Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please read the following list of FAQs carefully. We are happy to provide additional information, if your question is not answered.

1. About the programme

1.1 What does this programme have to offer?
1.2 What are the differences between studying Peace and Conflict Studies at Kent and Marburg?
1.3 Is the international double degree programme accredited?
1.4 Do I have to speak German in order to study at Marburg?
1.5 Can I take classes in German?
1.6 Does the international double degree increase my chances on the job market?
1.7 What are the exact starting and end dates of the programme?

2. Admissions and registration

2.1 Where do I apply?
2.2 Which documents do I have to submit with the application?
2.3 What are the minimum requirements?
2.4 What are the language requirements?
2.5 Do I have to hold a first degree in Peace and Conflict Studies?
2.6 Do I have to submit my application to both universities?
2.7 What is the application deadline?
2.8 Is there an application fee?
2.9 Where do I register?
2.10 Can I decide after the first year whether to do the double degree Master or not?
2.11 Can I register with one of the universities and transfer to another programme at Kent or Marburg after the first year?
2.12 Can I register at one of the universities and spend the second year at a university other than Kent or Marburg?
2.13 Can the study period (2 years, 4 semesters) be extended?
2.14 What is the ratio between the number of applications and the number of available places?
2.15 Do I have a chance to be accepted? Should I apply? Can you take a look at my CV?
2.16 I need an offer in order to apply for a scholarship. Can you make an early offer?

3. Internship

3.1 Is the internship mandatory?
3.2 What is the duration of the internship?
3.3 Can I intern with two or more organisations?
3.4 Are there placement agreements with potential employers?
3.5 When do I have to apply for an internship?
3.6 Are the internships paid?
3.7 Is their financial assistance available?
3.8 Where can I intern?
3.9 Do I have to inform the university about my internship plans?

4. Finance and funding

4.1 Which fees do you charge?
4.2 Do I have to pay tuition at both universities?
4.3 Is there financial support available?
4.4 Can I expect to have access to additional funding sources after registering?
4.5 Are there loans available?
4.6 Am I allowed to work whilst studying?

5. Life in Canterbury and Marburg

5.1 How high are living costs in Canterbury and Marburg?
5.2.Can you provide information on student life in Canterbury and Marburg?
5.3 Can I meet the teaching staff at Kent and Marburg University?
5.4 How can I get to Canterbury and Marburg?
5.5 What if I have a question not answered in this FAQ?

1. About the programme

1.1 What does this programme have to offer?

An insight into the causes and effects of international conflicts and the means to manage them peacefully or to prevent them in the first place;
An insight into the changes in conflict environments at the national, regional and global levels;
An insight into the role of various international organizations as a motor of and actor in international conflict resolution;
A solid introduction to the philosophical and epistemological foundations of the study of international conflict;
All students receive training in philosophical and epistemological questions relating to the social sciences
Insights into the complex relationship between the concerns of domestic and international politics
Cosmopolitan staff and student body
Teaching informed by research at the cutting edge of the discipline
Wide choice of specialised modules
Different lengths to suit the needs of a wider range of students, with opportunities to study in another academic environment and in a different cultural setting for a year abroad
An internship that provides additional experience enabling students to enhance their employment prospects

Extra-curricular learning programme
Friendly campuses at Canterbury and Marburg, and highly active study centres at these locations with dedicated teaching staff

1.2 What are the differences between studying Peace and Conflict Studies at Kent and Marburg?

The taught programme at Kent focuses on international conflicts. Courses on a wide range of issues of international conflict are taught by political scientists and IR experts. As of the academic year 2011-12, Kent will have a dedicated research group on international conflict, security and human rights, bringing together all members of staff and graduate students who work in these areas. Marburg applies a broader understanding to the study of conflicts, because the Centre for Conflict Studies grew out of initiatives from scholars of various departments at Marburg University. Thus, Marburg covers violent and non-violent types of conflicts. Courses at Marburg are taught by sociologists, political scientists and social psychologists. In addition, the departments of law, history, pedagogy, and medicine contribute English language modules from time to time. The full programme specifications are available here.

1.3 Is the international double degree programme accredited?

The programme is fully accredited at both Kent and Marburg Universities.

