Courses of the MA CSP are held in English (100%). Courses from the free electives may also be held in German. Master's theses can be written in English or German (based on consent from the teaching staff).
For applicants with international degrees: 1 April - 15 June
For applicants with German degrees: 15 May - 15 July
The Master's programme in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding focuses on linking research and practice. The aim is to provide students with a broad understanding of social science theories and the methods of conflict studies, while at the same time familiarising them with the practical fields of peacebuilding.
Students learn fundamental concepts, terms and approaches from peace, conflict, and violence research, whether from the perspective of political theory and the history of ideas, on the basis of comparative studies, or from the angle of international relations. Students address the role of different conflict actors, the causes and dynamics of conflicts and violence, and the practices of conflict mediation and peacebuilding on the part of international, state and non-state actors. They investigate different political systems, institutions, and societies, inquiring about state-society relations as well as international and global interrelations. They examine power and violence relations as well as economic and social contexts. They learn to apply qualitative as well as quantitative methods in the analysis of concrete conflicts or peace processes. The study of violent, intra-state conflicts ("civil wars") is one empirical focus.
The programme also integrates knowledge and experience from professional practice. Students learn to apply academic knowledge and methodological approaches to problems and fields of action in peacebuilding. Practitioners present their organisations and work methods in a regular course. Further seminars provide instruction on practice-oriented instruments – for example, project management, programme evaluation methods, or academic policy consulting. With the help of corresponding teaching formats and a mandatory internship, students gain structured insights into practical fields in conflict analysis, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding.
The programme is divided into the following five compulsory modules (50 CP):
The programme also includes a unit for professional and research practice (24 CP) which entails an obligatory internship, practice workshops, study trips and more. Our elective unit (22 CP) offers courses from other MA programmes at our university, i.e., migration research, sociology, European governance, law, etc. Our programme concludes with a Master’s thesis (24 CP).
PDF DownloadThe study programme does not require a compulsory stay abroad. Nevertheless, an internship abroad or at institutions that undertake international activities is recommended. Semesters abroad are also possible within the framework of the various exchange programmes (e.g. Erasmus partnerships) and are supported by the Institute of Social Sciences. The flexible structure of the programme allows students to spend a semester abroad without extending the duration of their studies.
Mandatory two-month internship in the area of Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding:
Each semester, students are required to pay approx. 350 EUR as a semester fee (including free use of regional public transport services).
In order to cover personal expenses during the study programme, we recommend that students budget at least 860 EUR per month for accommodation, living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.
A Bachelor's degree in social sciences or political science or a comparable degree with a specialisation in social sciences or political science is required.
Bachelor’s graduates in other related subjects (history, social geography, ethnology, social psychology, international law, and economics) can also be admitted if they can prove that they have a basic knowledge of social sciences or political science. This requirement is met if at least 30 credit points in political science or social science subjects, including methodology, are successfully documented.
For applicants with international degrees: 1 April - 15 June
For applicants with German degrees: 15 May - 15 July
Students who have completed their Bachelor's studies may be employed as student assistants.
The accommodation office of the student services ("Studentenwerk") offers modern single rooms in dormitories and helps students find private rooms and flats. The rooms must be rented for at least half a year. The cost of a single room in a student dormitory is approx. 180 to 350 EUR per month.
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Our programme coordinator offers insights into our programme, current courses, and questions regarding your eligibility.
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