The Scholarship:

The Albabtain Cultural Foundation Endowment at the Centre for the Study and Practice of Conflict Resolution (at the University of Malta) is offering one scholarship to suitably qualified persons to pursue studies leading to the award of the MA Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security degree programme which is offered as a dual degree programme with George Mason University, USA.

The scholarship will cover the full tuition fees for the MA Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security degree programme and will provide a stipend of Euro 12,000 to assist in covering living expenses (and one return ticket to Malta).

The degree:

The MA Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security is offered jointly with the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution School of George Mason University, USA (the oldest and largest conflict resolution school in the USA). The main objective of this program is to provide students with an array of theoretical and practical tools that will enable them to deal effectively with conflicts at the micro and macro levels. It also places a specific emphasis on the Mediterranean context as an area where these skills are particularly useful.

Further information is available online.

The programme is of a full-time, intensive nature which requires residence in Malta. It commences in the middle of September 2024 and is completed by the middle of September 2025.

The MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security enables students to:

carry on a systematic and ongoing study of the nature, origins, and types of conflicts;
analyse the international relations and security scenarios of the Mediterranean, in particular the nature, types and origins of the conflicts in the region;
develop the requisite processes and conditions for the productive resolution of conflicts;
apply the theories, skills, processes and techniques to empirical case-studies that focus on the Mediterranean.

Academic requirements:

A recognised degree as deemed relevant by the Board of the Centre for the Study and Practice of Conflict Resolution. Given the multidisciplinary character of conflict resolution, students are expected to hold a first degree obtained with second class honours or equivalent, in any of the following subjects: sociology, anthropology, political science, law, International relations, human rights, development studies, diplomacy, psychology, history, philosophy, religious studies or languages.

English Language Proficiency. International applicants who have not studied in Malta are required to present an internationally recognised English Language Proficiency Certificate at the required level to be submitted online.

Ideal student profile:

Applicants should have demonstrable academic ability, an interest in and commitment to conflict resolution and strong intercultural communication skills. Prior experience in conflict resolution and/or related sectors will be considered an asset as well as strong motivation to pursue postgraduate studies.

In the aim of contribution toward the development of conflict resolution and peace practitioners in countries with current or recent experience of armed conflict, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are nationals of such countries.

Application procedure:

Prior to applying for the scholarship, interested applicants are to apply for admission to the MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security programme online.

Application for Albabtain scholarship needs to be submitted by email and contain the following documents:

Curriculum vitae (CV)
Two letters of recommendation
A letter of motivation where they explain why they are applying for this scholarship and how their profile fits in with this scholarship call.

Applications will be received until 30 June 2024.

Decision:

Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview. The selection board will decide on the award based on the following criteria:

Academic results obtained in the course of university-level studies
Two letters of recommendation (of which at least one needs to be an academic reference)
Experience in conflict resolution/related fields
Letter of motivation
Performance in interview.