International Relations: Global Governance and Social Theory, M.A.
The substantive focus of our MA program in International Relations (MAIR) is the analysis of politics beyond the nation state. This research topic is examined from a global governance and an international political sociology perspective, looking at enduring processes of globalization, internationalized conflict, and increasing cross-border activities. The emphasis on these two perspectives and the explicit integration of general social theoretical questions is a unique feature of the MAIR. Students participate in a small, relatively specialized, and academically rigorous, all English degree program.
The program is offered jointly by Jacobs University Bremen and the University of Bremen. Jacobs University was founded in 1999 as the first private international research university in Germany. The University of Bremen is a public institution and one of Germany’s youngest and most active research universities. Both universities have particularly strong positions in the field of international relations and political science. The study is thus linked to an attractive research environment. Continuation on the PhD track in Bremen is possible after completion of the MAIR program.
Programme facts
| Degree | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 semesters, 120 ECTS |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Required English | C1 |
| Study mode | Full-Time |
| Start | Winter semester |
| Application | Directly to the university, winter semester until 01.02 |
| Tuition fee | €0 per semester for international students |
| Semester contribution | €425.40 per semester |
What the tuition fee consists of
Will I get in
How the selection works and how strong the competition is — we go through it against your certificate when we select programmes for you.
Programme selection →What you study
The MA International Relations is a research oriented postgraduate program. Therefore, the curriculum puts particular emphasis on both theories and methodology. MAIR courses are also strongly informed by our faculty's own research experience and findings. It aims at preparing students for further research within and outside academia.
The full curriculum and the programme's parameters are part of programme selection: we compare them with your profile.
Pick programmesCareer
Upon completion of the MA program students may choose to continue on the PhD track in Bremen (or elsewhere) or pursue a career in non-academic occupational fields such as political institutions, public administration, nongovernmental organizations, or in the private secto
Cost of study
| Tuition fee of the federal state (Bremen), international students | €0 |
|---|---|
| Semester contribution | €425.40 |
Requirements and application
| Previous education | A proof of a bachelor’s (or master’s) degree or its equivalent in international relations, political science, sociology, or a similar area of study worth 180 credit points (CP) according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) (or equivalent). |
|---|---|
| Language | English C1 — confirmed by a certificate when you apply |
| Application | Directly to the university, winter semester until 01.02 |
The procedure and the set of documents depend on your certificate. We check the university's requirements against your documents and give you a list: what to submit, how to certify and translate it, where and when to apply.
Check the requirementsHow to get into this programme
- 1Check your certificate and its recognitionDirect admission, a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — this decides the whole plan.
- 2Documents and translationsCertified translations of the certificate and transcript, an APS if required. 3–4 weeks.
- 3Application directly to the university until 01.02Send the documents well before the deadline — an incomplete application cannot be completed after it.
- 4Admission, visa, movingPlan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account in parallel.
How to apply
You can submit the application yourself or with our help — the university decides on admission in both cases.
Applications go through the university's portal or uni-assist. Typical mistakes:
- ×incorrectly made certified copies and translations
- ×a wrong set of documents
- ×the application submitted the wrong way
- ×errors or gaps in the application form
- ×the application submitted at the wrong time — too early or too late
An incomplete or incorrectly prepared application is excluded from the selection — it can no longer be corrected after the deadline.
StudyInFocus does not represent the university and does not influence the admission decision. We do not sell study places and do not guarantee admission — this is a service for preparing and submitting documents on the applicant's side.
Questions about this programme
How much does the programme cost?
What language level do I need?
When do I need to apply?
Don't postpone the application
The deadline is 01.02.2027 (110 days left). Language, translations and the document check take months, not weeks. In 30 minutes we will build a plan backwards from the deadline and tell you honestly whether you can make it.