Program

Modules

The MA International Relations is a research-oriented postgraduate program. Therefore, the curriculum puts particular emphasis on both theories and methodology. MAIR courses are also strongly informed by our faculty's own research experience and findings. The program aims at preparing students for further research within and outside academia.

In the first semester, students deepen their familiarity with the history and the present of International Relations, delve into core topics, arguments, and paradigms of contemporary social theory, and revisit the ever-growing toolbox of the quantitative and qualitative methods of social science.

Building on these foundations, in the second semester, students specialize by choosing modules and seminars that further explore issues of political and social theories relevant to international relations, address the variety of global and regional social dynamics that underlie (changes in) present-day world politics, or focus on the attempts by state and non-state actors to institute a measure of global governance in diverse policy areas.

In the third semester, students further broaden their horizon either by leaving Bremen for a semester abroad or a research internship or by taking additional courses in other Master’s programs at the University of Bremen (e.g. MA Political Science, MA European Politics, or MA Social Policy). The semester starts and ends with a two-part block seminar on “Research Design”, helping students to prepare their Master’s thesis.

In the fourth semester, finally, students write their Master’s thesis while attending a supporting Thesis Seminar offering them an opportunity to share and discuss interim results of their ongoing thesis work with their peers as well as faculty.