Master of Peace and Security Studies M.A.

Are you interested in peace research and security policy and how they are connected? Do you want to learn more about strategies for avoiding or reducing violent conflicts and what conclusions politics should draw from this? Do you want to acquire further knowledge and competencies in the field of peace and security policy, work together with experts and researcher with interdisciplinary background and gain life-long networks?

Join our two-year master's programme Peace and Security Studies and study at one of the leading research institutions in Germany. For this, a degree with 180 ECTS is required. After admission, it is possible for applicants with 240 ECTS to apply for a two-semester curriculum. The master's programme is the only programme in Germany to date that combines questions of security policy and security research with a peace studies perspective.

The master’s programme gives you an overview of the social science foundations of peace research and security policy. You will learn about current conflicts in individual regions of the world, concrete aspects of peacekeeping, disarmament and foreign policy.

The curriculum combines research-oriented learning with hands-on skills in an interdisciplinary environment. We cooperate with academic institutions from Germany and abroad that have a thematic proximity to the work of the IFSH. You will learn from experts in the field of social sciences, ethics, law, humanities 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 knowledge of German and English language skills required for the degree programme and the examinations:
• Proof of German:
  • Applicants who have not acquired their university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution must provide evidence of sufficient knowledge of the German language in accordance with § 3 of the University of Hamburg Statutes on Admission to Studies (Universitäts-Zulassungssatzung - UniZS) in the currently valid version.
  • Applicants who have a foreign university degree but have obtained their university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution must also provide evidence of sufficient knowledge of the German language (e.g. the Abitur certificate)
  • An overview of all German certificates recognised by the University of Hamburg can be found here.
• Proof of 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 secondary school, proof of a higher education entrance qualification stating the corresponding length of English classes.
• Proof of relevant professional activity or internships in the subject area of the degree programme (in German or English). 

The application period for the academic year 2025/26 starts 15 February 2025 and ends 31 March 2025. Further information on the application process can be found here.

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.

In November 2023, the Joint Committee adopted new examination regulations, which are valid from winter semester 24/25, subject to approval by the Presidential Board. As soon as they are published as an official announcement, we will post the new version. Until then, please refer to the information on our homepage and the pages of the University of Hamburg regarding the admission procedure and the study program.

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