Program Overview

Peace Research and International Relations - Master

Key data on study program

The Master's program in Peace Research and International Relations is offered by the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. The program leads to a Master's degree and has restricted admission in the first and higher semesters. The regular duration of studies is four semesters, and a combination subject is not required.

• Faculty: Economics and Social Sciences Faculty
• Academic Degree: Master
• Restricted admission: Yes, in first and higher semesters
• Regular duration of studies: 4 semesters
• Is a combination subject required?: No
• Application deadline 1st semester:
  • Application deadline for Germans and EU citizens: Winter semester: 31.05
  • Application deadline for non-EU citizens: Winter semester: 31.05
• Program start: Winter semester
• Language of instruction: English
• Costs: Tuition and other fees

Requirements and application

On what criteria are applicants selected?

Successful applications are selected on the basis of their B.A. degree grade, internships or other professional activities in a field related to peace research or international relations, as well as awards for academic or any other subject-related achievements. Applicants will normally be required to have obtained at least 60 ECTS in Political Science or International Relations during their Bachelor’s studies.

• Proof of higher education entrance qualification
• Bachelor's degree certificate
• Complete Transcript of Records with a final grade or calculated grade average
• CV in tabular format (in English)
• Motivational letter (1-2 pages, in English)
• Proof of English language qualification (for all applicants whose first language is not English)
• If applicable: proof of qualifications, awards, and achievements

Which requirements must I meet for studies?

A Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations or a comparable subject is required for this Master’s degree program. The final grade (GPA) must be at least "good" (2.5, upper second class or equivalent). Applicants must provide proof of their knowledge of English at the level of B2/C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Which languages must I know?

The M.A. Peace Research and International Relations program is conducted in English. You will need to have knowledge of the English language at the B2/C1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and prove this at the time of your application.

Program details

Which topics are dealt with in the program?

The Master's program focuses on research-based learning in relation to core questions of peace, conflict, and international politics. These include the processes and structures of violent conflicts and how they are embedded in broader structures of international politics as well as the opportunities and possibilities of cooperation between a variety of actors in coping with such conflicts.

• Theoretical and Methodological Perspectives
• Normative and Critical Perspectives
• Global Governance
• Analyzing Armed Conflicts

What is special about the Tübingen program?

The roots of MAPIR date back to the 1960s when a group of students and lecturers in one of Germany’s oldest Political Science departments founded the Working Group on Peace Research. This was institutionalized with the appointment of Volker Rittberger as the Chair in International Relations in 1972.

How is the program structured?

The standard duration of the MAPIR is four semesters or two years with a total of 120 ECTS. Of these, 81 ECTS are acquired in compulsory modules M1-M4 and the final exam module M20, and 39 ECTS in elective modules.

• It is recommended to attend the compulsory courses during the first and second semester, as they cover thematic and methodological basics.
• First elective courses can be added in the second semester and completed in the third semester.
• The third semester is also well suited for a semester abroad.
• The fourth semester is reserved for the compulsory final module, which includes the Master's thesis, a colloquium on it and the final oral examination.

Is study abroad expected?

Optional time abroad. You may choose to spend some time abroad as part of any study program.

After your studies

Career prospects

MAPIR offers a comprehensive qualification for a wide range of professional activities in administration and societal organizations, policy consulting and mediation, business, and science at national and international levels. Past graduates have built their careers in:

• the diplomatic service,
• international as well as non-governmental organizations,
• science and research,
• development cooperation and conflict management,
• the media,
• political education.