Course Description
The Executive Master’s in Managing Peace and Security in Africa is accredited by Addis Ababa University (AAU) and by the international accreditation body - Accrediterungs-, Certifizierungs - und QualitätssicherungsInstitut (Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute) – ACQUIN. The Executive Master’s Programme offers experienced professionals working on African peace and security issues a unique opportunity to acquire certified and in-depth education while continuing to work in their respective organizations. The Programme has been developed in partnership with the Peace and Security Department (PSD) of the African Union Commission (AUC) as part of a broader institutional partnership with the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS). The degree is designed to address pressing and current issues regarding peace and security in Africa from a practical, experienced oriented perspective that prioritizes critical thinking and problem-solving. Constructive solutions are imagined within the context of African institutions with a special focus on the cumulative experiences of participants with long and sustained professional exposures on the subject matter of peace and security
Course Structure
MPSA adopts a blended research methodology closely linked with the unique character of the training Programme; regarding content, pedagogy, learning objectives, modular sequencing and the target participants. Unlike other academic Programmes with structured modular requirements for research methodology, MPSA is divided into two broad segments: (1) those administered during the two-week, on-site, sessions when participants are physically present at IPSS, and (2) those mainstreamed into long distance assignments during the two-month, off-site period when participants are back to their respective countries/jobs.
During each of the five on-site periods of physical contact (modules 1-5), participants are exposed to key methodological issues and concerns germane to the specific module (or subject-matter) under consideration. For instance, module 1 (MPSA 601 “Introduction to Peace and Security in Africa”) which sets the overall framework for the Programme, ensures that participants are exposed to the wide range of conceptual, theoretical and methodological debates in the field. In subsequent modules, a similar conscious decision is made to expose participants to tailor-made methods of research. In the case in MPSA 603 ”Conflict Analysis, Assessment and Early Warning” participants learn how to formulate research questions/ agenda; design research protocol; anticipate and address methodological hurdles, and successfully prosecute a research agenda.
During the off-site period, participants are also required to carry out assignments allowing them to use specific methods. For each assignment, grades are awarded partly on the basis of a clear demonstration of familiarity with and knowledge of research methods. Finally, since attendance is compulsory for all the modules, participants are expected to have gained full exposure to the vast repertoire of research methods issues at the completion of their training. For this training, research methodology is not a stand-alone module on its own. It is integrated into all the modules and will not attract credit points.
Course Prerequisites
1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
2. Alternatively, an official letter from an academic institution certifying that English language was the medium of instruction and that the applicant has sufficient English language proficiency to participate in the programme.
3. If the applicant cannot provide proof of English proficiency as in (1 or 2), s/he will be required to take an English proficiency test at Addis Ababa University [if admitted].
The applicant must preferably:
Be a citizen of a member state of the African Union or an international applicant working for a governmental, inter- governmental or multilateral agency with a keen interest in African peace and security issues;
About the Provider
Course Provider Contact
Frank Djan Owusu
Team Lead
Education and Professional Development Unit (EPD)
Africa Peace and Security Programme (APSP)
Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS)
Addis Ababa University.
Programme Coordinator
Education and Professional Development Unit (EPD)
African Peace and Security Programme (APSP)
Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS)
Addis Ababa University
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