Full-time Course in Peace and Conflict Work

Course goals, approaches and methods

The aim of this course is for you to acquire the appropriate skills and knowledge needed to work on the diverse and multi-faceted field of peace and conflict work. You will deepen your understanding of conflict dynamics, and their non-violent transformation, including: clarifying the key concepts of civil conflict transformation, analyzing conflicts, designing peace projects, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of your role and attitude as a peace worker in this field.

The consolidation of your sense of self, awareness of own patterns, attitudes, behaviors, biases, needs and limits, as well as your understanding of group dynamics and the importance of communication, are core issues to the course, and are not only worked on through a theoretical input, but are consistently brought to the focus through self-reflection and group sharing.

The course utilizes the elicative training model, where the learning journey is aimed at discovery and creation using your own experiences and knowledge as the main resource, and where the trainers are catalysts and facilitators rather than experts.  Your learning also continues after the official sessions as you will be living together with the other participants throughout the 10 weeks.
 

Course structure

During the first phase of the course you will work with a core group of 14 participants. You will gain an overview of peace and conflict work, an introduction to key concepts, an insight into the tasks and challenges peace and conflict workers face on a day-to-day basis, an in-depth understanding  of how systems of power and identities are constructed and manifested, and learning how to take care of yourself and the people around you. The process of teambuilding will enhance cooperation and trust in the group and at the same time encourage participants to examine their own attitudes and conflict behavior. Thus, the focus will be divided between gaining knowledge at a conceptual level, becoming aware of group dynamics, and reflecting on your own personal abilities.

During the second phase, you will attend a series of seminars which are also open to external participants. You will learn about the key methods of systemic conflict analysis, project planning, monitoring and evaluation, various approaches in non-violent conflict transformation with a focus on the complexity and ambiguity present in this work field. The element of self-reflection will continue to play a role in the weekly reflection group sessions.

Towards the end of the course you will once again work in a closed group. After a short module on Dealing with the Past, you will exercise the practical application of your learnings through a simulation, and will conclude by connecting loose ends, and celebration. For further details on the course structure and contents please click here.

Application process

When selecting our participants, we attach particular importance to learning about your motivation, qualifications and work experience in the field of peace and conflict work. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

Requirements for the full-time course

• Completed professional/vocational training
• Minimum of two years of work experience abroad
• Experience working in groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Willingness to reflect on your own preconceptions and behaviour
• Willingness to engage in groups and learning processes