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Zimbabwe National Defence University View mapThe Master of Science Degree in Conflict Prevention and Early Warning Mechanism is a post graduate programme intended to equip students with relevant knowledge and skills in identifying potential conflict and mitigatory measures for sustainable peace and development. The degree programme offers a unique opportunity for an interdisciplinary approach to the examination of Conflict Prevention and Early Warning from national, sub-regional, regional and global perspectives. The programme empowers students with analytical and theoretical skills in conflict prevention, monitoring and prevention including scenario predictions. Students on the programme would be expected to understand the roles of a wide range of actors, institutions, ideas, rules and processes that contribute to conflict analysis, prevention, early warning and response initiatives. Furthermore, the programme is designed to promote the employment of indigenous knowledge systems within the context of conflict prevention and early warning in Africa.
Entry Requirements
For Normal Entry, a candidate must have an Upper Second Class (2.1) or better in any social science related undergraduate degree such as politics, public administration, intelligence, international relations, defence, human, social and environmental security studies. For a lower second class, relevant experience of at least two (02) years will be considered. Please note that each application is assessed on an individual basis and may be subject to additional requirements such as undertaking bridging courses (e.g. international students with English as a secondary language).
Programme Synopsis
A synopsis of the programme outlook is as follows:
- A full-time post-graduate degree programme delivered within three semesters (18 months).
- Level 1 has two (2) semesters mostly committed to unbundling theoretical aspects and their application in real life situations (case studies). The core and optional courses are contained in the ZNDU Prospectus.
- A student cannot be allowed to graduate without passing at least all core courses and a prescribed number of elective courses as defined in the programme regulations.
- A student who fails a core course shall repeat that course.
- A student who fails a required optional course may repeat that course or take an equivalent course specified in the regulations.
- Repeat courses take priority over any other courses should there be a clash on the timetable.
- The provision of supplementary examinations is not included on the programme regulations.
- Level 2 has one (1) semester committed to the research project (Dissertation) where the student would be required to identify a research problem and carry out a research in the related discipline and be able to project practicable outcomes. The project/dissertation is worth 30 credits and is submitted for assessment before a date specified by the Departmental Board, failure of which would result in the student being penalised.
Career Opportunities
On completion of the programme a graduate could be employed as a mediator, programmes officer, facilitator, diplomat, or as resource persons under any Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), International/Multinational Organisations and/or for lectureship within the same field at any tertiary institution.
