M. A. Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding

From the research question to the appropriate research design, in the first part of the module you’ll learn about various methods and research approaches in academic peace and conflict studies. In the second part of the module, we’ll invite practitioners to a lecture series to talk about their work and introduce their organizations.

To understand the causes of conflict, its dynamics, and its manifestations, you need a theoretical foundation. The first part of the module focuses on key concepts and theories in conflict and violence research. In the second part, you’ll learn about the history of ideas and practices in international peacebuilding.

How and why did states and their border regimes come into being? And how have wars, methods of warfare, and concepts of peace evolved? In the first part of the module, the modern nation-state is examined from both theoretical and historical perspectives. In the second part, students explore the fundamentals of the histories of war and peace.

Institutions are formed and operated by both government and non-government actors. In the first part, you will learn how different institutions come into being and what roles they play in conflicts and peace processes. The second part of the module provides insights into specific cases of political violence and their impact on peace processes.

In the first part of the module, a specific type of conflict analysis or a concrete conflict issue is examined in detail (this varies each semester). In the second part, you will explore the lines of conflict in the 21st century from the perspective of political economy and the structural power of economic relationships.

In the Research and Practice Module, we regularly offer practical workshops and field trips: civil conflict resolution, project management, intensive seminars on specific case studies, and national and international study trips. The required internship is also part of this module, and language courses can be credited toward this component as well. In addition, you will conduct your own research project in the research seminar.

In the elective track, you can choose your own areas of focus and take courses from other master’s programs (in Osnabrück or abroad). Take advantage of our collaboration with  Osnabrück’s migration research and law programs, take courses in the Master’s program  in European Governance in Transition, or explore our sociology course offerings.

The  Student Board, elected by students for students, offers extracurricular events and self-organized activities every semester: film series on conflict and peace, planning meetings for field trips and workshops, and pub quizzes in the university basement. At CSP, you can turn your ideas into concrete program events and count on the support of our team.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in social sciences or political science, or a comparable degree with a specialization in social sciences or political science. Bachelor’s degrees in related fields (history, social geography, ethnology, social psychology, international law, and economics) may be accepted if you can demonstrate that you have basic knowledge (at least 30 ECTS) in social sciences or political science, including methodology.
• English proficiency at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If English is not your native language, you can demonstrate B2 proficiency if
  • the relevant level of English proficiency was already an admission requirement for your earlier Bachelor’s degree,
  • you have already successfully completed an English-language undergraduate or graduate degree program,
  • English was the language of the education system at the time you earned your higher education entrance qualification,
  • you have passed a language test at level B2 according to one of these  possible language tests, or
  • your German high school diploma confirms that you have the required language proficiency (after at least 6 years of English instruction in school). 

The admissions committee reviews all applications and ranks them based on the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). This consists primarily of the adjusted final grade from the bachelor’s degree and is decisive for the final admission decision.

Opportunity for grade improvement

Applicants can improve their CGPA through the following optional elements:

• a letter of motivation with reference to our MA program (max. 2 pages)
• several months of practical experience in fields relevant to our Master’s program (min. 2 months)
• a Bachelor’s thesis in a subject area specific to our Master’s program

Please note, that these elements are not formally required for an application; they are simply an opportunity to improve your overall grade!

Required documents for your application

You must include the following documents with your application - copies of transcripts and certificates must be certified (electronically or with a stamp):

• Degree certificate from your bachelor’s program, including a final transcript of grades or—if not yet available—an official certificate listing completed courses, earned credits, and adjusted GPA (Transcript of Records), as well as a certificate confirming the submission/upcoming evaluation of your bachelor’s thesis
• Resume (CV)
• Proof of English proficiency at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• Relevant certificates regarding internships, professional experience, or stays abroad
• Optional: Letter of motivation, work experience certificates, proof of a suitable bachelor’s thesis (official confirmation or an excerpt is sufficient)
• International students: If you apply via uni-assist, you need further documentation. Please  contact our admissions office in case of uncertainties and questions!

Your profile:

• Strong interest in current conflicts and peace processes and the relevant actors
• Interest in the challenges facing peace and conflict research in the face of escalating violence and systemic crises
• Ability to work in research, politics, NGOs, and other organizations as part of an internship
• Interest in practical learning: internship, learning practical skills for everyday work, practical guidance for carrying out your own research projects
• Motivation to set your own focus, e.g., on migration, security policy, political economy, advanced methods or language courses.
• Successful completion of an undergraduate degree in social/political sciences or related disciplines (at least 30 ECTS in relevant subjects) & English skills (at least B2)

We train you for careers in the following areas, among others:

• Career opportunities in international organizations and non-governmental organizations at home and abroad
• Qualified preparation for a career in national or international project work in conflict as well as post-conflict regions
• Good entry opportunities in academia and academic research
• Science management, science communication, and journalism
• Our alumni work at universities, research institutes, international NGOs, refugee aid organizations, and in the public service of various countries
   

We offer you the following benefits:

• Easy access to lecturers at the Institute of Social Sciences
• Extensive elective options in the degree program, opportunities for interdisciplinary specialization in the free elective area
• Support services for career guidance and internship planning
• Modern infrastructure of the institute and the DigiLab in the completely renovated institute building on the university's inner city campus
• Diverse engagement opportunities and support structures at the university, the city of Osnabrück University and within the international Euregio innovation region
• Not yet convinced? Here are  10 reasons for Osnabrück!