Better understanding of the world!

This two-year degree program will provide students with an in-depth knowledge of strategy and international security. Participants will study the 21st century’s most pressing international and national security problems. The aim is to better understand the world of today and the challenges that lie ahead. Special emphasis will lie on international law and the future of the international system. The degree program will also focus on emerging security challenges as well as the relationship of diplomacy and military strategy. The program will be led by both Bonn faculty members and experienced practitioners. It will prepare students for careers in international organizations, foreign services, national security institutions, and NGOs as well as multinational companies. The number of students participating in the program is limited to 20.

At a Glance

Application Deadline: 15.08.2023
Start Date: Winter term, October
Extent: 120 ECTS
Duration: 4 Semesters
Language: English
Semester contribution: ca. 320 EUR per semester at the University of Bonn

Structure

The four core modules of the degree program, concentrate on strategy, diplomacy, and the methodology of security studies. Elective Modules will deepen the knowledge of student in research areas such as German Foreign Policy, Sustainability and Risk, European Regulation of Network Industries, and Geoeconomics. In our broad understanding of the security challenges, environmental security, food security, and health security is also included. Courses may also be followed at our partner universities in Herzliya (Israel) or Potsdam (Germany). The entire program is practice-oriented and requires the completion of a mandatory three-month internship in close cooperation with regional and national partners. The final stage of the program is dedicated to the completion of a Master Thesis. Please find a detailed description of all modules in the course manual. 

Perspectives

Security and Strategy Research is of enormous relevance, especially in today's world. The current crises and future challenges prove the necessity to educate students in this field and they show that the field has the potential to open various opportunities for graduates.

The program is designed for students to gain academic expertise in the field of Security and Strategy Research, and to prepare them for professional careers in a wide range of professions. Career prospects range from foreign and intelligence services over parliaments and public administrations to international businesses. Additionally, the master's program will open perspectives in other sectors, such as think tanks, political and other foundations and public affairs agencies. Of course, students will also be enabled to make contributions to political science in general and security and strategy research in particular, in order to become part of the academic community.

In order to ensure that our students are prepared properly for their future careers, the program is shaped and carried out by experienced practitioners as well as Bonn faculty members. The internship program is designed in close cooperation with governmental and non-governmental partner institutions. Moreover, Bonn as the German UN-City and home of various national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as major companies is a perfect location to gain practical experience.