Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding - Master of Arts
The Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding Master's degree program combines research and practice. The aim is to provide students with a broad understanding of social science theories and methods of conflict research and at the same time to familiarize them with practical fields of peacebuilding. Students deal with fundamental concepts, terms and approaches of peace, conflict and violence research, whether from a political theory and history of ideas perspective, on the basis of comparative studies or from the perspective of international relations.
Facts
Standard period of study:
4 semesters
Language of instruction:
English
Admission:
Admission restricted Numerus Clausus
Start of studies:
Winter semester
Degree:
Master of Arts (M.A.)
The Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding Master's degree program combines research and practice. The aim is to provide students with a broad understanding of social science theories and methods of conflict research and at the same time to familiarize them with practical fields of peacebuilding.
Students deal with fundamental concepts, terms and approaches of peace, conflict and violence research, whether from a political theory and history of ideas perspective, on the basis of comparative studies or from the perspective of international relations. Students deal with the role of different conflict actors, with the causes and dynamics of conflicts and violence as well as with practices of conflict mediation and peacebuilding by international, state and non-state actors. They deal with different political systems, institutions and societies, and examine state-society relations as well as international and global contexts. They examine power and violence relations as well as economic and social framework conditions. They learn how to apply qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze specific conflicts or peace processes. One empirical focus is the study of violent, internal conflicts ("civil wars").
The course also integrates knowledge and experience from professional practice. Students learn to apply academic knowledge and methodological approaches to problem areas and fields of action in peacebuilding. Representatives from the field present their organizations and working methods as part of a regular course. Further seminars teach practice-oriented instruments - for example in project management, program evaluation methods or scientific policy advice. With the help of appropriate teaching formats and a compulsory internship, students gain a structured insight into practical fields of conflict analysis, conflict transformation and peacebuilding.
As an English-language course, the M.A. is aimed at students who are seeking a future career in an international environment.
In addition to research at universities and non-university institutions in the field of peace and conflict research, the Master's degree programme prepares students for various positions in federal ministries, authorities and international organizations, among others. Graduates can, for example, work in diplomacy, scientific policy advice in the field of foreign, peace and development policy as well as in conflict transformation, peacebuilding and development cooperation projects. Further professional fields can be found in international and national non-governmental organizations or foundations as well as in national and international media and public relations.
The program is divided into five compulsory modules (50 CP) (M1: Methods in Conflict Studies & Peacebuilding, M2: Concepts in Conflict Studies & Peacebuilding, M3: Political Theory and History of Ideas in Conflict Studies, M4: Conflict, State & Society, M5: Conflict, Politics & the Global Economy), an area for professional and research practice (24 CP) and a free elective area (22 CP). The program concludes with a Master's thesis (24 CP). The language of instruction is English; examinations can also be taken in German in consultation with the lecturers.
| Semester | Module 1 Methods in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding (10 CP) | Module 2 Concepts in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding (10 CP) | Module 3 Political Theory and History of Ideas in Conflict Studies (10 CP) | Module 4 Conflict, State & Society (10 CP) | Module 5 Conflict, Politics & the Global Economy (10 CP) | Professional and Research Practice (24 CP) | Electives (22 CP) |
| 1/3 | Research Design in Conflict Studies (6 CP) | Concepts & Theories in Conflict Studies (4/6 CP) | The Modern State in History and Theory (4/6 CP) | Political Institutions and Peacebuilding (4/6 CP) | Conflict Issues in Contemporary Societies (4/6 CP) | Obligatory advisory session in the 1st semester Professional skills Mandatory 2-month internship in the area of Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding Research Seminar Colloquium for Master's Thesis | Elective courses may include:
|
| 2/4 | Practical Approaches to Peacebuilding & Conflict Management (4 CP) | Concepts & Theories in Peacebuilding (4/6 CP) | War and Peace in History and Theory (4/6 CP) | Political Violence and Peacebuilding (4/6 CP) | Conflict and Power in the Global Economy | ||
| 4 | Master's Thesis (24 CP) | ||||||
A Bachelor's degree in social or political science or an equivalent degree with a focus on social or political science is required. Bachelor's graduates from other related subjects (history, social geography, ethnology, social psychology, international law, economics) can also be admitted if they can demonstrate basic knowledge of social or political science. In addition, knowledge of English at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) must be demonstrated. This can be proven if
- corresponding English language skills were already required as an access requirement for the previous Bachelor's degree program
- or an English-language undergraduate or postgraduate degree course was successfully completed
- or English was the language of the education system at the time of obtaining the higher education entrance qualification
- or a language test at level B2 (CEFR) was successfully completed. Possible language tests
Further information on the access requirements can be found in the admission regulations.
Applicants in possession of international certification must demonstrate sufficient levels of German Language Proficiency.
This program is subject to admission restrictions.
General information on selection procedures is available under the link How Places are Awarded. For an overview of the numerus clausus in previous years, please see the link Selection Restrictions.
All information pertaining to the application process may be found at Application, Admission and Enrollment.
German and international applicants with German certification can find all information about the application and the application deadline for the desired semester under Master's degree programs (single subject).
Please note: different application conditions and deadlines may apply for Applicants with Non-German Certification!
The degree program does not provide for a compulsory stay abroad, although an internship abroad or at institutions with international activities is recommended. Semesters abroad are also possible as part of the various exchange programs (e.g. Erasmus partnerships) and are supported by the Institute of Social Sciences. The flexible structure of the degree program enables students to spend a semester abroad without extending the duration of their studies. Study credits earned abroad can be credited, especially in the free elective area. For advice and further information, please contact the International Office and the International and Internship Office of the Institute.
Studying at Osnabrück University means you will be subject to semester fees. Depending on how much of your study credit (standard period of study plus tolerance semester) you have used up, you may also have to pay long-term study fees. Additional information on this topic may be found at How Much does Studying Cost?
Our Central Study Counseling Service will be happy to provide you with all the information you need about studying, admission requirements and the structure of your chosen program.
Each department’s Departmental Study Counselling Service will answer any questions you might have about the content of individual programs.
This degree program has been accredited by the German Accreditation Council.