Programme Information at a Glance

Peace and Security Studies (M.A.)

Duration:
2 years / 4 semesters (standard track) or 1 year / 2 semesters (accelerated track), both starting in the winter semester

Start date:
Once a year, in the winter semester (October)

Application period:
February 15 – March 31

Admission decisions:
Applicants will be notified in early June

Entry requirements:
An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) with at least 180 ECTS credits

Language requirements:
Very good command of both German and English

Interdisciplinarity:
We welcome applicants from all academic backgrounds, provided they can demonstrate a clear interest in peace and conflict studies as well as relevant practical experience. This may include professional experience, internships, or voluntary work—for example with political foundations, civil society organizations, members of parliament, refugee support initiatives, or in the social sector.

Programme Director
Prof. Dr. Ursula Schröder
Academic Coordinator
Dr. Anne Menzel
+49 (0) 40 86 60 77 20
menzel@ifsh.de
Admissions Enquiries
Madeleine Köhler
+49 (0) 40 86 60 77 16
Office hours by phone: Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. till 1 p.m.
mps-bewerbung@ifsh.de

Application period:
15.2. - 31.3.2027




The programme begins with an orientation unit in early October, followed by foundational modules on research methods and normative issues in peace and security studies.

The core curriculum consists of the modules “Security Studies” and “Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Security and Peace.” Within the practical module, students acquire profession‑specific qualifications and complete an internship, for example at one of the programme’s partner institutions.

The curriculum also includes an excursion to ministries, think tanks, and civil society organizations in Berlin. The degree is completed with the Master’s thesis.

Module

ModulesName
Basic Module I and II
  • Foundations and Methods in Peace and Security Research
  • Normative Issues in Peace and Security Research 
Practice Module
  • Practice-Oriented Learning
Profile Module
  • Security Studies
Required Elective Area
  • Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Peace and Security
Finale Module
  • Master´s Thesis