Master of Arts International Social Sciences (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in International Social Sciences (MA IS)  is a non-consecutive study programme over 4 semesters (120 credits) offered in the English language at Friedensau Adventist University (FAU)  located in the German State of Saxony-Anhalt about 120 km West of Berlin. The course is state recognized and fully accredited with a “more research-oriented accreditation”. It includes a practical training session of 8 weeks.

Admission requirements:

A Bachelors degree in social science or related fields or an equivalent. All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a result of at least 550 (PBT = paper-based test) or 213 (CBT = computer-based test) or 79 (iBT = internet-based test) points or another comparable performance, such as the IELTS (6.0) or the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (Grade B). Applicants who received their B.A. degree in an English-language study program are exempt.

Career Options:

The MA IS is an interdisciplinary course preparing students for a career in international social management. Possible career options:

  • Professional employment as experts in international social management, development cooperation, disaster response and humanitarian aid
  • Planning, management and evaluation of sustainable development projects
  • Working with the rights based approach in the United Nations human rights system
  • Managing anti-poverty programs with civil society organizations
  • Engagement in non-violent conflict resolution, peace and reconciliation
  • Active participation in various areas of Global Governance

FAU is actively involved in research projects in developing countries benefiting poor and disadvantaged population segments. It cooperates with international academic institutions, state governments, United Nation agencies and civil society actors for holistic and sustainable development, upholding human and minority rights, social justice, peace and reconciliation. International job placements for graduates may be found from a pool of cooperating agencies.

A low student-professor ratio facilitates a close working relationship between faculty and students and ensures individual attention and support in specific research interests. Self-managed student associations facilitate participation and integration within the university campus

Modules offered in the MA IS:

  • Introduction to International Social Management
  • Theories of development
  • Scientific methods and research approaches (Part I and II) 
  • Complex qualitative social research
  • Complex quantitative social research
  • Special social research Poverty analysis and poverty alleviation
  • Human rights in social work, development cooperation and humanitarian aid
  • Comparative religion and development politics
  • International and comparative studies of applied social science 
  • International and comparative education
  • Globalisation and global governance
  • Gender and social development
  • Social security systems in developing, take-off and transformation countries
  • International peace and conflict research
  • Participatory planning, management and evaluation of development projects
  • Theories and practical relevance of related sciences in development cooperation
  • Approaches and models to resolve social problems in developing countries
  • Macro and microeconomic factors of development, micro credit projects 
  • Disaster response and humanitarian aid
  • Tropical medicine
  • Practical training
  • Research oriented Master thesis


For the Module Handbook please click here 

For the Examination regulations please click here

Job Opportunities and Stipends

Job opportunities are available to students on the campus and in the neighbouring Senior Citizens' Home. The Academic Bureau for Foreign Students assists students to find a job during the semester break. Work stipends are offered by the University during the course of study and in the summer break. Stipends are offered by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and complemented by the Society, Friends of Friedensau.

 

  
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