Program Overview

Introduction to the PhD Program

The PhD program in Global Studies, Peace, and Security in Africa is a joint program offered by the University of Leipzig and Addis Ababa University. The program is designed to provide students with a rigorous and flexible doctoral curriculum, combining core courses, specialization courses, and research work.

Structure of the PhD Program

The program consists of a maximum of 60 ECTS of coursework and 120 ECTS for the successful completion of the dissertation. The coursework includes core courses and specialization courses.

Core Courses

The core courses are taken during the first year and include:

• Research methods
• Introduction to current debates in Global Studies, including Global History and International Studies
• New regionalisms in Africa in a global and comparative perspective

These courses help students lay the groundwork for their dissertation research, acquainting them with research design, theories, and practical research skills.

Specialization Courses

Beginning with the second semester of the first year, students take specialty courses in their chosen field of specialization, including:

• International studies
• Transnational and global history
• The comparative study of peace and security in Africa

Students are required to take three courses, including one compulsory course on peace and security in Africa taught at Addis Ababa University.

Colloquium

The colloquium is a discussion forum where students present their research progress and receive feedback from peers and supervisors. The colloquium is held over all six semesters of the program.

Research Work (Dissertation)

The research part of the program leads to a PhD dissertation, which must be publicly defended and approved by the Board of Examiners. The dissertation should be an independent, academic work of international standard, contributing to the development of knowledge in its field.

Partner Institution

The Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) at Addis Ababa University is the partner institution for this program. IPSS was founded in 2007 and has developed into a hub of research and innovation, offering several study programs. The institute is ranked as one of the 50 most important think tanks in Africa by the University of Pennsylvania.

Team

The program team includes:

• Dr. Steffi Marung, Director of the Global and European Studies Institute
• Prof. Dr. Ulf Engel, Lecturer
• Dr. Gilad Ben-Nun, Lecturer
• Janine Kl輍e, Coordinator in Leipzig
• Enrico Behne, part of the coordination in Leipzig
• Dr. Fana Gebresenbet, Interim Director, Institute for Peace and Security Studies, Addis Ababa University
• Dr. Yohannes Tekalign Beza, Coordinator in Addis, Addis Ababa University

Research Areas

The program focuses on peace and security in Africa, with a particular emphasis on the Horn of Africa and an all-African and pan-African perspective. Students can develop their personal networks, get contacts for internships, and create job opportunities through the program's connections to the political community and international organizations.