Master of Peace and Security Studies M.A.

Are you interested in the connections between peace and security? Do you want to learn about complex security challenges and policy strategies to avoid or reduce violence? Do you already have first practical experiences in the field and want to expand your knowledge and skills?

Join our two-year master's program Peace and Security Studies and study at one of Germany’s leading research institutions. You need a previous degree with 180 ECTS. After admission, candidates with 240 ECTS have the opportunity to apply for a two-semester curriculum. High-level proficiency in both German and English is required.

Our program is unique as it combines a focus on security research and policy with a peace studies perspective. Students receive a comprehensive overview of the social science foundations of peace and security research. Seminars and practical exercises cover topics ranging from climate change to arms control, migration, wars and conflicts in different world regions, and peacebuilding and development cooperation. 

The curriculum combines research-oriented learning with hands-on skills in an interdisciplinary environment. We cooperate with academic institutions from Germany and abroad that cover different aspects of peace and/or security research from different disciplinary perspectives. Students meet and learn from experts in the social sciences, law, humanities, ethics and natural sciences. Studying Peace and Security M.A. will be a unique educational experience and prepares you to work in international environment.

General information about the master's programme

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 program 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 activity or internships (or voluntary work) in the subject area of the degree programme (in German or English).
• Proof of knowledge of German and English language skills required for the degree programme and the examinations:

German:

• 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.

English:  

• 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 application for admission!

The application period for the academic year 2026/27 starts 15 February 2026 and ends 31 March 2026.

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

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 program.

https://ifsh.de/file/study/20240131-neuf-po-wiso-ma-pss-41.pdf 

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