Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction

Collaborative Specialization



Meet Sarah Nimigan, PhD candidate in Political Science (Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction)

“My supervisor is the driving force behind my success in the Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction specialization. She is very hands-on, motivating, supportive, and inspiring.”

Supervisor: Dr. Joanna Quinn

Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
I came to Western specifically for The Transitional Justice specialization, as well as for my supervisor, Dr. Joanna Quinn, who is a renowned expert in the field.

Describe your research.
I am looking at what explains the problems facing the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC faces a number of challenges. Many of these problems stem from the construction of the Rome Statute, the ICC’s enabling legislation and include a lack of perceived independence of the Court from state power and influence and selectivity and bias in the selection of cases for investigation and prosecution. These problems are explored through the lens of Africa.

Where is “home” for you?
Paris, Ontario, though at this point, London is home.

What is your “dream” career?
Like most, my “dream career” would be a tenure-track job at an established institution. I want to be able to continue to engage in my research and teach. I enjoy the flexibility that such a job allows, as well as the freedom to engage freely in my intellectual pursuits.

What’s the best advice you could give to someone considering applying to your graduate program?
I would recommend contacting their potential supervisor to make sure they are available. Further, I would recommend that they thoroughly review the coursework requirements for the Transitional Justice specialization. Since TJ is a collaborative specialization, the requirements are quite unique and, as such, I think prospective students should familiarize themselves with these from the beginning. They should also peruse the entire course offerings, across disciplines, since the TJ program provides students with a wide range of options across multiple disciplines.

Have you worked as a TA or RA?
Yes, TA – the experience of teaching has been extremely helpful with respect to engagement with students, grading assignments, and conducting tutorials.

What do you do in your spare time?
I am a competitive horseback rider and I compete in bodybuilding competitions so I am often in the gym, eating, riding a horse, or reading!

What one thing would you like people to know about you?
I am a determined and focused goal-setter; I believe goals are essential for success.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Valerie Oosterveld (vooster@uwo.ca)
TJ Centre Associate Director

Centre for Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction

Western University
Social Science 6250C
London, Ontario N6A 5C2


Participating Degrees

The Centre for Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction offers two academic programs which provide students with inter-disciplinary instruction in Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction. Students explore aspects of transitional justice and post-conflict reconstruction, including societal and state transition relating to development, democracy, the environment, the economy, human rights, politics, peace agreements, peace building, justice after atrocity, and social rebuilding.

Program Length

  • Variable

Program Design

  • Full-time or part-time study
  • Thesis-based, course-based or project-based

Funding Information

  • The Collaborative Specialization does not provide additional funding beyond what the student receives through their home department.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

  • Current enrolment in a participating graduate program at Western University.
  • Permission of home department supervisor to participate in the Collaborative Specialization.
  • Supervisor must be an associated faculty member or be willing to become associated with the Centre.

Additional Requirements

  • Student must be completing research in the home department that is related to the theme of Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction, as approved by the Director.
  • Completion of TJ application form and SGPS admission form.

Application Deadline

  • Master's students must enroll by the drop date of the core course in Transitional Justice in their first year of study.
  • PhD students must enroll by the drop date of the core course in Transitional Justice in their third year of doctoral studies.