MA Conflict, Memory and Peace Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt

This degree programme is based on the assumption that legal and material measures are generally insufficient for conflict resolution. The search for truth(s) in the transition process and the way in which post-conflict societies deal with their violent past also play a key role. It is of particular importance where, how, and by whom past conflict is remembered in mass media and schools as well as in museums and public spaces (street names, memorials, places of remembrance, etc.)

Colombia is currently implementing a recently concluded peace treaty after having lived through decades of conflict. Although Germany can look back on a successful conflict transformation process, it is still intensively dealing with working through its own past. From a Colombian perspective, Germany’s social development and conflict transformation process as well as the way in which the country dealt with its own past is an important topic. On the other hand, students from Germany can gain valuable insight into complex conflicts and on flight and migration.

Overall, the binational design enables a mutual exchange of experiences, ideas and approaches between students and lecturers both from Europe and Latin America. This encourages students to examine their own approaches and paradigms critically while allowing them to benefit from knowledge and skills gained in their partner country. Students will be able to apply these skills in their future careers.

The first two semesters cover the basics of peace and conflict studies, taking into account the memory component. In this component, in addition to the field of transitional justice, which is an established element of peace and conflict studies and is essential for peacebuilding, approaches from the humanities also play a key role. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on collective memory, politics of memory and historical culture. This promotes a multidimensional understanding for peace and conflict.

Furthermore, students will receive an introduction to the basics of international law in which transitional justice also plays an important role. Already in the second semester, students are invited to focus on their Master’s theses in the context of a research seminar. In addition, qualitative methods of conflict analysis are introduced.

During the second year, which is spent at the Universidad del Rosario (UR) in Bogota, students will have the opportunity to develop their individual profile by participating in required elective modules, completing the required internship and preparing their Master’s theses. Furthermore, students will gain deeper insight into the conflict and peace process in Colombia. Intensive support and advice is provided for the student research project, the Master’s thesis.

Students may choose the elective modules from the range of required elective modules offered at both universities. This allows them to take advantage of the different specialisms of the two universities when choosing which area they wish to focus on. For example, they may choose to specialise in legal topics related to transitional justice at UR, or in memory studies or development cooperation at Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU). Students will furthermore complete an internship in Latin America. Specific partnerships help students to find internship places at desirable organisations and companies.

Universidad del Rosario, Bogota

During the second year, students also complete an internship in Colombia or another Latin American country.

• BA degree in humanities, social sciences, law, or social work
• Letter of motivation
• Interview

Knowledge of both Spanish and English on the B2 level needs to be certified upon application.

Currently 88 EUR per semester, subject to change

The costs of living in Ingolstadt or Eichstätt are relatively low compared to large university cities. Rental costs in subsidised student residences (offered by the Studentenwerk Erlangen, the Canisius-Stiftung or the St. Gundekarwerk) range between 300 to 400 EUR per month depending on size and furnishing. Rental costs in privately owned residences are slightly higher and range around 750 EUR per month in Ingolstadt. In Eichstätt, rental costs are generally slightly lower. All KU students can eat in the university’s canteen at favourable prices. The price for a main dish is between 3.50 and 5.50 EUR. Health insurance costs are approx. 140 EUR per month. In total, you should plan with monthly costs of 1,000 EUR, in Eichstätt it could be less.

It is possible to find a job as a student assistant ("Hiwi") by contacting professors and university departments directly. Information on current job vacancies can also be found on the website of each chair.

There are also different offers for temporary part-time jobs outside the university, for example, in restaurants or in shopping malls. Eichstätt and Ingolstadt are the cities with the lowest unemployment rates in Germany.

The KU offers academically qualified international students in financial need a partial scholarship. Please find more information on financial issues, scholarships and prerequisites on our website.

https://www.ku.de/en/career-center/

The International Office at the KU offers a housing service. It helps international students find accommodation, and it facilitates contact between students and the future landlord or landlady. This service is free of charge. However, a housing service deposit is charged, and this will be refunded at the end of your rental contract. Please find more information on housing at the KU here.