International War Studies | Master

Short answers to the most important and frequently asked questions about applying for and enrolling in the International War Studies (IWS) program at the University of Potsdam and the University College Dublin.

What is the aim of the program?

The International War Studies double degree program investigates the causes, dynamics and contexts of violent conflicts on a national and international level. The aim of this international and interdisciplinary program is to help students understand war and military conflict around the world by analyzing them from different academic perspectives. The main areas are military history, the cultural history of violence and military sociology, but also conflict studies, regional studies and international relations with their specific methodological approaches and theories. Beginning in the early modern period, we analyze the interrelations between state, society and military up to the present day. The focus is on modern history (19th and 20th centuries).

Who can apply?

You should have obtained your first degree in a subject relevant to the degree program. You must also have certain language qualifications.

What are the application deadlines?

The following deadlines apply.

What proof of English language proficiency is accepted?

These certificates are recognized for the MA in International War Studies.

Where do I have to submit my application documents?

Applications must be submitted exclusively via UCD’S application portal. All information and access to the applicant portal can be found here.

As an international student, do I need a visa or a residence permit to be able to begin my studies at Potsdam University?

Depending on your country of origin, different entry and residence regulations apply.

Do I also need a visa or residence permit to continue my studies at University College Dublin?

Depending on your country of origin, different entry and residence regulations apply.

UCD refers to the pages of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) to check individual entry conditions. Relevant information can be found here.

I was accepted into the program. Do I have to send my documents by post to the University of Potsdam in addition to the online enrollment?

Once you receive your letter of admission, you need to apply for enrollment at UP. Detailed information for prospective students can be found here. After your enrollment documents have been processed, and if your materials are complete, UP will send you information on how to pay the semester fees to the e-mail address provided in the online portal. Only once enrollment is complete will you receive your student number as well as your PUCK (UP’s student card) which will allow you to register for access and use our on-campus resources such as libraries or canteens.

Is it possible to study all four semesters at the University of Potsdam?

The IWS program is a double degree, conferred by the University of Potsdam and University College Dublin. The students spend two semesters at both institutions. All our students go to Dublin so that they may benefit from the international and intercultural experience research and study in Germany and Ireland provides.

If you wish to study in Potsdam only, you should apply for the MA in War and Conflict Studies.

Do I also have to pay tuition fees for the first two semesters in Potsdam?

The tuition fees UCD charges are divided between both years of study. This is to allow students to pay the tuition fees in installments to reduce their financial burden. Students pay 50% of the UCD fees per year. They only pay fees for their UCD year (plus a administrative fee in Potsdam). There is the possibility to pay in two installments rather than making one payment of the UCD fees at the beginning of year 2 (the Dublin year). Studies in Germany are free of charge.

The exact amount of the fees can be found here.

For the two semesters at the University of Potsdam, only the regular semester contribution and the public transportation subscription are charged. The exact amount can be found here.

Where do I find accommodation in Potsdam?

The Studentenwerk Potsdam needs your letter of admission and the certificate of enrollment for a successful application for a place in a student dormitory. However, it is possible and advisable to apply before you receive your letter of admission. You will then receive a confirmation e-mail from the Studentenwerk with your application number. It is possible to hand in the letter of admission and the certificate of enrollment by e-mail at a later date, once you have received it.

More information on the application process can be found here.

Other options are Basecamp, My Liverty and Zimmerei – though they are all pricy –, as well as shared flats on the private market. To find shared flats in Berlin, Potsdam and the nearby city of Brandenburg, you can use the following website (in German only).

Can I also find accommodation in one of the student residences in Dublin?

You can apply for a flat in one of the student residences run by UCD through this website. However, it is advisable to look for flats on the private market as well.

Are there any scholarships for the IWS program?

The Association of Friends of the Chair of War Studies grants a small number of merit-based scholarships which cover the tuition fees at UCD. The call for applications is published towards the end of the second Potsdam semester, shortly before students go up to Dublin. Information on the association of friends can be found here.

Another scholarship opportunity is PROMOS which is run by UP’s International Office. Applicants can find more information here.

Other alternatives are the yearlong scholarships of the DAAD , as well as those of the government-funded foundations in Germany and the scholarships of the Irish government (GOI-IES). Also visit this page on scholarships for more information and options.