Master of Arts in
"Strategy and International Security" (MSIS)
This two-year degree programme is organized by the Henry Kissinger Chair at the Institute for Political Science and Sociology and 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 programme will also focus on emerging security challenges as well as the relationship of diplomacy and military strategy. The programme 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 programme is limited to 20. Those interested are invited to apply.
BASIC INFORMATION
Duration
Two years/
120 ECTS
Language
English (Level C1)
Start
Winter Term 2024/25
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME
Curriculum
The four core modules of the degree programme concentrate on strategy, diplomacy, and the methodology of security studies. Elective Modules will deepen the knowledge of students in research areas such as German Foreign Policy, European Regulation of Network Industries, and Geoeconomics. In our broad understanding of the security challenges, environmental security, food security, and health security are also included. Courses may also be followed at our partner universities in Herzliya (Israel) or Potsdam (Germany). The entire programme 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 programme is dedicated to the completion of a Master Thesis. Please find a detailed description of all modules in the course manual.
Suggested Course of Studies
News
What does hybrid warfare mean and how can it be countered? On 2 March 2024, the Gesellschaft für Sicherheitspolitik, together with CASSIS and Polis180, organised an interactive workshop on this highly topical question. Students from the Master's programme "Strategy and International Security" (MSIS) also took part in the simulation game.
From January 19 to 21, 2024, the students of the Master’s program “Strategy and International Security” went on a field trip to Berlin.
With the start of the winter semester 2023/2024, the new Master's programme "Strategy and International Security" (MSIS) at the Institute of Political Science and Sociology at the University of Bonn has started.
OUR PARTNERS
Be part of our global network!
In order to provide students with a comprehensive perspective on security research, we work with partners from different countries.
Reichman University Herzliya
In close cooperation with the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy of the Reichman University Herzliya, we offer a selected number of students the opportunity to complete the module "Terrorism and Regional Security" in a summer programme in Herzliya (Israel). There, a great variety of courses can be chosen by students. The programme intensifies an existing cooperation between the University of Bonn and the Reichman University Herzliya.
University of Potsdam
In close cooperation with the University of Potsdam (Germany), we offer a selected number of students the opportunity to complete the Partner Module "War and Conflict Studies" in the study programme of the same name at the University of Potsdam. The programme equips students with the scientific tools to analyse conflicts and political violence, hence the cooperation offers students another perspective on security issues and conflict.
Admission and Application
Here you will find all information about the admission requirements and the application procedure.
- Bachelor of Arts or equivalent degree acquired in Germany or abroad in Political Science
- Minimum Grade: 2,7
- Minimum of 12 ECTS in International Relations or equivalent
- Examination regulations Local Numerus Clausus (German versions legally binding)
- Numerus Clausus 2023/24: 1,7 (1,9 in the follow-up procedure)
- C1 English language certificate
- according to the "Common European Framework of Reference for Language" (CEFR)
The application phase for the Winter term 2024/2025 begins on June 1st and ends on July 15th 2024.
In order to apply, please follow the Application Guide.
Your Start in Bonn
All information about the start of the programme can be found here.
New students can find more information about the Opening Weeks and about various topics regarding the start of their study in Bonn. See you in October!
Language
All courses and all examinations will be conducted in English. For that reason, linguistic confidence is a prerequisite for the successful completion of the programme. Therefore, a C1-Level language certificate (or higher) according to the "Common European Framework of Reference for Language" (CEFR) is required.
German language skills are not a prerequisite but are recommended. Language courses will be offered by the University of Bonn to accompany the studies or as intensive courses before the start of the semester. For further information on the language courses offered by the University, please visit the website of the International Office.
Perspective
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 programme 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 occupations. Career prospects range from foreign and intelligence services over parliaments to public administrations. Additionally, the master's programme 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 programme is shaped and carried out by experienced practitioners as well as Bonn faculty members. The internship programme is designed in close cooperation with governmental and non-governmental partner institutions. Moreover, Bonn as the German city of the United Nations (UN) 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.
Further Information
Here you will find all important documents including a detailed description of the individual modules that form part of the curriculum. If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, find our contact information below.
Useful Links
Henry Kissinger Chair
The programme is run by the Henry Kissinger Chair for Security and Strategy Research. For more information about the chair's team, which has been headed by Professor Ulrich Schlie since 2020, upcoming events and recent publications, please visit our website.
Institute and Faculty
The MSIS complements the master's programmes of the Institute for Political Science and Sociology (IPWS) which is part of the Faculty of Arts. The study programme complements the existing range of study programmes offered by the IPWS.
International Students
You can find detailed information about accommodation, housing, student loans and other requirements on the website of the "Bonner Studierendenwerk". Additionally, the International Office offers courses and tutoring for foreign students in Germany.
Henry Kissinger Chair for Security and Strategy Research
Contact Information
Email: msis@uni-bonn.de
Tel.: +49 (0)228/73 4401
Adress
2nd Floor
Genscherallee 3
D-53113 Bonn