambodia to offer students cross-regional exposure experiences that enrich the basis for learning.
SHARING LESSONS, BUILDING NETWORKS
The Applied Conflict Transformation Studies (ACTS) Master’s Programme is unique in conflict transformation through its approach to a hybrid academic-practitioner perspective.
The two-year programme, provided in partnership with the Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, offers a thorough, rigorous, dynamic and state-of-the-art approach, drawing on the most up-to-date analysis of conflicts in the Asia-pacific region.
During the programme, participants engage in six two-week residential seminars in Siem Reap, where they are exposed to academic theory, research methodology, and research planning and implementation. Some residential seminars are held outside Cambodia to offer students cross-regional exposure experiences that enrich the basis for learning.
TRANSFORMATIVE: ORGANIZATIONAL AND PERSONAL
Personal transformation is one of the changes attributed to ACTS. In addition, student confidence is evident throughout the whole programme as they exude a greater range of skills they can use in their work context, such as stronger analytical and critical thinking skills, and they can test new approaches to their work.
Work done on the ACTS courses will benefit their organizations as well. Students learn to be more creative in their work both during and after the programme, including setting up new resource centres and training programmes; bringing peacebuilding into strategic planning, and refocusing the work of their entire organisation.
ACTION RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The Action Research (AR) technique employs a systems approach to comprehend the complex social relationships and settings that influence the subjects and events under study. The spirit of inquiry, which is at the core of AR, is shown by an emphasis on action and using a self-reflective approach to learning.
The ACTS approach to AR follows rigorous standards of academic research regarding research design, implementation, data gathering and analysis while focusing the research on affecting positive change.
AR embraces what is learned from observation and inquiry as well as what is learned through reflection and adjusting research as it happens.
REFLECTIONS & SELF-AWARENESS
The research must reflect on their experiences and data at every stage of the research process, from design to implementation to outcomes evaluation.
This self-reflective approach challenges researchers to turn a critical lens inwardly. It asks the researchers to explore, understand and articulate their perspectives on the engaged work.
Researchers must engage in deep reflection on their inner motivations, biases and expectations. Self-awareness is a vital skill for practitioners in this field and research of this kind is designed to contribute new knowledge and understanding to existing research.
ACTS MA APPLICATIONS
The two-year ACTS Masters Programme is specially designed for a variety of peace practitioners from all sectors, including government and non-government, military, armed groups and businesses from across the Asia-Pacific region.
The 2023 ACTS modules will largely be conducted online with the sessions loosely spread throughout an eight-week period. The modules will be a combination of online sessions and offline activities where the students will actively participate and comply, respectively. The programme includes practical study, reflective peacebuilding, advanced conflict intervention skills, theory building, analysis and strategy development as well as specialised Action Research into the areas of peacebuilding and conflict transformation relating to the work of students and their organisations.
The programme will start on March 2023.
The course fee is $2,250 USD a year. Only a very limited number of scholarships are available for special types of students.
The ACTS MA Programme is fully accredited with Paññãsãstra University of Cambodia (PUC).
SELECTION CRITERIA
- At least five years of work experience in conflict transformation or related fields
- Support of employer or someone connected with the proposed area of work and action research
- Access to a reliable and stable internet connection
- Fluency in English (required to pass IELTS score 6.0 or TOEFL of 550)
- Undergraduate degree and high school degree essential
- Living and working within boundaries of the Asia-Pacific region
- Over 25 years of age
- Willingness to participate in a cross-cultural and interfaith learning environment and commitment to peace and justice values
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please fill out the ACTS Application Google Form
- ACTS Application Form and Guide
- Deadline for submission of application is on 31 August 2022.
- For inquiries please email [email protected]
All application materials should be submitted electronically to [email protected] on or before 31 October 2021.
Please continue to visit this page for announcements on the next round of applications for SY 2023.