Information about the application process

The application period for the 2027/28 academic year opens on 15 February 2027 and closes on 31 March 2027.

The online-application runs only via the Studieninfonetz - StiNE of the University of Hamburg only. Please do not send us e-mails with attachements. The application must be completed in German.

 

→General information about the master's programme

Are you interested in the connections between peace research and security policy? Applications for the upcoming winter semester open on 15 February. Over the course of two years (with the option to complete the programme in a shorter time), the Master’s programme in Peace and Security Studies equips you with a strong foundation in the social sciences of peace research and security policy. You will explore topics such as peacekeeping, disarmament, foreign policy, and current conflicts in different world regions—through an interdisciplinary, research-based, and practice-oriented approach.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact:

Madeleine Köhler
Phone: +49 (0)40 86 60 77-16
Office hours: Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. till 1 p.m.
Email: mps-bewerbung@ifsh.de

The following documents must be submitted with your application:

  • Application for admission (STiNE-Online-application form in German)
  • Letter of motivation of a maximum of 8000 characters (in English or German), which describes your motivation for the programme on the basis of specific interests and experiences and also explains why you specifically want to study the MA "Peace and Security Studies" at IFSH. Please also explain any breaks, gaps or other special features in your CV so that we can better understand your situation.
  • Tabular Curriculum Vitae (in English or German)
  • Certificate(s) of graduation from a university or university of applied sciences or current Transcript of Records with average grade (in English or German)
  • Proof of relevant professional experience, internships and/or voluntary work in the field of the study programme (in German or English)
  • Proof of knowledge of German and English language skills required for the degree programme and the examinations:

German language certificates

  • Applicants who have not obtained their higher education entrance qualification at a German-speaking university must provide evidence of sufficient knowledge of the German language (e.g. German Abitur) in accordance with § 3 of the University of Hamburg Statutes on Admission to Studies (Universitäts-Zulassungssatzung - UniZS) as amended.
  • If you are a German citizen and did not obtain your first university degree in Germany, you must also provide proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language in accordance with Section 3 of the University Admission Regulations (UniZS) of Universität Hamburg, as amended. In this case, you can submit your German Abitur certificate as proof.
  • An overview of all German certificates recognised by the University of Hamburg can be found here.

English language certificates

  • Revised TOEFL paper-delivered test: at least 22 points per skill (Reading, Listening, Writing).
  • TOEFL internet-based test (test date scores): 92 points with at least 22 points per skill (Listening, Writing, Speaking, Reading)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic: Overall Band Score at least 6.5 (Good Competent User) with at least 6.0 per skill,
  • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE),
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE),
  • Cambridge Higher Business English Certificate (BEC).
  • Furthermore, the following certificates can be recognised:
  • a university entrance qualification obtained at an English-speaking institution in a state with English as an official language
  • a university degree in an English-language degree programme, or
  • five years of English language instruction at a German-language school. 

Please note: The language certificates for German and English must be uploaded with the online application by 31 March via the Studieninfonetz - StiNE of the University of Hamburg. 

For more information, please refer to the information on our homepage and the pages of the University of Hamburg regarding the admission procedure and the study programme.

Further information on financial matters, scholarships and accommodation in Hamburg can be found here.

Application period:

15.2. - 31.3.2027