Master of Arts in International Relations & Global Politics | IRGP
Profile of the two-year Master's program
"The degree program opens the doors to many different and diverse activities. The interdisciplinary English-language course enables graduates to pursue careers in diplomacy or in international organizations such as the UN, the World Bank or the WHO. Interesting jobs with NGOs, NPOs or in business or political consulting are also possible."
Marie Klos Alumna Master IRGP 2023, Foto: privat
The current world order is under pressure due to global challenges such as the effects of climate change, migration and the rapid development of digital technologies.
Balancing the protection of their own interests with conflict and crisis prevention, international organizations, states, civil societal and private players negotiate, debate and argue every day about how to deal with these challenges of global governance. The Covid-19 pandemic has emphatically highlighted the critical importance of domestic and foreign political processes.
During the course of the interdisciplinary, two-year master's program “International Relations & Global Politics | IRGP” our students will independently learn how to ask the crucial questions about every one of these challenges and how to develop research-based solutions.
Thematic focus and course structure of master's program
This new master's program creates the space and time for students to tackle these current challenges in depth, in areas such as security policy, war and peace, development policy and environmental and climate policy.
It teaches students which non-state players have an influence on political processes, and equips them with the specialist skills and understanding of the conditions required for successful and sustainable models of international politics.
The curriculum allows students to prioritize political science topics of their choice, with a range of required elective modules available for advanced studies. Further information on the academic minors on offer as part of the course, and all other key topics, can be found in the “Structure & content” section.
Course facts and information
- Qualification: Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)
- ECTS points: 120
- Non-consecutive
- Course language: English
- Language skills: Good knowledge of English is necessary
- Course begins: Fall semester (September)
- Faculty: Faculty of Political & Social Sciences
- Fees per semester: €6.150
Interested? Please note the language requirements
Because the Master in International Relations & Global Politics is an English-language graduate program, very good English language skills at C1 level are required. German language proficiency is desirable, but not a mandatory admission requirement. If there is a request to take courses from our other graduate programs, German teaching formats may be available to you.
Our selection interviews for the Master in Master in International Relations & Global Politics are held in English, and you will also take an English test, which is why you do not need to submit proof of English with your application.
IRGP student profiles
See for yourself what our students have to say about their studies in International Relations & Global Politics:
Interdisciplinary and research orientation of master's program
The big issues and problems facing international politics can rarely be solved using the approaches of a single academic discipline. That's why this study program has a systematically interdisciplinary focus.
Current topics in international relations and global politics are thus analyzed and academically explored by both students and lecturers using cross-departmental methods and modes of thought.
Alongside the didactic integration of research projects as part of the lectures and/or seminars, students also have the chance, within the required elective subjects, to take a research module (Elinor Ostrom Project) where they address a current research topic of their own choosing.
Practical orientation and international employment prospects of the master's program
As a result of the digitalization process and profound political and social upheaval, the demands on current lines of work in the field of international relations and global politics are increasing.
The theoretical and practical skills taught in this master's program, including such topics as war and peace, the shaping of foreign policy and how to deal with new security threats in a globalized world, are of significant importance here.
Taught through English, and with a strong practical orientation, this study program thus focuses on developing skills in the areas of negotiation, cultural sensitivity, innovation and flexibility. This ensures that students are actively prepared for the diverse work that awaits them in the field of international politics.
As well as internships and issue-specific research projects, the master's program provides students with numerous opportunities to actively familiarize themselves with job profiles in international politics in UN and EU institutions, to develop their own networks and to combine research with practice. For example, Zeppelin University, in cooperation with the Wilhelm Frank Foundation, arranges a four-month paid internship at the EU Delegation to the United Nations in Geneva.
What are our professors' areas of research?
Our academic chairs conduct research on a wide variety of topics. Here is a sample of some topically relevant research projects:
Chair of International Security Policy
- International and regional security institutions
- Emotions and international conflict
- Regional integration and global order
Prof Dr Andrea Schneiker
- International Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Hybrid Forms of Governance
- Security Governance
- Migration
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Social Media
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Political Communication
Chair of Comparative Politics, Focus on European Institutions
Prof Dr Christian Adam
- European Multilevel Governance
- The European Court of Justice
- Judicialization of European Politics
- Comparative Public Policy
- Evidence-based policy making
- Morality Policy
- Public Health Policy
- Policy Implementation
- Bureaucratic discrimination
Chair of Public Administration & Public Policy
Prof Dr Steffen Eckhard
- International Organizations
- International Public Administration
- Global Public Policy
- Peacebuilding
- Policy Evaluation
- Conflict Management
- United Nations
Chair of International Relations
Prof Dr Maria Debreh
- International Dimension of Democracy and Autocracy
- International Organizations
- Regional Cooperation in the Global South
- International Sanction Politics
Detailed
descriptions of the research topics can be found on the relevant academic chair
pages of the Political & Social Sciences faculty.
Study Fees & Financing
The fees per semester of the two year master's program come to €6.150. Thus, the cost of an eight-semester program, if paid per semester, is €24.600. Monthly payment of tuition fees is also possible, please contact the Admissions Team.
The fees per semester of the one-year master's program CME come to €8.400. Thus, the cost of an two-semester program, if paid per semester, is €16.800. Monthly payment of tuition fees is also possible, please contact the Admissions Team.
No financial obstacles should stand in the way of an excellent education, which is why we offer you individual financing options for your studies at ZU.
Scholarships are not only available for young people who have achieved exceptional results - we also offer scholarships to applicants with experience beyond success or with a strong commitment to cultural, political or social issues.
Application & Assessment Center Pioneers Wanted!
There is no numerus clausus for our degree programs. The really interesting question is whether you are right for our university and whether our university is right for you. Can you enrich our university with your curiosity, your questions and your thirst for knowledge and would you like to be part of an inspiring environment during your Bachelor's degree?
You can apply for a place at Zeppelin University with all the necessary documents via the applicant portal. If your application is evaluated positively, you will receive an invitation to one of the upcoming selection days.
To find out whether Zeppelin University and you are a good match, every applicant goes through ZU's own selection process, Pioneers Wanted!, which gives you the opportunity to find out more about our university on the selection day and at the same time gives our university an insight into your fields of interest and ways of thinking.
In order to be able to take part in the selection day if your application is suitable, you select a suitable selection day for you during your online application in the applicant portal. Please note the relevant application deadlines so that we can consider your application documents.
Additional information
Team Admissions
| Phone: | +49 7541 6009-2000 |
| Room: | FAB 3 | 0.31 |
Executive Program Director
| Phone: | +49 7541 6009-1431 |
| Room: | Semi 0.02 |
| Phone: | +49 7541 6009-1405 |
| Room: | FAB 3 | 0.71 |