The four-semester Master of Arts in International Political and Social Science Research (IPSSR) is a research-oriented and internationally focused programme designed to prepare students for demanding analytical roles or further academic pursuits. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in national and international public institutions, civil society organisations, social science research institutes, science management, political consulting, and the media. The programme provides advanced methodological training, enabling students to conduct independent research in the social sciences. Students will deepen their knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including advanced techniques in statistical analysis, data visualisation, discourse analysis, and research design. With a strong emphasis on practical application, the programme includes core modules on pressing social and political issues: Researching Inequality and Diversity, Researching Digital Societies, and Researching International Politics and Conflict. By combining theoretical insights with hands-on research experience, this programme develops the competencies necessary to tackle complex societal and political challenges. It is ideally suited for students aiming to pursue a PhD or engage in high-level research and policy analysis in an international context.
The International Political and Social Science Research Master's programme is structured into four main areas of study: Research Methods Research Fields Research Internship Master's Thesis Please find an overview of all modules here: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb03/studying/english-study-programs-m-a/ma-ipssr/structure. PDF Download
Course details verified 10 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source
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General Admission Requirements Applicants must hold a relevant Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or a comparable foreign degree with a final grade of at least 2.7 (German grading system). If the final degree is not available by the application deadline, provisional enrolment may be allowed. Social Science Methods Requirement Applicants must have completed at least 10 ECTS credits in social science methods, including at least 5 ECTS credits in quantitative methods and/or statistics.
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The main intake is Winter semester. Most universities admit on a rolling basis — we confirm the exact deadline for your profile, free.
General Admission Requirements Applicants must hold a relevant Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or a comparable foreign degree with a final grade of at least 2.7 (German grading system). If the final degree is not available by the application deadline, provisional enrolment may be allowed. Social Science Methods Requirement Applicants must have completed at least 10 ECTS credits in social science methods, including at least 5 ECTS credits in quantitative methods and/or statistics. English: E.G. TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026): 95 Reading: 24 Listening: 22 Speaking: 25 Writing: 24 TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026): 5 Reading: 5 Listening: 5 Speaking: 5 Writing: 5 UNIcert® English: UNIcert® III PTE Academic: 76 TOEIC: 945 Reading: 455 Listening: 490 Speaking: 180 Writing: 180 telc English: telc English C1 TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 95 Reading: 24 Listening: 22 Speaking: 25 Writing: 24 TOEFL iBT (since 2026): 5 Reading: 5 Listening: 5 Speaking: 5 Writing: 5 IELTS Academic: 7 Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced.
The programme runs about 24 months full-time.
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