Call for Applications for the Postgraduate Master’s Course “Peace and Security Studies” (M.A.)
Program aims and objectives
- We offer you the possibility to obtain the Master “Peace and Security Studies” after one year full-time study. The postgraduate program “Peace and Security Policy Studies” (M.A.) is conducted by the University of Hamburg in cooperation with the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) and other scientific institutions and partners of the “Cooperation Network Peace Research and Security Policy” (KoFrieS).
- It is a trans- and interdisciplinary as well as practice orientated program that combines academic study with fieldwork placements. The program is designed for highly-qualified graduates and professionals holding a university degree. During the course participants will be introduced to the issues of peace and security policy.
- The aim of the program is to equip students with a range of skills and provide them with expertise in the field of peace and security policy. The degree is particularly designed for those interested in a career in peace and/or security studies research and teaching or to those interested in working for national and international organizations, administrations, associations, and business (e. g. in the fields of peace-keeping, monitoring, verification, development aid, mediation, arbitration, conversion, administration).
Entry requirements
· Interest in the field of peace studies or peace research and security policy 240 points ECTS (usually a four-year course in any discipline). In case 240 points are not achieved, there is also the possibility to receive additional credits for certain experience upon request. In this case, please enclose a written request to your application. The following achievements may be counted as additional ECTS
a) job experience relevant for the course. For this kind of professional experience of at least more than one-year, a maximum of 30 credit points can be given.
b) relevant internships connected to the course: A maximum of 20 credit points may be given. For short internships (less than 1 month) a maximum of 5 and for internships up to 3 months – a maximum of 10 credit points can be given. It is not allowed to gain additional credit points for internships that were part of the previous studies.
c) advanced training or extra-curricular activities relevant for the course: A maximum of 20 credit points may be given.
For further information please consult the Study Regulation.
- An honors degree from a German or foreign university
- Professional interest and scientific or practical experience related to issues of peace and/or international security
- Sufficient knowledge of English and German language. Language skills must be proven by:
German: “German Language Examination for University Admission of Foreign Students” (Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studierender) (DSH), the examination “German as a Foreign Language” (Deutsch als Fremdsprache) (DaF), or any examination of equal value (B2/C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) are accepted. English: The TOEFL (230 points/ 570 paper-based) (http://www.ets.org/toefl), the IELTS (5.5), the Advanced C, or any examination of equal value (B2/C1 of the CEFRL) are accepted.
Only applicants who are German or English native speakers are not required to show proof of language proficiency.
More information about the program
- Please find more detailed program information at:
http://ifsh.de/en/teaching/mps/ or on our website under FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Applicants who have already procured a scholarship (e. g. a GAES scholarship, see
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/en/ or from a (political) foundation, see FAQ) may also apply
- Students can apply for a scholarship of the IFSH Association. Therefore students need to submit an extra letter of application (one page) in addition to the rest of the application documents. The assessment of the scholarship applications will be carried out by the board of admission
Required documents
- Online application form, a printed and signed version of which should be sent together with a photo via ordinary post
- Curriculum vitae
- High School Diploma/Leaver’s certificate qualifying for university (German “Abitur” or
equivalent)
- Certifications of academic degrees; academic and/or professional recommendations will
additionally be accepted, but are not required
- Certificates of English and German language proficiency
- if possible, further documents expressing special qualification for the course (e.g. letters of reference or proof of a grant)
- Written acknowledgement of willingness to pay, assuming one’s application is
successful, EUR 500.00 per semester as a contribution to expenses
All certificates and other documentary evidence must be provided in German or English. Translations must be officially certified. Only complete applications received on time will be accepted. The cover letter should be handed in with the complete post address, e-mail address, home number and cell phone number.
Applications for the academic year 2015/16 must be received between
December 15, 2014 and March 15, 2015.
Please send your application to:
Co-operation Network Peace Research and Security Policy
Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg
Prof. Dr. Götz Neuneck
z. Hd. Frau Madeleine Köhler
Beim Schlump 83 D-20144 Hamburg
Please direct any inquiries to:
Dr. Patricia Schneider
Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH)
Beim Schlump 83, D-20144 Hamburg
Telefon: +49 (0)40-866077-20; Telefax: +49 (0)40-866 36 15; E-Mail: schneider@ifsh.de
