Master of Peace Research and International Relations (MA) University of Tübingen

Courses are held in English. The assessments as well as the Master's thesis must be written in English.

After successful completion of this Master's programme, students will be able to analyse complex problems of conflict, war and peace as well as of international relations broadly speaking. They will have acquired essential knowledge of essential theories and methods in this field, as well as the core empirical issues and their contexts. They will be able to apply this knowledge in the identification and analysis of novel problems of international politics, to independently develop theoretical ideas, and to critically evaluate policies addressing conflicts and other transnational issues.

The curriculum builds on a strong theoretical-methodological orientation towards research-based learning, characterised by the application of theoretical knowledge to current case studies as well as the development of epistemological judgement and the practice of methodological skills.

To this end, the four basic modules teach the theoretical and methodological foundations of the discipline. These modules are as follows: (1) Theoretical and Methodological Perspectives, (2) Normative and Critical Perspectives, (3) Global Governance and (4) Analysing Armed Conflicts. In the elective area, students are free to pursue their own areas of specialisation and study interests. There are numerous opportunities for in-depth study, ranging from courses on international law to peace education. In addition, four regularly offered excursions in particular provide the option of underpinning theoretical knowledge with practical experience. For this purpose, students can take part in (1) National Model United Nations, (2) Peace Boat, (3) European Security Institutions and (4) Mediation and Negotiation. (The excursions must be [co-]financed by the students.)

The module handbook can be accessed on the website of the programme. It contains further information on the compulsory modules, as well as an overview and details of the elective modules offered.

All applicants: 31 May for the following winter semester

Students who are not citizens of an EU/EEA member state will be charged a tuition fee of approx. 1,500 EUR. This is in addition to the general semester fees.

The standard duration of the programme is four semesters or two years, with a total of 120 ECTS. Of these, 81 ECTS are acquired in the compulsory modules and the final exam module, and 39 ECTS in elective modules.

It is recommended to attend the compulsory courses during the first and second semester, as they cover thematic and methodological basics. First elective courses can be added in the second semester and completed in the third semester. The third semester is also well suited for a semester abroad. The fourth semester is reserved for the compulsory final module, which includes the Master's thesis, a colloquium on it and the final oral examination. This study plan is recommended in order to be able to complete the programme within the standard period of study, but it is not obligatory, so that courses can be taken in other semesters according to one's own interests and needs.

Most courses are offered in the form of seminars, only three of the basic modules include lectures. Seminars and study trips provide ample opportunity to develop a student’s own interests and skills in relation to specific conflicts, policy areas, theories and/or methods. Students also acquire a range of transferable skills through diverse teaching and assessment methods, including but not limited to the following: role play, simulations, scenario writing, and study trips in addition to more conventional methods such as essay writing, class presentations and discussions. These methods allow students to further develop their skills in presenting academic debates and enhancing professional attitudes. In addition, students acquire skills in teamwork, intercultural communication and the (self-)organisation of groups.

1,500 EUR

Students who are not citizens of an EU/EEA member state will be charged a tuition fee of approx. 1,500 EUR. This is in addition to the general semester fees.

Enrolment fees at the University of Tübingen are currently about 200 EUR per semester. This includes use of local public transport free of charge from Monday to Friday in the evening, on weekends and on public holidays. In addition, students may purchase a semester ticket for unlimited use of public transport in the city of Tübingen and the surrounding area (currently about 150 EUR).

Estimated basic student expenses are about 950 EUR per month according to the Tübingen Student Services organisation (“Studierendenwerk”), including rent for student accommodation. Rent for private accommodation will be more expensive.

Admission to the Master's programme in Peace Research and International Relations is open to students with a higher education entrance qualification who have passed the BA examination or an equivalent examination in Political Science, International Relations or a related subject with a grade of at least "good" (2.5, upper second class or equivalent). Final grades of international applicants will be converted into the German grading system. Please note that the recognition of international degrees in Germany is handled by our central Student Affairs Office (Advising and Admission of International Students), which can provide information about the recognition of specific degrees as well as grade conversion.

It is recommended that applicants have achieved at least 60 ECTS in Political Science during their Bachelor’s studies. If your Bachelor’s degree is not in Political and/or Social Sciences and/or International Relations, your transcript of records should indicate the required amount of ECTS.

Successful applications are selected on the basis of their BA degree grade, internships or other professional activities in a field related to peace research or international relations, as well as awards for academic or any other subject-related achievements.

Applicants have to provide proof of their knowledge of English at the level of B2/C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

A list of accepted proofs can be found on our website: https://uni-tuebingen.de/de/158562

All applicants: 31 May for the following winter semester

No

Accommodation is available through the Student Services organisation (“Studierendenwerk“) or on the private market. Rooms in student accommodation cost approx. 200-440 EUR per month. As Tübingen is a very attractive place to live, private accommodation is more expensive and can take some effort to find. To make sure you find a suitable place to live, you should start looking as early as possible.

We recommend you to apply for student accommodation through the “Studierendenwerk” at the same time that you apply for admission to the Master's programme (cf. https://www.my-stuwe.de/en/housing/halls-of-residence-tuebingen/and https://www.my-stuwe.de/en/housing/faqs/) and send in a copy of your notification of admission as soon as you have received it (your application won’t be finally processed before the “Studierendenwerk” has received proof of your admission). For further information check out the “Studierendenwerk” pages on housing in Tübingen (https://www.my-stuwe.de/en/housing/housing-infos/).

The university offers a number of “on-boarding” services for newly arriving international students. These include:

• a help desk
• an advisory programme “How to Study at the University of Tübingen”
• a wide range of social activities offered by student groups

For further information please refer to: https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/182071