Dec 22, 2006

Invitation for Tender for the Postgraduate Master´s Course “Peace and Security Studies”

We offer you

The possibility to obtain a “Master of Peace and Security Studies” in just one year. The postgraduate course “Master of Peace and Security Policy Studies” (M.P.S.) is conducted by the University of Hamburg in cooperation with the Institut für Friedensforschung und Sicherheitspolitik (IFSH) and other scientific institutions and partners of the network “Friedensforschung und Sicherheitspolitik” (KoFrieS).
A trans- and interdisciplinary orientated course. The M. P. S.-course is meant as a combination of “hands on” and classroom-based learning. The course aims at introducing highly qualified humanities and sciences graduates from German or foreign universities as well as academically qualified, experienced practitioners to problems of peace- and security-policy and to fundamental issues relating their practical application.

A profound preparation in order to work in peace-studies research and teaching or in practical work for national and international organisations, administrations, associations, and businesses (e. g. in the fields of peace-keeping, monitoring, verification, development aid, mediation, arbitration, conversion, administration).
The chance to get one of seven scholarships from the Deutsche Stiftung Friedensforschung (DSF) for this course.


We expect from you

Interest in the fields of peace studies or peace- and security-policy.
240 points ECTS (usually a four-year course in no matter what discipline) and you must have achieved an honours degree at a German or foreign university.
Preferred professional interest and scientific or practical experience in fields related to problems of peace and international security.

Sufficient knowledge of English and German. Students may choose whether to complete coursework and examinations, including their master´s thesis, in English or German. Concerning German language skills, the German Language Examination for Foreign Students´ Admission to University (Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studierender) (DSH), the examination German as a Foreign Language, or any examination of equal value are accepted.Concerning English language skills, the TOEFL (230 points/ 570 paper-based) (www.toefl.org), the IELTS (5.5), the Advanced C, or any examination of equal value are accepted. Only applicants who are German or English native speakers are not required to prove their skills in their native language.


More information about the studies

The DSF grants a total of 7 scholarships of € 1000,- each per month. The Admissions Committee decides about who will receive a scholarship. There will be no distinctions between German and foreign applicants. Interest in a scholarship should be mentioned in the letter of application. Additionally, applicants already holding a scholarship (e. g. a GAES scholarship, see www.daad.de ) may apply.
Detailed information about the course are found at: http://www.ifsh.de/IFSH_english/studium/mps.htm (see also our FAQs)

Required documents

application form (available online for download) with photo curriculum vitae
school-leaver´s certificate qualifying for university (German “Abitur” or equivalent)
certifications of academic degrees and, if at hand, references from previous employers
certificates of language skills
written acknowledgement of willingness to pay on time, assuming one´s application is successful, the one-time fee of € 500,- in accordance with paragraph 27 of the Postgraduate Course Statutes
if wanted, statement of interest in applying for a scholarship (informally in covering letter)


Certificates and other documentary evidence must be provided in German or English. Translations must be officialy certified. Only complete documents received on time will be accepted. The covering letter should be handed in with the complete post address, e-mail address, home number and cell phone number.

Applications for the academic year 2007/08 must be received between December 15th, 2006 and March 15th, 2007.

Written applications to:

Kooperationsverband Friedensforschung und Sicherheitspolitik
Institut für Friedensforschung und Sicherheitspolitik an der Universität Hamburg
Prof. Dr. Dr. Hans J. Giessmann
z. Hd. Frau Heinke Peters
Falkenstein 1 D-22587 Hamburg

Please direct any inquiries to:

Dr. Patricia Schneider from the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH)
Falkenstein 1, D-22587 Hamburg
Phone: +49 (0)40-866077-20, Telefax: +49 (0)40-866 36 15, E-mail: schneider@ifsh.de
General information on MPS: http://www.ifsh.de/IFSH_english/studium/mps.htm
Call for Applications: http://www.ifsh.de/pdf/studium/Ausschreibung_engl.pdf
FAQs (engl.): http://www.ifsh.de/pdf/studium/FAQ-MPSengl.pdf

Allgemeine Informationen über MPS: http://www.ifsh.de/IFSH/studium/mps.htm
Ausschreibung: http://www.ifsh.de/pdf/studium/Ausschreibung.pdf
FAQs (Hinweise auf Deutsch): http://www.ifsh.de/pdf/studium/FAQ-MPS.pdf