1.4 Do I have to speak German in order to study at Marburg?

No. Marburg University offers modules in English for international students. Fluent German speakers can attend seminars taught in German, but this is not a requirement.

1.5 Can I take classes in German?

Yes, you can take German classes during the winter term and receive 6 ECTS credits (12 Kent credits). You can also attend the intensive language and preparation course “Studying in Marburg”, which runs for three weeks in September. This language and preparation course carries 6 ECTS credits (12 Kent credits).

1.6 Does the international double degree increase my chances on the job market?

Whether you land the job you want depends on a number of factors including grades, work experience and/or language skills. It is difficult to say whether an employer prefers an international double degree award to a national single one. The international double degree certainly indicates flexibility, mobility and intercultural awareness. The internship requirements will result in work experience. These are very important for increasing employability. Yet, we strongly recommend making the decision to apply for the international double degree dependent upon your personal interests and vocational preferences. Studying in two countries and academic cultures is a significant personal commitment that has proven to be very rewarding for virtually all students who have embarked on such MA programmes.

1.7 What are the exact starting and end dates of the programme?

Students follow the regular semester dates in Kent and Marburg.

Winter semester in Marburg: middle of October through the middle of February
Summer semester in Marburg: middle of April through the middle of July

2. Admissions and registration

2. 1 Where do I apply?

Applications have to be submitted to Kent University. Admission to the programme will be jointly decided by both universities.

2.2 Which documents do I have to submit with the application?

In addition to filling in the application form, you also need to provide:

Evidence of your academic qualifications. If you have not yet completed your degree, please send us an interim transcript (a list of all the modules/courses you have taken with the mark achieved for each). Once you have been awarded your degree we will require a final transcript and a certificate confirming your overall degree classification. For the purposes of application a copy of your transcript is acceptable, however you will need to show us the original copy upon registration.

References from two academic referees. All references must be in English. The university needs to receive both references before deciding on your application. If you apply online, your referee will be sent an automatic email requesting a reference. We can accept references by email, provided your referees use their institutional email account and follow up the email with copies written on official letter-headed paper and signed by the referee.

Evidence of English language ability, if required

Samples of work or research proposals you have been asked to submit (for those applying to research degrees).
Any other materials or documents you would like to have considered in support of your application. Please visit the University of Kent website for further information.

2.3 What are the minimum requirements?

You should have a good Honours degree normally in Politics, Government, International Relations, International Studies or European Studies or in a cognate discipline in social science (e.g., Geography) or humanities (e.g., History). However, students applying from other disciplines will also be considered providing they can demonstrate that they have the relevant knowledge/experience.

Applicants whose first degree is from a German university must achieve one of the following qualifications: Diplom; Erstes Staatsexamen; Magister Artium; Fachhochschuldiplom; Bachelor; Bakkalaureaus at levels gut or sehr gut. The new Bachelor can be regarded as equivalent to a UK Bachelors (Honours) and the Magister/Master to a UK taught Masters.
For the purposes of this programme, foreign degrees are generally considered equivalent to German degrees. You can apply with a B.A. degree received in any country.

2.4 What are the language requirements?

Applicants whose first language is not English need to provide evidence of their proficiency in written and spoken English together with the other application documents. This requires a score of 6.5 overall and 6.0 in reading and writing in the International English Language Test (IELTS), a ‘C’ in the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, an ‘A’ in the Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English, or a TOEFL score of at least 90 including 22 reading and 21 writing, 21 listening and 23 speaking, but an overall score of equal to, or in excess of 90 (internet based). This requirement for non-native speakers of English may be waived, provided that the student has obtained a higher degree of education which was taught entirely in English. In this case, applicants will need to provide a document from their University confirming that the medium of instruction for their degree was English. Please note: if applicants require a visa to study in the UK, they will have to take an English test due to the visa regulations set out by UKBA.

Applicants who wish to take modules in German during their second year and whose first language is not German need to provide evidence of their proficiency in written and spoken German. This requires a DSH II certificate that should be accomplished before registration. For more information please check here.

2.5 Do I have to hold a first degree in Peace and Conflict Studies?

No. Please see the minimum requirements in section 2.3.

2.6 Do I have to submit my application to both universities?

No. The application can only be submitted to Kent University.

