Peace Research and International Relations

The M.A. course "Peace Research and International Relations" aims to impart the necessary skills for dealing with the new challenges for peace from a peace science perspective.

The focus of the master’s course is on both research-based and trial-and-error learning in the context of peace studies. On the one hand, the dynamics, processes and structures of violent conflicts are to be analyzed and this analysis to be deepened through practical experience. On the other hand, it is about getting to know the opportunities and possibilities of cooperation to deal with international and intra-social violent conflicts. Based on methodologically sound and theoretically sound basic research, concepts, institutions and strategies for preventing violence and peaceful conflict management are critically reconsidered, designed and further developed. Furthermore, insights into the ethical questions of international politics are conveyed and peace as a normative guiding value of professional and especially scientific work is brought closer.

Particularly noteworthy are the opportunities for practical learning in the form of excursions, for example on security policy in Europe to Vienna, Strasbourg and Brussels, the Peaceboat with a stay at the floating university and approaching conflict regions or the simulation and excursion to the National Model United Nations in New York. In addition, numerous seminars are held by lecturers from practice, for example from the Institute for Peace Education. The courses are held in both German and English.