MA Programme in European Peace and Security Studies – (M.A.)

Aims of the MA Programme in European Peace and Security Studies

The MA Programme in European Peace and Security Studies aims at enhancing students´ competences on Europe. This comprises acquisition of deep knowledge on the European integration process, the European Union (EU) and its operation method as well as the embedment and the acting of the EU within the international system. The study programme focuses particularly on Europe´s responsibility for global peace. Students comprehend the EU as a European peace project and critically reflect the approaches, chances and potentials of the EU as a peaceful power on a global scale. Regionally, the study programme focuses on Central, East, and South East Europe. Students are sensitized to the conflicts in these regions and to the challenges for the EU when it comes to peace politics.

The study programme enhances students´ abilities to work in an academic-analytic manner. They gain deep knowledge about research approaches and methods used in social sciences, which are required for analysis in peace studies. Students are enabled to identify and classify problems and to develop strategies for their solution. The study programme aims at furthering students´ interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research competence. This is supported by research projects and internships.

Career Perspectives

There is a wide variety of career perspectives for graduates of the MA Programme in European Peace and Security Studies. Employment is possible in all areas where competences on Europe are requested or desired.

This includes not only occupational areas within the European Union and affiliated national and international institutions, but also job opportunities in politics, public administration on all levels (local, regional, national, European and international), in private enterprises operating in Europe and worldwide, in Europe-oriented social organisations as well as in the intermediate sector, e.g. in political parties, foundations, and non-governmental organisations. Furthermore, there are employment possibilities at universities, university-level institutions and academic research institutions.