Overview
A 15,000 word research report (on peace and conflict issues) which synthesises their practicum learning experiences in New Zealand or overseas with appropriate practical and theoretical literature.
PEAC595 Practicum and Research Project is an advanced applied research paper in the field of peace and conflict studies. It is for practice-oriented students in the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies and will enable them to undertake a practicum and produce a research report that draws together peace and conflict studies theory with their practical experience.
PEAC595 will provide students with a chance to negotiate a practicum placement, work in it for 100 hours, evaluate this experience in the light of the theoretical and practical literature and write an advanced research report on the experience. This paper will be of particular interest to those who wish to become practitioners and/or policy makers.
This paper requires a practical placement in a community-based or governmental organisation, either in New Zealand or overseas, that deals with conflict. Wherever possible, this paper will be developed with students working in practice teams. The paper aims to help students to recognise and develop professional, collaborative and interpersonal skills and to identify opportunities for resolution of conflict.
About this paper
| Paper title | Practicum Project and Research Report |
|---|---|
| Subject | Peace and Conflict Studies |
| EFTS | 0.5 |
| Points | 60 points |
| Teaching period(s) | 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 16 February 2026)
(On campus)
2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 29 June 2026) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $4,713.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- PEAC 480
- Limited to
- MPCS
- Eligibility
- Suitable for postgraduate students.
- Contact
- peaceandconflict@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies' website
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
The first semester is spent in preparation for the practicum, which is undertaken in the second semester. Students are expected to attend workshops at the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (NCPACS); practise project evaluation; research possible practicum placements; draw up learning objectives; negotiate to find a placement and placement supervisor; undertake risk assessment; and review ethical issues. Then, students spend a minimum of 100 hours working in a placement that they have negotiated themselves and submit a research report that evaluates the organisation and their role in it, with reference to peace and conflict theory.
The research report will be an academic and reflective analysis of the of students' own practice and the organisation with which they undertake their practicum. The research report shall be assessed by at least two examiners.
Workshop topics include:- Workshop 1: Introduction to Practicum and Research Project
- Workshop 2: Introduction to Library Research (Central Library)
- Workshop 3: Possible Placement and CV Writing
- Workshop 4: Project Management: Planning and Evaluation
- Workshop 5: Management of Field Research Project
- Workshop 6: Possible Placement II and Learning Objectives
- Workshop 7: Negotiation and Learning Contract
- Workshop 8: Risk Assessment and Research Ethics
- Workshop 9: Report Writing
- Teaching Arrangements
- The teaching will involve initial fortnightly workshops, followed by close professional mentoring and supervision when students are in their placements.
- Textbooks
- There is no set textbook, but this paper has several online and library e-reserve readings.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to
- Work collaboratively with an indigenous or other community organization and be able to respond respectfully to their shifting needs and realities over the course of the Practicum.
- Demonstrate cultural respect, maturity, professionalism, and good ethical judgment in all interactions with indigenous and other community leaders, Faculty, and support class colleagues in their own learning and labour for their practicum partnerships.
- Develop and implement a research project that meets the needs of the indigenous or other community organisation within the scope and timeline agreed upon in your research proposal.
- Where necessary be able to apply your knowledge of university and community research ethics and methods to your proposal development especially in negotiating with your placement community.
- Clearly and comprehensively synthesize your research findings in written and verbal formats.
- Actively contribute to a research community with your classmates, Faculty, and coordinator to provide ongoing updates, feedback, and problem solving throughout the course of the Practicum.