Students who want to obtain advanced degrees in peace and conflict studies will be able to pursue a new Masters of Arts program in Manitoba effective September 2010.

The new joint Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies, which has been in the works for several years, is a partnership between The University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Joanne Keselman, vice-president (academic) and provost at the University of Manitoba, said: “This new program builds on academic strengths at the University of Manitoba and enables us to devote new resources to this important field of study. As outlined in its Strategic Planning Framework, the University of Manitoba is committed to encouraging debate and discussion around the 8understanding of human rights, peace and justice and respect for others. In collaboration with our colleagues we aim to make Manitoba the preeminent centre for peace and conflict studies in Canada.”

“This is a significant addition to our academic repertoire because until now, students in Manitoba could only obtain a BA and a PhD in this field. Now we are linking that journey with this new Masters degree,” said Dr. Sandra Kirby, associate vice-president (research) and dean of graduate studies, University of Winnipeg. “With the new Canadian Human Rights Museum at the Forks, we see this as an important synergy that allows us to keep building an academic base that complements Winnipeg’s emerging reputation as an international human rights city.”

The peace and conflict studies’ research priorities will include the analysis and resolution of protracted ethno-political conflicts, Indigenous approaches to peacemaking, gender, conflict and peace building, peace education, children and war in the context of human rights and human security.

At The University of Winnipeg, the new MA program is coordinated by Marilou McPhedran, principal of Global College, which offers Western Canada’s first BA in Human Rights and Global Studies. In partnership with Menno Simons College, the University of Winnipeg also offers a BA in Conflict Resolution Studies and a BA in International Development Studies.

The Arthur V. Mauro Centre at St. Paul’s College, University of Manitoba, is dedicated to the advancement of human rights, conflict resolution, global citizenship, peace, and social justice through research, education, and outreach. The Centre is home to the PhD Program in Peace and Conflict Studies; the joint MA Program in Peace and Conflict Studies is governed by the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg, housed at the Mauro Centre and Global College.

The University of Winnipeg is consistently ranked in the Top 10 in the country on an annual basis by both Maclean’s Magazine and The Globe & Mail newspaper. The University of Winnipeg is a leader in academic excellence, Aboriginal education, environmental studies & sustainability, and theatre & the arts. Find out more by visiting www.uwinnipeg.ca

The University of Manitoba is a world leader in many areas of research and education of benefit to the global community. Besides renowned programs in diverse areas such as jazz studies and Aboriginal education, the University of Manitoba has been recognized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Research Foundation for its work in Asia and Africa on preventing the spread of communicable disease. For more information: umanitoba.ca

People wishing to obtain more information from The University of Winnipeg about the new, joint MA in Peace and Conflict Studies can contact Global College 204-988-7105 global.college@uwinnipeg.ca or Menno Simons College 204-953-3847 n.funk-unrau@uwinnipeg.ca or contact the Mauro Centre at: 204-474-6052 or Email:Sean_Byrne@umanitoba.ca