Politics, International Relations & Philosophy

The context underpinning this MA is the need to understand and respond to the problems and challenges generated by the UK’s diverse society.  Cultural and religious diversity is capable of promoting a culturally rich, open-minded society able to draw on a wide range of perspectives in confronting social, economic and political challenges at local, national and international levels.  Conversely, a diverse society has the capacity to harbour deep divisions which can lead to problems of ghettoisation, social and political disengagement, inequality, resentment, mistrust, insecurity and discrimination.  The need to address such difficulties and the aspiration to achieve a thriving diversity demands dialogue to increase interaction and understanding between different sectors of the community.

The MA in Dialogue Studies will provide Masters level teaching and experience catered to the demands of such efforts.  It is intended to the equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to effectively engage in and lead meaningful dialogue advancing intercultural interaction, community cohesion and proactive citizenship.  It aims to develop reflective practitioners and students of dialogue equipped to examine and evaluate theories of dialogue and carry them forward with appropriate adaptations and innovations.

Further Information

Please contact our Course Director, Professor Chris Bailey if you would like further details.

Email: c.j.bailey@ams.keele.ac.uk

The aim of the programme is to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to engage effectively in and lead meaningful dialogue advancing intercultural interaction, community cohesion, and proactive citizenship.  It seeks to develop reflective practitioners, and students of dialogue, equipped to examine and evaluate theories of dialogue and carry them forward with appropriate adaptations and innovations.  A distinctive and innovative feature of the programme is a placement with the Dialogue Society in London during which students will develop their skills through active participation in the work of this charity.

Students should have a good degree of a 2:2 from an awarding UK institution, or its equivalent.  It is not necessary to hold the degree in politics or international relations.  For students who fall short of this requirement, relevant work experience, or evidence of experience in the field, can be considered as an alternative.

The structure of the MA in Dialogue Studies is as follows:

The programme has three components: taught modules in the 1^st semester; a placement at the Dialogue Society in the 2nd semester; and a dissertation to be completed by a September deadline.

The taught modules consist of a number of weekly 2 hour seminars.  These modules provide students with theoretical and substantive knowledge, key learning and research skills, and an opportunity to interact with staff and other students.  Assessment will vary between modules but typically will involve presentations, coursework, and essays.

The placement with the Dialogue Society in the 2^nd semester will allow students to gain experience working for an NGO.  Students will be involved in planning, organising and evaluating seminars; planning, organising and evaluating community events; and attending Dialogue Society training events which provide key leadership and communications skills.  The placement will be assessed by a reflective diary.

The dissertation will be on a topic of the student’s choice relating to intercultural dialogue, community cohesion, diversity, citizenship or conflict resolution.  Students will be assigned supervisors who they will meet on a regular basis.