MA Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding Osnabrück University

The Master's programme in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding focuses on linking research and practice. The aim is to provide students with a broad understanding of social science theories and the methods of conflict studies, while at the same time familiarising them with the practical fields of peacebuilding.

Students learn fundamental concepts, terms and approaches from peace, conflict, and violence research, whether from the perspective of political theory and the history of ideas, on the basis of comparative studies, or from the angle of international relations. Students address the role of different conflict actors, the causes and dynamics of conflicts and violence, and the practices of conflict mediation and peacebuilding on the part of international, state and non-state actors. They investigate different political systems, institutions, and societies, inquiring about state-society relations as well as international and global interrelations. They examine power and violence relations as well as economic and social contexts. They learn to apply qualitative as well as quantitative methods in the analysis of concrete conflicts or peace processes. The study of violent, intra-state conflicts ("civil wars") is one empirical focus.

The programme also integrates knowledge and experience from professional practice. Students learn to apply academic knowledge and methodological approaches to problems and fields of action in peacebuilding. Practitioners present their organisations and work methods in a regular course. Further seminars provide instruction on practice-oriented instruments – for example, project management, programme evaluation methods, or academic policy consulting. With the help of corresponding teaching formats and a mandatory internship, students gain structured insights into practical fields in conflict analysis, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding.

The programme is divided into the following five compulsory modules (50 CP):

• M1: Methods in Conflict Studies & Peacebuilding
• M2: Concepts in Conflict Studies & Peacebuilding
• M3: Political Theory & History of Ideas in Conflict Studies
• M4: Conflict, State & Society
• M5: Conflict, Politics & the Global Economy.

The programme also includes a unit for professional and research practice (24 CP) which entails an obligatory internship, practice workshops, study trips and more. Our elective unit (22 CP) offers courses from other MA programmes at our university, i.e., migration research, sociology, European governance, law, etc. Our programme concludes with a Master’s thesis (24 CP).

Center for the Study of Conflict & Peace (CeCoP)

Institute of Social Sciences Osnabrück

Mandatory two-month internship in the area of Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding:

• ministries
• NGOs
• research institutes/labs
• migration offices
• international organisations
• interest groups
• science communication
• peacebuilding training
• foundations
• humanitarian organisations

For applicants with international degrees: 1 April - 15 June

For applicants with German degrees: 15 May - 15 July

A Bachelor's degree in social sciences or political science or a comparable degree with a specialisation in social sciences or political science is required.

Bachelor’s graduates in other related subjects (history, social geography, ethnology, social psychology, international law, and economics) can also be admitted if they can prove that they have a basic knowledge of social sciences or political science. This requirement is met if at least 30 credit points in political science or social science subjects, including methodology, are successfully documented.

Each semester, students are required to pay approx. 350 EUR as a semester fee (including free use of regional public transport services).

In order to cover personal expenses during the study programme, we recommend that students budget at least 860 EUR per month for accommodation, living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Students who have completed their Bachelor's studies may be employed as student assistants.

Career Service Osnabrück University

Career support for internationals who want to work in Germany

EmpowHer Career Mentoring for FLINTA* students

The accommodation office of the student services ("Studentenwerk") offers modern single rooms in dormitories and helps students find private rooms and flats. The rooms must be rented for at least half a year. The cost of a single room in a student dormitory is approx. 180 to 350 EUR per month.