Overview
This MA offers a practice-driven, transdisciplinary education in the study and management of social conflict across cultures and borders. It combines theoretical and methodological perspectives on conflict with a strong emphasis on participatory social action, so graduates are trained to respond to real-world tensions in transnational and intercultural settings. The curriculum and learning activities are designed to develop both analytical skills and hands-on competencies for roles in NGOs, government bodies, and international organisations.
Since its launch in 2002 the programme has attracted an international body of students and staff, with more than 300 graduates from over 50 countries. That diversity — in nationality, language, cultural background, academic traditions and professional experience — is central to the learning model: classes, working groups and everyday interaction are deliberately shaped around difference. Based in Berlin, the programme uses the city as a living laboratory for social analysis, collaborative learning and public discourse, enabling students and teachers to experiment with participatory methods and intercultural practice in a vibrant urban context.
Key facts & application notes
This programme is offered once a year, beginning with the winter semester and starting with mandatory introduction weeks in mid-September. The curriculum is organised around four interrelated module areas designed to take you from theory and methods to applied practice: Theoretical Modules, Practical Modules, Specialisation Modules, and Thesis & Research Colloquia. These elements run in parallel rather than as a simple sequence, so theoretical reflection, methodological training and hands-on work inform one another throughout the degree.
Theoretical Modules develop a nuanced understanding of social space and power relations. Rather than treating space as a geographic category, you will study social space as a relational and analytical concept, using phenomenological, power-focused and global perspectives to analyse how conflicts emerge across overlapping social worlds. Practical Modules form a methodological triangle—social research, network analysis and project-based social action—that links empirical investigation directly to intervention. Specialisation Modules (seminars and workshops) focus on concrete, real-world conflicts, training you in both analytical techniques and intervention strategies for participatory conflict resolution. The fourth semester is reserved for an individually supervised master’s thesis grounded in the programme’s theoretical and methodological framework; research colloquia run during the thesis phase to provide thematic feedback and collective learning with faculty guidance.
Key modules and learning outcomes
Program structure highlights and requirements
This programme looks for applicants with a solid academic background and practical exposure to issues of conflict, migration, human rights or social justice. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (see list below) and have at least one year of relevant practical or professional experience. Applicants whose degrees are less directly connected to intercultural conflict management can still apply, but should explain clearly why they want to pursue this Master's and how their previous studies prepare them for the field.
In addition to academic credentials, the programme expects the equivalent of roughly 180 ECTS from prior studies (or an agreement to acquire extra credits if your degree is smaller), demonstrable English proficiency, basic computer skills, and referees who can be contacted by the university. Practical placements, internships or voluntary work in conflict-related or humanitarian contexts strengthen an application.
Admission requirements (concise bullets)
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Graduates are prepared to manage real-world social conflicts in transnational and intercultural contexts and typically pursue roles in NGOs, international organisations, government agencies, civil-society organisations, and community-based projects. Typical functions include conflict resolution practitioner, programme officer, mediator, policy advisor, project manager for migration/humanitarian initiatives, and roles in advocacy or human rights organisations.
The programme's combination of applied research, network analysis and project-based modules also enables career paths in research, consultancy, and education related to migration, social justice, and peacebuilding. Practical experience and internships integrated into the curriculum help graduates transition into professional positions across the humanitarian, development, public and academic sectors.