International Organisations and Crisis Management (IOCM), Master of Arts Friedrich Schiller University Jena

The International Organisations and Crisis Management (IOCM) is a unique Master's degree programme that combines International Relations, International Organisation, and Crisis Management studies. Students learn about the policies, programmes, structure, culture and norms of international governmental and non-governmental organisations. They also learn about international crisis management, which pertains not only to conflict resolution but also to the governance of pandemics, migration flows, natural hazards, financial crises, etc. Additionally, we teach how international organisations (together with states and other actors) cope with those crises and which challenges of effectiveness and legitimacy sometimes arise in the course of facing the crises.

Please find detailed information on the contents of the programme on the IOCM website: http://www.iocm.uni-jena.de/.

The programme comprises a disciplinary core track and a supplementary track.

1. The disciplinary core track consists of obligatory courses providing key expertise in international organisations and in crisis management. In the first year, we pass on theoretical, conceptual and practical knowledge. There are classes taught by practitioners and a summer school. The third semester is dedicated to a stay abroad at one of our partner universities. It can also be used to do the mandatory two-month internship. The fourth semester is reserved for the Master's thesis.

2. The supplementary track consists of interdisciplinary and language studies. In the interdisciplinary modules, students can select from a wide range of classes from the broader field of political science as well as from neighbouring disciplines (e.g. Economics or Law) at our university. Moreover, students have the opportunity to join our highly recommended study trip to international organisations as an optional part of their interdisciplinary studies. In the language modules, you will study a language of your choice.

Obligatory two-month internship (optionally abroad)

The application period for the MA IOCM is from 1 April to 31 May.

We strongly recommend that non-EU applicants apply by 30 April.

For admission to the IOCM, we evaluate a number of criteria, including an applicant's academic, international, and practical experience in relation to the contents of the IOCM programme. Proof of English language proficiency at C1 level is an essential admission requirement.

Please find detailed information on the admission requirements on the IOCM website: https://www.fsv.uni-jena.de/en/57651/admission.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Master's Service Centre.

Approx. 320 EUR per semester. Includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket (free public transport in Germany) and the Jena culture ticket; see details here.

Studying in Jena is tuition-free.

Costs (per month) vary depending on individual circumstances: rent and food: 550 EUR, books and learning materials: 50 EUR, health insurance: 120 EUR, other expenses: 180 EUR, total: 900 EUR.

There are various job opportunities in Jena. You should have at least a good command of German if you want to have a wider choice of jobs. Jobs in which you do not need (much) German are rare, often physically demanding, and not very well paid. In some cases, you may also have to commute to nearby cities. Our Career Point offers advice on finding a job.

Deutschlandstipendium (application in April each year).

Some programmes offer scholarships. Please consult the specific study programme website.

When applying for internships, part-time jobs or entry-level roles after graduation, the Career Point team at the University of Jena supports Bachelor’s and Master’s students with free events and advisory services. Career talks, alumni events, company visits, workshops on soft skills, intercultural skills, and future skills, and a free interdisciplinary career and job fair enable exchange with employers. Templates, a job portal, LinkedIn and a mailing list provide information on vacancies, event invitations and exclusive offers. Students interested in entrepreneurship can reach out to the university’s K1 Startup Service.

Bachelor's and Master's level students may apply for student accommodation (all off-campus, furnished single rooms in shared apartments, rent: 200 to 350 EUR per month, application deadline: 15 July/15 January).

International doctoral candidates have the possibility of applying for a place in one of three university guesthouses. Enrolled doctoral candidates can also apply for a room in student housing.

You can find more information about finding accommodation in Jena here.