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Admissions and registration

Where do I apply?

Applications have to be submitted to Kent University.
It is not necessary to send the application materials per post in addition to submitting an online application.
Unlike many German universities, we do not require that applications materials be submitted to Uni-Assist.
Applications will be evaluated and decisions taken by a joint panel of teaching staff from Kent and Marburg.
Which documents do I have to submit with the application?

In addition to filling in the application form, you also need to provide:

Evidence of your academic qualifications. If you have not yet completed your degree, please send us an interim transcript (a list of all the modules/courses you have taken with the mark achieved for each). Once you have been awarded your degree, we will require a final transcript and a certificate confirming your overall degree classification. For the purposes of application a copy of your transcript is acceptable, however you will need to show us the original copy upon registration.

References from two academic referees. All references must be in English. The university needs to receive both references before deciding on your application. If you apply online, your referee will be sent an automatic email requesting a reference. We can accept references by email, provided your referees use their institutional email account and follow up the email with copies written on official letter-headed paper and signed by the referee.

Evidence of English language ability, if required

Any other materials or documents you would like to have considered in support of your application. Please visit the University of Kent website for further information.
What are the minimum requirements?

You should have a good Honours degree normally in Politics, Government, International Relations, International Studies or European Studies or in a cognate discipline in social science (e.g., Geography) or humanities (e.g., History). However, students applying from other disciplines will also be considered providing they can demonstrate that they have the relevant knowledge/experience.

Applicants whose first degree is from a German university must achieve one of the following qualifications: Diplom; Erstes Staatsexamen; Magister Artium; Fachhochschuldiplom; Bachelor; Bakkalaureaus at levels gut or sehr gut. The new Bachelor can be regarded as equivalent to a UK Bachelors (Honours) and the Magister/Master to a UK taught Masters.

For the purposes of this programme, foreign degrees are generally considered equivalent to German degrees. You can apply with a B.A. degree received in any country.
What are the language requirements?

Applicants whose first language is not English need to provide evidence of their proficiency in written and spoken English, together with the other application documents. This requires a score of 6.5 overall and 6.0 in reading and writing in the International English Language Test (IELTS), a ‘C’ in the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or an ‘A’ in the Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English. Further information regarding English requirements can be found here.

English language requirement for non-native speakers of English may be waived, provided that the student has obtained a higher degree of education which was taught entirely in English. In this case, applicants will need to provide a document from their University confirming that the medium of instruction for their degree was English. Please note: if applicants require a visa to study in the UK, they will have to take an English test due to the visa regulations set out by UKBA.

Applicants who wish to take modules in German (optional) during their second year and whose first language is not German need to provide evidence of their proficiency in written and spoken German. This requires a DSH II certificate that should be accomplished before the start of the academic year at Marburg. For more information please check here.
Do I have to hold a first degree in Peace and Conflict Studies?

No.
Do I have to submit my application to both universities?

No. The application can only be submitted to Kent University.
What is the application deadline?

There is no formal application deadline. Students are accepted on a rolling basis, which means that desicions are taken as applications come in. Early applications are strongly encouraged and may be submitted up to one year in advance of the planned begin of studies.

Due to the limited places available on the programme, applicants who submit their application early (i.e. before end of March of the year they plan to start their studies) will have a much higher chance of securing a place in the programme.

Students wishing to apply for accommodation on campus must have received an unconditional offer and enrolled into the programme by 30th June of the year in which they wish to start their MA. Those intending to apply for scholarships or other awards should also note the relevant deadlines for application.
Is there an application fee?

Neither of the hosting universities charges an application fee.
Where do I register?

After accepting the offer you will register at both universities. Whilst studying at Kent University, students do not pay tuition fees to Marburg University and vice versa. However, students have to be registered at both universities throughout the duration of the programme. The deadlines for registration at Marburg University can be found here.
Can I decide after the first year whether to do the joint degree Master or not?

No. This is an integrated joint degree programme.
Can I register with one of the universities and transfer to another programme at Kent or Marburg after the first year?

No. Although the international joint degree Master programme builds upon existing programmes at Kent and Marburg, it is distinct from these existing programmes. Please check the website of the School of Politics and International Relations at Kent University and the Center for Conflict Studies at Marburg University, if you are interested in the other programmes.
Can I register at one of the universities and spend the second year at a university other than Kent or Marburg?

No, students have to take the required modules at Kent and Marburg in accordance with the programme specifications.
Can the study period (2 years, 4 semesters) be extended?

No. Extensions are not allowed, unless there are strong and justifiable reasons (e.g. disease, pregnancy) that prevent you from completing your studies on time.
What is the ratio between the number of applications and the number of available places?

For 2011/2012: 40:15
For 2012/2013: 101:16
For 2013/2014: 117:11
For 2014/2015: 91: 18
Do I have a chance to be accepted? Should I apply? Can you take a look at my CV?

Please check the admissions criteria. We do not pre-evaluate applications and CVs.
I need an offer in order to apply for a scholarship. Can you make an early offer?

No. There is no fast track admission process. We understand that applicants have to invest time and effort into the application, but we will not make any decisions without a proper application.