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About the programme

  • What does this programme have to offer?

    An insight into the causes and effects of international conflicts and the means to manage them peacefully or to prevent them in the first place;

    An insight into the changes in conflict environments at the national, regional and global levels;

    An insight into the role of various international organizations as a motor of and actor in international conflict resolution;

    A solid introduction to the philosophical and epistemological foundations of the study of international conflict;

    All students receive training in philosophical and epistemological questions relating to the social sciences;

    Insights into the complex relationship between the concerns of domestic and international politics;

    Cosmopolitan staff and student body;

    Teaching informed by research at the cutting edge of the discipline;

    Wide choice of specialised modules;

    Different lengths to suit the needs of a wider range of students, with opportunities to study in another academic environment and in a different cultural setting for a year abroad;

    An internship that provides additional experience enabling students to enhance their employment prospects;

    Extra-curricular learning programme;

    Friendly campuses at Canterbury and Marburg, and highly active study centres at these locations with dedicated teaching staff

  • What are the differences between studying Peace and Conflict Studies at Kent and Marburg?

    The programme at Kent focuses on international conflicts. Courses on a wide range of issues of international conflict are taught by political scientists and IR experts. As of the academic year 2011-12, Kent has a dedicated research group on international conflict, security and human rights, bringing together all members of staff and graduate students who work in these areas. Marburg applies a broader approach to the study of conflicts, as the Centre for Conflict Studies grew out of initiatives from scholars of various departments at Marburg University. Thus, Marburg covers both violent and non-violent types of conflicts. Courses at Marburg are taught by sociologists, political scientists and social psychologists. In addition, the departments of law, history, pedagogy, and medicine contribute English language modules from time to time.

  • Is the international joint degree programme accredited?

    The programme is fully accredited at both Kent and Marburg Universities.

  • Do I have to speak German in order to study at Marburg?

    No. Marburg University offers modules in English for international students. Fluent German speakers can attend seminars taught in German, but this is not a requirement.

  • Can I take German language courses?

    Yes, you can take German classes during the winter term and receive 6 ECTS credits (12 Kent credits). You can also attend the intensive language and preparation course “Studying in Marburg”, which runs for three weeks in September. This language and preparation course carries 6 ECTS credits (12 Kent credits).

    If you are interested in doing a preparation year (called Studienkolleg in Germany) and learn the German language in Marburg before starting the program, please contact to request detailed information. Please, note though that doing the Studienkolleg is in no way obligatory and will not raise your chances of getting admitted to the programme.

  • Does the international joint degree increase my chances on the job market?

    Whether you land the job you want depends on a number of factors including grades, work experience and/or language skills. It is difficult to say whether an employer prefers an international joint degree award to a national single one. The international joint degree certainly indicates flexibility, mobility and intercultural awareness. The internship requirements will result in work experience. These are very important for increasing employability. Yet, we strongly recommend making the decision to apply for the international joint degree dependent upon your personal interests and vocational preferences. Studying in two countries and academic cultures is a significant personal commitment that has proven to be very rewarding for virtually all students who have embarked on such MA programmes.

    If you are an international student who is interested in working in Germany after finishing your degree, it is important to know that new German law allows foreigners with a German diploma to stay in Germany for up to 18 months directly following the conclusion of their studies to look for a qualified job. For these 18 months you will hold a special "job seeker's visa" which can be easily changed into a work visa, should you manage to find employment consistent with your degree.

  • What are the exact starting and end dates of the programme?

    Students follow the regular semester dates in Kent and Marburg.
    Winter semester in Marburg: middle of October through the middle of February
    Summer semester in Marburg: middle of April through the middle of July