During your Studies

The disciplinary core track is the heart of our study programme. We begin with a weekend course just before the semester starts, in which we prepare you for studying in Jena’s multicultural environment. The Introductory Module in the first semester then creates a common foundation of knowledge for students, who have very diverse educational backgrounds. The International Organisations Module (which includes a study trip) and the Crisis Management Module, each running for two semesters with two seminars each, then deepen and expand your knowledge about international organisations and their role in the management of international crises.

The Executive Module is a very practical seminar that is always taught by a practitioner focusing on topics close to his or her organisation’s expertise. The week-long summer school focuses on one specific aspect of crisis management, although the topic changes each year. Both modules provide innovative teaching formats and examination procedures.

The fourth semester is reserved for the Master Thesis. As part of this track, you will discuss and agree on your topic with your chosen supervisor and write an exposé laying out a plan for your research project.

The third semester is reserved for your study abroad (international students can visit another university in Germany). Feel free to select one of our partner universities, which offer very attractive courses. Places are usually limited, though. Based on your application, the IOCM Study Abroad Coordinator Ina Siemer will make a final decision on your study placement and inform you about any financing options.

After consulting with the Coordinator, you will then choose courses abroad that will constitute your Specialisation Modules. The courses offered by our partners cover a broad range of topics, which gives you plenty of choice to tailor your education to your priorities.

The seven-week internship (minimum) is another practical component. You may complete it at any time during your studies. We recommend using the semester break for that purpose or completing it as part of your study abroad.

The interdisciplinary studies are where you can best personalise your profile. You can get between 5 and 11 credit points (cp) in Interdisciplinary Studies, which includes courses from other sub-fields of political science as well as courses in economics, international law and more. Overall you will need to get 20 cp in interdisciplinary studies and language studies combined.

In language studies, you can either learn a new language (beyond English) or strengthen your proficiency in a language you already have. You can choose from a list of languages and language classes we offer. Credits range from 3 to 15 cp. Overall you will need to get 20 cp in interdisciplinary studies and language studies combined.

At the end of the IOCM programme every student writes a Master's Thesis. The process starts with a first meeting before students go abroad in the third semester. After selecting a first supervisor and discussing possible topics with them, students prepare a first short outline, then a full thesis proposal, which is presented and discussed in an obligatory, in-person Master's Thesis Workshop at the beginning of the fourth semester in Jena and revised for a second in-person meeting five to six weeks thereafter. Once the proposal is finalized and a second supervisor is selected, students notify the examination office (ASPA) of the start of their writing process, which is limited to six months and ends with handing in the 70 to 80 page thesis. More details are provided in due time.

The first supervisor needs to be a PhD holder from the IOCM staff. The second supervisor must hold a Master's degree, preferably but not necessarily in political science. The second supervisor does not need to stem from the IOCM team. It can be another staff member from the Institute of Political Science or from other Institutes of the Faculty for Social and Behavioral Sciences or other faculties of University of Jena. Second advisors can also be recruited from external research institutions or experts of the field, e.g. during an internship. Such supervisors need the consent of the first supervisor and ASPA.

DAAD (Promos) offers options to attain a scholarship for thesis research trips abroad. The supervisors can supply a recommendation letter. However, the deadlines for submitting applications need to be observed.

In the file section below please find the ASPA guidelines on MA theses and the registration form.

For those students who would like to have some inspiration of possible thesis topics, here is a list of a few past thesis titles:

1. The impact of sanctions on humanitarian action in armed conflict. A case study of the provision of humanitarian aid in the Syrian Civil War
2. Bullets and Gorillas. How International Conservation Efforts are Shaping the Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo
3. Fertile Ground or Barren Soil for Consociational Democracy in Israel?