
Peace and Security Studies
- Starting
- Winter semester
- Mode of admission:
- local admission restriction
- Application:
- directly at University
- Study mode:
- On campus
5 reasons why to choose this Study Program
Course description

The M.A. in Peace and Security Studies is inÂtenÂded for holders of a first bachelorâs degree. It is targeted to highly qualified graduates and academically trained practitioners from different fields such as:
- Social sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Education
- Law
- Media
- Psychology
- Education
- Other relevant subjects
For students who are interested in advancing their career opportunities in the field of peace and security studies.
Special Program Features
Diverse perspectives of peace and security
This master's program combines theory and practice and has a unique interdisciplinary focus that combines social-sciences, ethics, human rights, and economics to study peace and security issues.
A current and important study approach
The main courses of this masterâs program are based on topics about foreign policy development, current conflicts, structural problems, and strategies for avoiding or minimizing violent conflicts.
Great University and partner Institutes
This program is offered jointly by UniversitĂ€t Hamburg together with the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at UniversitĂ€t Hamburg (IFSH), leading academic and security policy institutions, and think tanks in and outside of Germany, as part of the Cooperation Network for peace research and security policy (Kooperationsverbund Friedensforschung und SicherheitspolitikâKoFrieS).
Accreditations

HRK Internationalization Audit
HRK Internationalization Audit
The "Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions" audit is part of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) EXPERTISE Internationalisation project. Since 2009, it has been supporting HRK member universities in strategically aligning their internationalization and anchoring it permanently within the institution.

Family-Friendly Higher Education Audit
Family-Friendly Higher Education Audit
The âFamily-Friendly Higher Educationâ audit serves to systematize and develop the existing regulations, activities, and opportunities. It aims to create a reliable framework offering a scope of individual arrangements. Employees and students must be able to achieve a healthy balance between their studies/work and their family commitments, including childcare and care duties.

Diversity Audit
Diversity Audit
The "Shaping Diversity" audit from the Stifterverband aims to help universities to develop and implement diversity strategies. The Stifterverband is the joint initiative of companies and foundations that provides holistic advice, networking, and support in the fields of education, science, and innovation.

AQAS
AQAS
The âAgency for Quality Assurance through Accreditation of Study Programsâ is a German founded non-profit association, which is authorized in Germany and Europe to conduct external evaluation procedures for universities.
Requirements
Qualification Requirements
The application requirements for the Study program in âPeace and Security Studiesâ are:
Previous bachelorâs degree (or equivalent) in:
- Not specified
Min ECTS required:
- 240 ECTS
The 240 ECTS from previous studies are usually obtained through four years of study. If you have completed a three-year Bachelorâs Degree (180 ECTS), you can compensate the missing 60 ECTS by other university studies (e.g. summer schools, E-learning courses, additional university language courses etc.) before the deadline specified by the Board of Admissions and Examinations. In this case, it is important to enclose a confirmation from your university that the additionally acquired ECTS have not been counted in the 180 ECTS.
As you will obtain a full masterâs degree (300 ECTS), it is necessary to prove that you already have 240 ECTS from your previous Bachelor's or Master's studies or other university Diplomas. Please ask your ECTS-advisor or the institution at which you obtained additional ECTS to certify or confirm all additionally achieved ECTS.
There is also the possibility to receive additional credits for certain experiences upon request.
In this case, please enclose a written request to your application. Check:
A grade reflecting excellent academic achievement in a degree completed at a German or foreign university, or a successfully completed degree from a German or foreign university together with proof of professional experience in the field of peace studies or security policy.
Language Requirements
The following certificates are recognised as proof of your language proficience.
Application & Admission
Application Deadlines

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(starting in April)



Application Procedure & Selection
Application Documents
Curriculum vitae in tabular form
Degree from a university or school of applied sciences with proof of at least 240 ECTS.
Certified translations and originals of all diplomas must be handed in for the enrollment procedure at the University of Hamburg in August.
Information on whether your foreign degree is recognized in Germany can be found on the platform of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the LĂ€nder in the Federal Republic of Germany: anabin. If you cannot find your degree program there, please contact anabin directly. To find more about the topic, click on the "More Info" button.
Copy of the English language certificate
Copy of the German language certificate
Proof of relevant work experience where available.
If applicable, additional documentation offering evidence of your particular suitability to this course of study (e.g. letters of recommendation, scholarships, or grants).
Further Information
Your personal contact
Dr. Patricia Schneider
Academic coordinator
Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy
Beim Schlump 83
20144 Hamburg
Contact Details:
+49 (0)40 86 60 77-20
Study program administration
Questions regarding the procedure for applications
Contact Details:
+49 (0)40 86 60 77-10
studiengangsverwaltung@ifsh.de
Information Package
Get further information in one click!
Get your copy of the Module Handbook of the M.A. in Peace and Security Studies!
For more information please check the
Course Website