Organization: UN Institute for Training and Research
Introduction
Elections have become a major factor in the stabilization and democratization of emerging democracies and post-conflict countries. More than a dozen such elections are to take place in 2016. However, the risk of a relapse into war and violence is considerable. Elections in these countries are a tightrope walk between war and peace, stability and instability.
Built on the expertise of UNITAR, the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), the Master in Electoral Policy and Administration (MEPA) provides advanced learning on electoral processes for current and aspiring election professionals. The Master targets mid/upper level professionals who want to acquire the specific knowledge and skills to work as election administrators and/or to work as a part of Election Management Bodies (EMBs).
The Master focuses on the development of “electoral professionals”, that is, professionals who share a common set of norms, behavioral standards, and qualifications to assume specific roles and responsibilities in the area of electoral policy and administration. Responding to a global, structural demand for qualified electoral professionals, the Master offers a systematic and comprehensive approach to the professional development of those enrolled and places particular emphasis on the importance of advancing equal career opportunity for men and women.
MEPA is composed of an online component (eight months) and an optional residential component at the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa, Italy (up to three weeks). Internships are encouraged but they are not compulsory in order to earn the degree.
Approach
A student-centered, multidisciplinary approach, in which the workplace is used as the main learning environment
UNITAR has developed an extensive expertise in the delivery of online programmes. Using Internet as a medium, students, practitioners and scholars are brought together in a unique virtual learning environment designed to valorize experiential and collaborative learning.
Distinctive features of the Master include:
- Full online delivery, allowing for a flexible schedule designed to fit the specific needs of full-time working professionals;
- Student-centered approach, in which the learner and the learning experience at the core of the programme;
- Leading-edge insights into prevailing theories and practices;
- Lifelong learning approach, in which the workplace is used as the main learning environment;
- Multi-cultural pedagogy, particularly attentive at the diversity of paradigms, perceptions and intellectual traditions;
- Multi-disciplinary approach.
Curriculum
Students benefit from an experienced faculty of scholars and practitioners, peer-to-peer collaboration, and a curriculum that reflects current theory and practice.
- MEPA001 Elections and Voting as Instruments of Governance
- MEPA002 Electoral Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
- MEPA003 Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs)
- MEPA004 Electoral Systems and Managing Representation
- MEPA005 Understanding and Managing Boundary Delimitation
- MEPA006 Political Parties, Campaigns, and Political Finance
- MEPA007 Electoral Planning and Budgeting
- MEPA008 Voter Registration and Identification Systems
- MEPA009 Electoral Operations
- MEPA010 Marginalized Electorates and Special Voting Programs
- MEPA011 Elections and Technology
- MEPA012 Civic and Voter Education
- MEPA013 Media and Elections
- MEPA014 Electoral Integrity and Malpractice
- MEPA015 Electoral Security and Conflict Prevention
- MEPA016 Electoral Justice Systems
- MEPA017 Electoral Observation, Evaluation, and Validation
- MEPA018 Policy Advice and Electoral Reform
- MEPA019 Final Project
The Master in Electoral Policy and Administration is awarded upon completion of 60 ETCS. Students may alternatively opt to register for individual modules which will grant between 2 and 4 ETCS.
Duration
The average duration of the Master in Electoral Policy and Administration is 12 months. The average duration of the individual modules is between 20 to 40 hours (depending on the specific module chosen).
How to register:
Application Information
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Three-year (at least) university degree in a relevant field, combined with some (ideally at least six months) working experience in the field of electoral policy and administration or related areas. Students expecting to graduate within a period of three months from the application are also eligible.
- Fluency in English – at least at level C1 (please refer to: CEFR for Languages, CoE, www.coe.int/lang-CEFR ).
Application Instructions
The Project Managers are available to students during the application process. Students are encouraged to email the Project Managers at mepa@unitar.org or mepa@sssup.it with any questions during the application process.
Applicants will be selected on the basis of the information provided in their CVs and in the online application form which is available at http://www.mepa.dirpolis.sssup.it/en
Admitted participants will be informed about the results within 8 weeks from their application. In case of problems with the on-line procedure please contact mepa@sssup.it
Once admitted, applicants will receive an Admission Letter and they will have up to six months to secure enough funding and start attending the courses.