2.7 What is the application deadline?

There is no formal application deadline but early applications are strongly encouraged. Due to the limited places available on the programme, applicants who submit their application early (i.e. before end of March) will have a much higher chance of securing a place on the programme. Students wishing to apply for accommodation on campus must have received an unconditional offer and applied by 30th June of the year in which they wish to start the MA. Those intending to apply for scholarships or other awards should also note the relevant deadlines for application.

2.8 Is there an application fee?

Neither of the hosting universities charges an application fee.

2.9 Where do I register?

After accepting the offer you will register at both universities. Whilst studying at Kent University, students do not pay any fees to Marburg University and vice versa. However, students have to be registered at both universities throughout the duration of the programme. The deadlines for registration at Marburg University can be found here.

2.10 Can I decide after the first year whether to do the double degree Master or not?

No. This is an integrated double degree programme.

2.11 Can I register with one of the universities and transfer to another programme at Kent or Marburg after the first year?

No. Although the international double degree Master programme builds upon existing programmes at Kent and Marburg, it is distinct from these existing programmes. Please check the website of the School of Politics and International Relations at Kent University and the Center for Conflict Studies at Marburg University, if you are interested in the other programmes.

2.12 Can I register at one of the universities and spend the second year at a university other than Kent or Marburg?

No, students have to take the required modules at Kent and Marburg in accordance with the programme specifications. The University of Kent is also running double degree programmes with other universities in France, Poland and Russia.

2.13 Can the study period (2 years, 4 semesters) be extended?

No. Extensions are not allowed, unless there are strong and justifiable reasons (e.g. disease, pregnancy) that impede you from completing your studies in time.

2.14 What is the ratio between the number of applications and the number of available places?

For 2011/2012: 40:15

For 2012/2013: 101:16

2.15 Do I have a chance to be accepted? Should I apply? Can you take a look at my CV?

Please check the admissions criteria. We do not pre-evaluate applications and CVs.

2.16 I need an offer in order to apply for a scholarship. Can you make an early offer?

No. There is no fast track admission process. We understand that applicants have to invest time and effort into the application, but we will not make any decisions without a proper application.

3. Internship

3.1 Is the internship mandatory?

Yes. The internship provides important work experience. It is a great opportunity to translate your acquired knowledge into practice. However, in exceptional circumstances and upon permission by Marburg University, students can choose elective modules worth the same number of credits. The internship carries 12 ECTS credits (24 Kent credits). Upon completing the internship, students have to submit a detailed internship report.

3.2 What is the duration of the internship?

The internship should at least last for 10 weeks. Some organisations only take on interns for longer periods.

3.3 Can I intern with two or more organisations?

It is highly recommended to stay with one organization in order to maximize the work experience. Also, interning with two or more organizations can result in some logistical and financial issues. However, if there are convincing reasons to split the internship, you are allowed to do so upon notifying Marburg University.

3.4 Are there placement agreements with potential employers?

No. You have to find the internship on your own. Staff at Marburg University and Kent University can offer advice on finding potential organizations/employers and on the application process. We can also provide internship reports by our alumni. However, you have to take the initiative and apply on your own. We cannot guarantee an internship for all students.

3.5 When do I have to apply for an internship?

Students are strongly encouraged to apply early for internships, i.e. at least six months in advance.

3.6 When should the internship take place?

There is no fixed time period for the internship. However, we advice the students to try and complete the internship during the term breaks or after the spring term at Kent University.

3.7 Are the internships paid?

This depends on the agreement between you and the organisation offering the internship. We strongly recommend applying for internships that offer some kind of financial compensation or other forms of support like accomodation and board.

3.8 Is there financial assistance available?

EU students can apply for Erasmus Placement grants. German students can also apply for PROMOS grants, ASA grants, Carlo Schmid grants, AuslandsBaföG, Anke-Reese-stipends or Heinrich J. Klein grants. We recommend getting in touch with your home institutions or governments in order to explore other potential sources of funding. Information regarding financial assistant for non-EU-students can be found here and here.

3.9 Where can I intern?

The internship has to be broadly related to issues of peace and conflicts. Thus you can intern with governments, intergovernmental organisations, NGOs, media outlets, or companies and other organizations. Please check the website of the Centre for Conflict Studies for previous destinations of our students.

