International Security Management HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law)

International Security Management is a multi-disciplinary study programme covering the increasingly important and complex international aspects of security.

This full-time English-language programme provides an interdisciplinary survey of security-related topics with a special focus on political science / international relations, criminology, law, psychology, risk and crisis management, policing studies, IT security, and economics. It combines theoretical aspects of international security studies with practical applications, such as risk, crisis, and disaster management; the protection of critical infrastructure; and quality assurance in the security sector. These issues are all taught in context, with a focus on professionalism, human rights, and accountability. Class attendance is mandatory.

The Master’s degree programme is open to graduates of Bachelor’s degree courses in any academic discipline related to security, with a preference for students with a Bachelor’s degree and/or practical experience in the areas of security studies / security management, international relations, international law, public administration, criminology, policing studies, or IT security. Strong English language skills (including academic writing) are required. We recommend that your English language skills correspond to Level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as a minimum.

The Master’s degree programme consists of four consecutive phases: an introductory phase serving to focus and extend students’ existing theoretical understanding and practical skills, followed by a specialisation phase with elective topics. The third semester is dedicated to an internship during which students can apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical context; this serves as preparation for management responsibilities. The fourth semester is a research semester, in which students attend a research seminar and colloquia whilst writing their Master’s thesis.

Teaching is seminar-based. Particular importance is placed on the use of case studies to extend the students’ theoretical understanding.

Course contents:

• Module 1: Research and Methodology
• Module 2: International and Global Security Challenges
• Module 3: Risk Management and Security Regulation
• Module 4: Ethics and Normative Approaches in International Security Management
• Module 5: Information Security, Cybersecurity and Data Protection
• Module 6: Crime Control in a Global Environment
• Module 7: Economic Approaches and Leadership Skills in International Security
• Module 8: International Conflict Management
• Module 9: Human Rights and Accountability in International Security
• Module 10: Current Issues in International Security Management
• Module 11: Elective A or Elective B: Electives to be defined every year

In the third semester, students are required to complete a six-month internship – this may also take place abroad.

Mode of admission: without admission restriction

Completion of a first university degree: Bachelor's degree/Bakkalaureus, "Diplom" (German diploma), "Diplom FH" (German diploma from a Fachhochschule), and other qualifications, provided that they are recognised as being equivalent.

Minimum requirements for first university degree: For this degree programme, you should have gained your first university qualification in one of the following subject groups or areas of study:

• International Law; Safety, Disaster Prevention / Management and Relief; Political and Social Sciences; International Relations; Psychology; Economics
• Required ECTS credits: 180

Further admission requirements: Application letter / personal statement and CV in English, copy of BA thesis (or previous MA thesis)

Approx. 350 EUR per semester

Between 800 and 1,000 EUR monthly:
Student residence: 400 to 500 EUR
Health insurance: approx. 100 to 150 EUR

There are many job opportunities for students in Berlin. Non-EU students are permitted to work within specified limits.

The German National Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk") and other institutions currently offer 15,600 rooms in student halls of residence throughout Berlin. Due to waiting lists, it is advised to get in contact with the service early on.

You can also look online for shared flats, e.g. here: www.wg-gesucht.de/en/.