International Political and Social Science Research (MA) Marburg University

The four-semester Master of Arts in International Political and Social Science Research (IPSSR) is a research-oriented and internationally focused programme designed to prepare students for demanding analytical roles or further academic pursuits. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in national and international public institutions, civil society organisations, social science research institutes, science management, political consulting, and the media. The programme provides advanced methodological training, enabling students to conduct independent research in the social sciences. Students will deepen their knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including advanced techniques in statistical analysis, data visualisation, discourse analysis, and research design.

With a strong emphasis on practical application, the programme includes core modules on pressing social and political issues: Researching Inequality and Diversity, Researching Digital Societies, and Researching International Politics and Conflict. By combining theoretical insights with hands-on research experience, this programme develops the competencies necessary to tackle complex societal and political challenges. It is ideally suited for students aiming to pursue a PhD or engage in high-level research and policy analysis in an international context.

The International Political and Social Science Research Master's programme is structured into four main areas of study:

• Research Methods
• Research Fields
• Research Internship
• Master's Thesis

Please find an overview of all modules here: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb03/studying/english-study-programs-m-a/ma-ipssr/structure.

General Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a relevant Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or a comparable foreign degree with a final grade of at least 2.7 (German grading system). If the final degree is not available by the application deadline, provisional enrolment may be allowed.

Social Science Methods Requirement

Applicants must have completed at least 10 ECTS credits in social science methods, including at least 5 ECTS credits in quantitative methods and/or statistics.

There is a semester fee, which includes the mandatory student union membership (required by state law) and a free travel pass for public transport in the state of Hesse and beyond, as well as access to subsidised accommodation and meals. In the summer semester of 2026, the semester fee amounted to approx. 406 EUR.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Living costs depend on individual lifestyles and on regional prices. The Marburg foreigners' registration office ("Ausländerbehörde") requires international students to prove that they have at least 992 EUR per month at their disposal in order to cover their living costs.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/finance

Within certain legal limits, job opportunities are available for international students. Fluent German is required for most jobs. Employment for international students must be approved by the foreigners' registration office. There are hardly any legal restrictions on taking academic assistant jobs at the university.

Further information on job opportunities and university career services: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/work-1

Our Career Advisory Service supports students transitioning from their studies to professional life. Each semester, Marburg University offers a wide range of workshops and events on topics such as job applications, career planning, and entering the workforce, which are open to students from all faculties. In one-on-one counselling sessions, some in cooperation with the Employment Agency’s Career Team in Marburg, students receive advice regarding career orientation and career options in Germany. Our staff support students in integrating their strengths, interests, and values in order to actively shape rewarding career paths.

The market situation for accommodation is not easy in Marburg. However, the university assists international students in finding suitable and affordable accommodation. The student services office ("Studierendenwerk Marburg") maintains student residence halls with a total of approx. 2,100 units. Apart from single rooms, there are two- to three-room flats for student families. Only students registered at Marburg University are entitled to a place in a residence hall. The "Konrad Biesalski House", in which handicapped and non-handicapped students live together, offers round-the-clock assistance. A bus service and services such as physiotherapeutic exercises and massage baths are offered. Many students live in private accommodation or shared flats. The supply of flats in the centre of Marburg is limited, especially in the Old Town ("Oberstadt"). The situation on the outskirts of Marburg and in the immediate vicinity is better. There are good bus connections. Experience shows that demand for accommodation is highest at the beginning of each semester (April, October), so you should start looking for accommodation around the end of the previous semester (February, July) if possible.
https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/life-at-umr/housing