3.10 Do I have to inform the university about my internship plans?

Yes. The internship has to be approved by Marburg University prior to the starting date.

4. Finance and funding

4.1 Which fees do you charge?

Information on fees charged by Kent University are available at the finance website. The University of Marburg does not charge tuition fees. However, students do have to pay administrative fees to the amount of about 250 Euros per semester. These administrative fees include contributions to the students union and free public transport for the whole State of Hesse and adjacent cities like Heidelberg and Goettingen. The University of Marburg charges small fees for elective German language modules or the intensive language and preparation course in September. The Centre for Conflict Studies collaborates with the Academy for Conflict Transformation. The Academy charges fees for their modules, which can also be taken by students of the International Double Degree Programme. However, these modules are additional and elective. Marburg University does not charge fees for the required modules.

4.2 Do I have to pay tuition at both universities?

Whilst studying at Kent University, you only have to pay a reduced administrative fee of about 125 Euros per semester to Marburg University. In case you still wish to use the semester ticket of Hesse during this time period, you may do so by paying the full administrative fee. Please check the University of Kent website for information on fees in Kent.Whilst studying at the University of Kent you will pay two thirds of the Home/EU or International fee (depending on fee status). Please check the University of Kent website for further information on fees in Kent ( http://www.kent.ac.uk/finance-student/fees/postgraduate/index.html).

4.3 Is there financial support available?

Please check the University of Kent website for information on scholarships. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers information and advice on scholarships for German students who want to study abroad and international students who want to study in Germany. German language speakers can also search the databases of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Stifterverband. We encourage all applicants and registered students to apply for scholarships. However, be aware that most scholarship schemes are heavily oversubscribed.

Marburg University offers DAAD grants for German students. See http://www.uni-marburg.de/konfliktforschung/studium/international-double-award/feesandfunding.

4.4 Can I expect to have access to additional funding sources after registering?

No. Neither Kent nor Marburg have discretionary funds. Please make sure to have secured enough funding before registering. Unfortunately, we do not have hardship grants, which we can offer to our students.

4.5 Can I receive an Erasmus exchange grant?

Since this is an integrated double degree programme, there is no Erasmus funding available.

4.6 Are there loans available?

Please check the University of Kent finance website for information on loans for EU/UK and international students. Information on publicly subsidized or commercial loan programmes in Germany is available here and here.

4.7 Am I allowed to work whilst studying?

Usually, students residing in Germany with a Study Visa can work up to 90 days (or 180 half days) per year as well as working in student/academic assistant roles. As to working in England, as an international student (non EU) you can work part-time during term time (up to 20 hours a week) and full time during the vacations provided that you have the correct stamp in your passport and have applied for entry clearance. However, in order to apply for a visa you will need to show that you can support yourself during your studies without needing to work. Further information is available here.

5. Life in Canterbury and Marburg

5.1 How high are living costs in Canterbury and Marburg?

Kent University ( http://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/funding/postgraduate/costs/living.html) and Marburg University offer information on average living costs.

5.2. Can you provide information on student life in Canterbury and Marburg?

Please check the University of Kent handbook student life 2011-2012, the student life webpage and the International Student Guide 2011 for further information. Information on student life in Marburg is available here.

5.3 Can I meet the teaching staff at Kent and Marburg University?

Of course! You can visit the University of Kent campus and meet the Kent teaching staff by attending the University’s Open Days held in February, July, October and December or you can arrange an informal visit by emailing (R.L.Devine@kent.ac.uk). Alternatively, you can meet representatives of the University of Kent at one of the educational events Kent University regularly attend around the world. If you want to visit Marburg University or meet the teaching staff, send an e-mail to pacs@staff.uni-marburg.de to arrange an appointment.

5.4 How can I get to Canterbury and Marburg?

Please check here and here for directions.

5.5 What if I have a question not answered in this FAQ?

If you still have unanswered questions or your question was not addressed in these FAQs please contact Mrs. Roxanne Devine (R.L.Devine@kent.ac.uk) or send a message to PACS[AT]staff.uni-marburg.de.

The double degree programme is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) from funds of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).