Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations & Global Politics

The Master’s program in International Relations & Global Politics provides the time and space to engage in an in-depth academic examination of these current challenges, for example in the areas of security policy, war and peace, development policy, and environmental and climate policy. It builds on a Master’s in International Relations but also addresses key issues in global politics and governance.

It explores which actors influence political processes beyond the state and provides the academic skills and understanding needed to shape international politics successfully and sustainably.

The curriculum allows for an individualized focus within political science and a selection of elective modules that provide in-depth expertise. You can find out what opportunities the program structure offers for an additional minor and all information on other core topics under Structure & Content.

Since the fascinating questions and issues in international politics rarely fit within the frameworks of a single academic discipline, the program has a consistently interdisciplinary focus.

Current topics in International Relations and Global Governance are thus analyzed and academically examined by students and faculty using interdisciplinary methods and approaches.

In addition to the didactic integration of research projects into coursework, students also have the opportunity, within the required-elective courses, to engage individually in a research module (Elinor Ostrom Projects) to pursue their own current research questions.

Due to the process of digitalization, as well as profound political and social upheavals, the demands placed on existing fields of work in the areas of international relations and global governance are increasing.

The theoretical and practical knowledge imparted in this master’s program—covering topics such as war and peace, the shaping of foreign policy, and addressing new security threats in a globalized world—plays a crucial role in this context.

With a strong practical focus, this English-language program therefore emphasizes the development of skills in negotiation, cultural sensitivity, innovation, and flexibility. Students are thus actively prepared for the diverse and future-oriented careers in international politics.

In addition to internships and topic-specific research projects, the master’s program offers students a wide range of opportunities to actively explore career paths in international politics at UN and EU institutions, expand their own networks, and link research with practical experience. For example, Zeppelin University, in cooperation with the Wilhelm Frank Foundation, offers a four-month paid internship at the EU Delegation to the United Nations in Geneva.

Tuition for the two-year master’s program in International Relations & Global Politics | IRGP is €6,150 per semester , and for the one-year program, it is €8,400 per semester. Monthly tuition payments are also available .

No financial barriers should stand in the way of an excellent education, which is why ZU offers highly personalized financing options for your studies.

We offer scholarships not only to young people who have achieved exceptional academic results, but also to applicants with experiences beyond academic success or with a strong commitment to cultural, political, or social causes.

Overview of Tuition Fees & Financial Aid

There is no minimum grade requirement for our degree programs. The really important question is whether you’re a good fit for our university—and whether our university is a good fit 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 master’s program?

Applications for admission to Zeppelin University, along with all required documents, are submitted through the applicant portal. If your application is approved, you’ll receive an invitation to one of our 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!” This gives you the opportunity to learn more about our university on the selection day, while at the same time allowing our university to gain insight into your areas of interest and ways of thinking.

To participate in the selection day if your application is accepted, select a selection day that works for you while completing your online application on the applicant portal. Please note the corresponding application deadlines so that we can consider your application materials.

Master’s Program Admission Criteria

The Selection Process

Dates & Deadlines

Overview of the Application Process