Strategy and International Security (MSIS) University of Bonn

The two-year MA degree programme “Strategy and International Security” (MSIS) explores the most pressing problems of the world today and the national and international strategy and security policies that aim to address them.

Special emphasis lies on the future of the international system, international law and emerging security challenges, as well as the relationship between diplomacy and military strategy.

The programme is led by both Bonn faculty members and experienced practitioners.
It prepares students for careers in international organisations, foreign services, national security institutions, and NGOs as well as multinational companies.

Four compulsory modules provide students with basic knowledge in the field of strategy and security studies, such as diplomacy, strategy and aspects of geoeconomics and technology. In addition, they are taught the methodological basics for researching and analysing current and future issues.

Elective modules deepen students' knowledge in research areas such as German foreign policy, European regulation of network industries, international law and global power shifts.
We understand security challenges broadly, including issues such as environmental security, food security, and health security.

Elective modules are offered in cooperation with different departments of the University of Bonn. Courses may also be taken at our partner universities in Herzliya (Israel) or Potsdam (Germany) on issues such as terrorism research.

The programme is practice-oriented and requires the completion of a mandatory three-month internship in close cooperation with regional and national partners. The final stage of the programme is dedicated to the completion of a Master's thesis. A detailed description of of all modules can be found in the course manual.

• Lauder School of Government, Reichmann University Herzliya
• Universität Potsdam
• Fraunhofer Institute

Completion of an internship (min. 300 hours) is a mandatory module which is required to graduate from the programme. The programme adviser will support students in finding an appropriate internship.

• Bachelor of Arts or equivalent degree acquired in Germany or abroad in political science or a closely related subject:
  • Minimum grade: 2.7 with degree; 2.3 with just transcript of records
  • Minimum of 12 ECTS in international relations or equivalent
• Examination regulations stipulate a local Numerus Clausus, NC. (Applicants will be chosen by grade.)
• Last NC: 1.4
• Proof of English proficiency (C1)

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs.

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. International students can also join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Students at the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory owned by the Studierendenwerk Bonn (see www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation for more details).

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website at www.uni-bonn.de/living-in-bonn.