print versionMA International Relations - Admissions
Requirements
Applicants need to fulfil the following criteria to be considered:
- A completed online application form for graduate students.
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent (this includes a German "Zwischenpruefung" with 2 additional semesters of study) in a field of study close to the MA program (i.e. International Relations or Political Science).
- A transcript of undergraduate courses and grades.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members who can attest the quality of the candidate.
- Proof of proficiency in English. A minimum score of 90 (TOEFL internet-based), 575 (TOEFL paper-based), 230 (TOEFL computer-based, 6.5 (IELTS) or C1 (Common European Framework) is required. Students who have received a prior degree from an English-language university are exempt from this requirement.
- An essay explaining why you are choosing this program and what your research interests are.
- Examples of scholarly work, if they are available.
- Documented international experience is helpful but not required.
Further instructions on the application process are available here. Please also see our FAQ page.
Application Deadlines
Before the program starts in September each year, there are two separate rounds of applications. The deadline of the first round is February, 1st. The deadline for the second round is May, 1st. Applicants may choose in which round they would like to apply. The first application round for admission in Fall 2011 will begin on October 1, 2010.
We will will make every effort to inform you about our decision within eight weeks after the deadline has expired.All selection decisions are final. Due to the large number of applications we receive each year, we will not be able to give feedback to those who have not been successful in their application.
Please make sure that your application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. (Exceptions are made for those students who have yet to complete their BA. Please submit a transcript detailling all courses and grades achieved so far.)
Selection Criteria
Our selection process is guided by the following substantive criteria:
- Type of students: We seek graduate students who have very strong records of academic performance as undergraduate students. Most of our students will aim at careers as scientists and investigators in the field of international relations. The program is not suited for students who are interested in a professional training in diplomacy, international organizations or practical global governance issues.
- Disciplinary background: We expect students with a first degree in international relations or political science. Students with degrees from closely related areas (e.g. Public Administration or International Economics) are not excluded on formal grounds. They should, however, demonstrate very clearly in their essay that they have a level of knowledge in the field covered by the program roughly equivalent to a BA in International Relations or Political Science, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Faculty recommendations: As a rule, recommendations should come from faculty members and not from former employers or internships. The recommendations should address the applicant’s motivation and ability to pursue a rigorous academic program and to produce original substantive research.
Admitted Students
Students who have been admitted to the program have to take a few more steps before arriving in Bremen. Further information can be found here.
Contact
For further questions regarding admission and program requirements, please contact Iris Buck, Assistant for Graduate Admission: admissionSHSS [at] jacobs-university.de
