Intercultural Conflict Management Degree in Berlin

Alice Salomon Hochschule University of Applied Sciences Berlin:
Founded in 1899 by Alice Salomon, a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice, the Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences in Berlin is now Germany's oldest and largest training institution of higher education in social work. We offer a graduate degree program in Intercultural Conflict Management for international students.

M.A. Intercultural Conflict Management Degree Program:
The Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences is proud to offer its Master of Arts in Intercultural Conflict Management (MA-ICM). The M.A. programme is a response to the challenges of conflict, cultural diversity, forced and voluntary migration, violations of human rights and human exploitation. These issues have heightened tensions and social injustices for a growing number of individuals and groups at local, national and international levels. Thus there is an urgent need for professionals who can act effectively on issues of conflict management and social justice in multicultural contexts. Instruction on the M.A. programme is informed by principles and values reflecting an inclusive and people-centred approach with a goal toward social transformation and the realisation of human rights.

How is the MA-ICM programme designed?
This international programme is taught in English and is designed to bring students together from a variety of backgrounds and cultures to facilitate cross-cultural learning experiences. The MA degree program is a full-time program and takes three semesters to complete. Students are encouraged to reside in Berlin at least until the end of the attendance period during the 2nd semester. Students will also have an e-learning period where modules are taught over the internet using appropriate technologies in education delivery.

Students will be provided with an inter-disciplinary overview of the challenges facing multicultural societies and societies experiencing ethnic conflict. Students will develop comprehensive intercultural skills and the capacity to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment. The programme emphasizes self-knowledge and cultural awareness and develops students' practical skills in intercultural communication, mediation and conflict resolution and the application of human rights.

Curriculum:
The MA in Intercultural Conflict Management programme is based on a modular-intensive study format. The curriculum consists of 9 modules coordinated with a series of workshops, and is designed to balance theoretical studies with an emphasis on the application of practical skills.

A thesis on an approved topic within the student's area of interest is required for all students seeking a master's degree. Students are encouraged to begin thinking about a thesis proposal immediately after admission to the programme.

Core Modules:

Semester 1:
- International Human Rights Law
- Intercultural Communication
- Research Methods I - Qualitative Research

Semester 2:
- Conflict Management
- International Relations
- Research Methods II - Quantitative Research

Supportive Modules:

Supportive modules amount to 5 ECTS credits each:

A.) Migration, Identity and Incorporation (Semester 1) and Migrants, Refugees and Health (Semester 2)
B.) Conflict, Displacement and Exile (Semester 1) and Responses to Forced Migration (Semester 2)

Students will be allocated to one of the module options.
 
Workshops:

Obligatory Mode:
- Diversity Training (1st Semester)
- Writing and Research (1st Semester)
- Negotiation Techniques and Mediation (2nd Semester)

Non-Degree Learning Option:
The MA-ICM programme provides opportunity for selected participants to enrol in modules of their choice. This may be attractive if you are a person who wish to improve or gain new skills in a specific area of intercultural conflict management related to your job. You are welcome to apply for a maximum number of three modules per semester.

As a module student, you will learn with degree students of the programme. The average weekly workload varies depending on the module chosen between appr. 5 and 10 hrs. per week. Upon the successful completion of a module, you are awarded a certificate.