Global Diversity Governance MPA

" Global Diversity Governance MPA OVERVIEW

Diversity within very local communities is growing as our world becomes more interconnected and our markets more globalised. Within this increased complexity the need to understand diversity, its impact and consequences is ever more crucial. The way we deal with differences between people is a key variable in almost every sphere of modern life and of particular relevance for public and private management. Managing diversity and capturing its benefits is a key challenge for contemporary societies. It is as important for secure and stable cities as for successful and profitable companies, and especially critical for public services managers with heavily constrained expenditures.

The MPA Global Diversity Governance builds upon the global understanding and practical expertise that Coventry University, through the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations (CTPSR), has developed in the fields of intercultural relations, social cohesion and diversity around the world. It is a programme that rises to the challenges of managing diversity and is designed to support professionals from around the world who are responsible for service design and delivery that must take full account of an unprecedented level of diversity in their communities, workplaces and families.

The MPA brings together experienced, mid- and senior-career professionals from different countries and regions, as a collaborating and diverse group with global and local perspectives, to learn from leading experts and active researchers from across the social and political sciences. The programme is open to professionals with the requisite qualifications looking to more effectively understand and confront the challenges of diverse societies and manage lasting, positive social change in their own local areas.

The global political and economic environment is changing and a new and very different geo-political reality is emerging. The MPA has been designed to explore in detail the nature and implications of these changes, providing professionals with the skills and mind-sets that will allow them to manage cultural diversity and lead the organisations of the future, whether in education, health, security or other areas of service delivery.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

This course is a unique, pioneering programme of study that prepares practitioners and leaders from across the world to more effectively confront one of the prime responsibilities of our time: the successful governance of diversity.

The MPA represents the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations’ ambition to equip those who work with, for and in diversity communities with the latest and most innovative tools, evidence and thinking. Joining the MPA means becoming a part of a network of professionals who have the enthusiasm, theoretical and conceptual knowledge and practical skills required to create positive social change in their own contexts.

The course is designed and delivered by leading, active scholars in the field who have assembled the most powerful contemporary thinking from across the social sciences to inform your study. If you are interested in global diversity, cultural difference and their governance, Coventry University is the place to learn more.

We will provide you with:

• An opportunity to achieve an MPA via distance learning in the period of 15 months;
• Access to all the same resources that would be available to you on campus, including library resources and access to relevant speakers;
• The possibility to enhance your CV;
• Recognition of your professional experience and prior learning, which enables you to obtain a postgraduate qualification based on your experience, rather than necessarily previous academic experience; and
• Access to a professional network of individuals working in various roles related diversity governance all over the world, with an opportunity to benefit from their perspectives and experiences, which allows for robust and informative learning beyond formal study.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Your programme of study combines 3 core modules:

Key Concepts in Global Diversity Governance

This central MPA module leads students through the conceptual, theoretical and practical issues surrounding the governance of diversity. Beginning with the foundations of this area of study, students explore concepts and theories underpinning diversity and its governance drawn from a range of disciplines including social psychology, human geography, sociology and political science. As well as exploring the definitions and compositions of a diverse society, course members are asked to consider the relationship of diversity with a range of different legislative/policy areas and issues, including security, economics, education, human rights and migration. Special attention is given to the concepts of identity, prejudice, intergroup contact, superdiversity, cosmopolitanism and everyday integration, as well as the role of religious diversity.

Intercultural Dialogue in Practise

The importance of Intercultural Dialogue has risen in prominence over the last decade with many actors, from United Nations agencies to local peacebuilding non-governmental agencies, increasingly applying it as an important tool for bringing people together and resolving tension and misunderstanding between groups in society. In practice, however, leading and facilitating dialogue between people of markedly different cultural backgrounds and world views can be a daunting feat and dialogue that is not led effectively has the potential to make relations between people worse not better. This module enables students to understand and critically engage with the roles of culture, dialogue and facilitation in diversity governance and equips them with an understanding and set of tools that allow them to lead dialogue sessions successfully. Based upon Coventry University research and delivered by the Centre’s own expert dialogue practitioners, this is an essential module for anyone working in and with diversity communities.

Global Diversity Governance in Context

Through an examination of some of the most prolific and high profile examples of diversity governance from around the world, students are taught to apply the tools, theories and concepts related to diversity, difference and dialogue to real-world case studies where the challenges of co-existence are seen most vividly. The module demonstrates the different roles, dynamics and interventions of governments, businesses, civil society and other actors in the governance of cultural diversity, showing how diversity, difference and their challenges reach every aspect of society. In their assessment, course members will be challenged to critically investigate and comparatively assess case studies of diversity governance with content and support provided by leading academic experts in each specific context. Current examples of indicative case studies include: the rise of modern anti-minority activism in Europe, diversity and difference in Israel and Palestine; identity and division in Northern Ireland; the challenges of multicultural society in Turkey; and governmental approaches to tackling extremism in Australia and the UK.

To complete the course, course members will prepare a dissertation in an area of study that they would like to explore in more depth, with one-to-one support from a supervisor.

The MPA offers the opportunity to benefit from two 5-day residential workshops. The first is held towards the start of your course of study, covering the core content of the Intercultural Dialogue in Practise module. The second workshop is delivered towards the end of the programme, equipping students with the skills to undertake a dissertation. These all-inclusive workshops are covered in the course fees and we strongly encourage attendance to supplement and condense learning, enable networking with course members and teachers. Please note: Accommodation is provided but course members need to organise and finance travel including any visa costs. Residential workshops may be held in the UK in Coventry or London, or internationally depending on where students are based.

In addition to the residential workshops, the programme, starting in September each year, is delivered through online module materials, small group tutoring and independent study, allowing you to fit your studies around other commitments. Course members unable to attend the workshops will receive additional contact time and can study independently using online materials. A wide variety of resources is made available via the online study platform, including: lecture notes, journal articles, video lectures, news and discussion forums, as well as the research produced by members of teaching staff.

As part of the application process, prospective students are required to evidence prior (experiential) learning (APEL) which is accredited as part of the programme of study. This accreditation allows students to complete the MPA over 15 months either by blended learning or distance learning. Please refer to the admissions criteria below and contact the Postgraduate Programme Manager for further information.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

You will be well supported throughout your studies with a range of services and guidance to help you get the most out of your MPA programme.

Students are provided with a range of pre-enrolment materials to better prepare them for their studies. Online modules are provided through the virtual learning environment (Moodle) to facilitate communications between staff and students, and between students. You will have access to Coventry University’s library, including its digital resources and library support for distance learners.

Assessment at each stage is based on the submission of written coursework only. Extensive coursework feedback and support from the programme team will be provided, and every student is allocated a personal tutor from the moment of enrolment offering one-to-one pastoral and academic skills support. Whilst undertaking a dissertation, each student will be allocated a supervisor.

You will be also be able to access a portfolio of non-credit bearing academic skills modules and support to develop your research and writing skills, as well as Coventry University’s Careers and Employability Service for support with developing your career following your studies.

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