The Programme
MAPIR combines the study of peace strategies, conflict resolution and international politics in a two-year state-of-the-art study programme. It addresses the complexities of conflict management and transformation in the context of international and national societies. Lectures and seminars combine the critical analysis of international institutions, global governance and security debates with cutting-edge research on the prevention, onset, mediation and settlement of armed conflicts.
MAPIR familiarizes students with major theoretical and empirical debates in International Relations and Peace Research. At the same time, students acquire the necessary methodological and critical tools to analyse the interdependencies of contemporary political processes within as well as between states. In particular, theory-guided case studies will help students to develop their analytical skills and to discuss solutions for global challenges such as sustainable multilateral cooperation, effective conflict mediation, human security and inclusive post-conflict peacebuilding. In addition to classroom teaching, MAPIR offers study trips, conflict simulations, lecture series as well as workshops with experts working for international organizations, NGOs, or think tanks.
MAPIR is open to university graduates with a first degree in Political Science or International Relations or related fields. Teaching language is English and English language proficiency at the B2/C1 level is a necessary requirement.
MAPIR is designed for students who are either preparing for an academic career in International Relations and Peace Research or for a professional career in governmental departments, the (I)NGO world, or the media. MAPIR Graduates found their way into leading positions in party organizations, the diplomatic service, research institutions or news corporations.
Since 2020, the degree programme has been offered exclusively in its English version. The German version -MAFIP- is being phased out and it is no longer possible to apply for it.
Structure
The standard duration of the MA programme Peace Research and International Relations is 4 semesters or two years with a total of 120 ECTS. Of these, 81 ECTS are acquired in compulsory modules (M1-M4 and the final exam module M20) and 39 ECTS in elective modules (M5-M19). At least two of the elective modules M5 to M14 must be completed in full. Each module is completed by a final exam, which may take the form of a written or oral examination or seminar paper. The modules M17 to M19 are generally ungraded and only one of these modules is permissible as an elective module.
Compulsory Modules
Module 1: Theoretical and Methodological Perspectives | The module introduces students to the normative, theoretical and methodological foundations of analysing questions related to peace and conflict/ international politics. For this purpose, students discuss central concepts and theories and finally draft a research designas module exam. | 15 ECTS |
Module 2: Normative and | The module introduces students to the different conceptualisations of security and their historical and academic evolution. It introduces students to critical debates on security and its policies and politics as well as to the normative and ethical challenges of international relations. Students finalize the module with either a written exam after the lecture or a term paper after the seminar. | 12 ECTS |
Module 3: Global | The module introduces students to the analysis of international institutions in a theoretical as well as empirically. It provides students with an overview of the development of international governance. | 12 ECTS |
Module 4: Analyzing Armed Conflicts | The module provides an overview of approaches to analyzing armed conflicts at the international and national level. The lecture focuses on the presentation and discussion of key theoretical approaches that address the causes, dynamics, and resolution of armed conflicts. The seminar focuses on the merits of different analytical models based on case-study evaluation. | 12 ECTS |
Module 20: Final Exam | The module consists of a colloquium, an oral exam, and the Master’s thesis. | 30 ECTS |
Elective Modules
It is possible to choose from the following modules:
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You can find further information regarding the modules in the degree manual (currently only available in German).
Semester abroad and internships
Study Abroad
The University of Tübingen as well as the Institute of Political Science offer a variety of opportunities to study one or two semeters abroad. Therefore, students profit from the worldwide cooperation agreements. Students are adviced to study the 3rd semeter abroad. After completing the compulsory modules at the end of the 2nd semester, students can then concentrate on the elective modules, which increases the possibility of attending relevant courses at the host university. After their return to the University of Tübingen, students can continue with their final exam module M20 in the last semester.
Study achievements completed abroad which meet the requirements of the present curriculum will be recognised upon request. It is advisable to discuss the plans for studying abroad and the question of the recognition of credits earned abroad with the relevant Study Programme Coordinator.
The Institute of Political Science maintains exchange programmes with universities e.g. in Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, Netherland, Poland, Romania, Finland, Turkey, Great Britain, Croatia and Russia.
The Institut's application deadline is 22 August.
For further information: https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/803
The University of Tübingen also maintains various exchange programmes with universities in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
The application deadlines differ from each other.
For further information: https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/facilities/administration/v-international-office/exchange-programmes/
Internships
Students are recommended to attend a study programme-related internship in Germany or abroad. They are advised to plan internships either for the semester break or/and after completion of the first academic year. It is possible to apply for a semester of leave.
Certificates of eligibility of interships can be obtained from the Study Programme Coordinator. Information on internships is available at the Institute's Internship Coordinator:
Important Documents
Documents for the current version of the Study Programme - Peace Research and International Relations
Documents for the Study Programme MAPIR version 2020/21
Studien- und Prüfungsordnung 2020/21 (Study and Examination Regulations - GERMAN)
Study and Examination Regulations 2020/21 (ENGLISH - Please note that only the German version is legally binding.)
Degree Manual 2020/21
Documents for older versions of the Study Programme - Friedensforschung und Internationale Politik
Documents for the Study Programme MAFIP version 2018/19 (German only)
Studien- und Prüfungsordnung 2018/19
Modulhandbuch 2018/19
Documents for the Study Programme MAFIP version 2013/14 (German only)
Studien- und Prüfungsordnung 2013/14
Modulhandbuch 2013/14
In case you are stuying an older version of MAFIP, please write an e-mail to hendrik.questspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de and we will provide you with the respective document and version.