Intercultural Conflict Management

The MA-ICM is an interdisciplinary, application-oriented study programme, combining studies in international development, human rights, diversity, and democracy with methodological approaches, tools, and techniques of international development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and conflict management.
It aims to provide students with the necessary theoretical understanding of culture, conflict, and the international context, while at the same time placing special emphasis on a profound understanding of participatory approaches in social intervention. The MA-ICM strives to qualify students to work in a wide variety of fields and organisations in the context of conflict management, development work, or humanitarian aid, for example on the level of local NGOs or in international organisations.

Educational organisation

The MA-ICM is based on an intensive, modular study format. The curriculum consists of five modules and is designed to balance theoretical studies with an emphasis on the application of practical skills.

First semester: theoretical approaches and international framework
The first semester focuses on theoretical approaches to and the international framework of social and societal conflict. One of the major outcomes of the first semester is building the living laboratory of learning and teaching ICM as the common denominator. The semester comprises two modules, divided into three units each:

Module 1: Theoretical Approaches to Culture, Democracy and Conflict
Unit 1a: Transnationalism and Community
Unit 1b: Democracy and Social Inequality
Unit 1c: Diversity and Conflicts

Module 2: Fields and Framework of Conflict Management
Unit 2a: Human Rights and Sociopolitical Action
Unit 2b: International Relations
Unit 2c: Conflict Management

Classes in the first semester will be held on a weekly basis, with four SWS (contact hours) per unit. An exception is unit 1a "Transnationalism and Community", which will be imparted as an introductory unit in the first and the last week of the first semester. Consequently, the attendance period amounts to a total of 17 weeks. In addition to exams/presentations which are part of students' performance in each unit, modules 1 and 2 will be accomplished through the elaboration of an individual essay in one of the units of each module; students are entitled to choose the unit in which they write their essay.

Second semester: social research and community intervention
The second semester focuses on the practical application of the theoretical foundations acquired in the first semester. Thereby, methods from the field of development cooperation and conflict management will be imparted. The semester comprises three different modules, each of them containing two units:

Module 3: Supportive Module
Unit 3a: Mediation and Negotiation Workshop
Unit 3b: Thematic Unit

Module 4: Social Research
Unit 4a: Statistical Literacy
Unit 4b: Action Research

Module 5: Methods of Conflict Resolution and Community Intervention
Unit 5a: Networking
Unit 5b: Project Cycle Management

Unlike in the first semester, classes in the second semester will be held in the form of workshops, with classes scheduled from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The workshops of the units 4b, 5a, and 5b will each be accompanied by one research week (for individual and group work). Due to this workshop structure and the schedule encompassing entire days, the attendance period in the second semester is slightly shorter than that in the first semester, amounting to a total of 13 weeks. The following four weeks are devoted to the elaboration of a research exposé (module 4) and a project elaboration (module 5).

Third semester: Master's thesis
The third semester is reserved exclusively for the elaboration of the Master's thesis. The topic of the thesis is chosen individually by each student in close communication with the teaching staff of the MA-ICM. It must be based on one or more of the theoretical and/or methodological key components of the MA-ICM as set out above. Students are encouraged to start thinking about a thesis proposal as soon as they take up their studies at ASH.

Internships

Internships are possible in the third semester, e.g. carrying out research on the Master's thesis topic.

Forms of assessment

Forms of examination follow the General Framework of Examination Regulations of the ASH in accordance with the Berlin Law on Higher Education (BerlHG):
1. Essay/research elaboration/project elaboration
2. Oral presentation
3. Written exam
4. Other (minutes, active participation)
5. Master's thesis

Language requirements

The language of instruction is English. All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in the English language before being admitted to the Master's programme. English language certificates should not be older than two years and should indicate a high score. Any ONE of the following tests is considered to be sufficient proof:

• Cambridge Advanced Certificate (CAE) -> recommended test result "GRADE B" or better
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) -> recommended test result 90 points computer-based or better
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) -> recommended test result "GRADE B, 6.5" or better
• An academic degree from a recognised institution at which English is the language of instruction

Academic requirements

Applicants for admission to the Master's programme must have:

1. An undergraduate degree preferably in one of the following disciplines:

A. Social Sciences
Social Work - related to social justice, anti-discrimination, and anti-racism
Sociology - related to migration, inequity and marginalisation, social justice
Political Science - related to conflict, inter-state relations, inter-ethnic relations
International Relations - related to conflict, peace-keeping, inter-state relations

B. Law - related to human rights, international relations, conflict

C. Humanities and Cultural Sciences
History - related to conflict and international relations
Geography - related to voluntary and forced migration, dispersion of populations
Philosophy - related to ethics, world views and the logic of arguing and reasoning
Psychology - related to human behaviours such as communication, conflict, identity
Anthropology/Ethnology - related to ethnicity, culture and cultural diversity, human behaviour, communication, identity
Theology - related to world religions, world views, human behaviour, communication, identity

D. Other - if you are able to logically argue why you would favour pursuing a Master's degree in Intercultural Conflict Management even though your previous studies are not related to this field, you may apply for the programme

Your previous academic studies should ideally amount to at least 210 ECTS. If you have earned less ECTS during your Bachelor's studies, you will be required to obtain additional credit points prior to your graduation from the Master's programme.

2. One year of practical (including internships and/or voluntary work) or professional experience in fields related to conflict, human rights, humanitarian aid, voluntary or forced migration, social work or relief work, or teaching a relevant subject

3. Referees to be contacted by Alice Salomon University, such as university instructors or employers who are willing to support the candidate's application

4. Proficiency in English and computer competence

5. Motivation and interest in studying Intercultural Conflict Management

Enrolment fees

300 EUR administration fee
A semester ticket (optional) covering public transport in the Berlin area currently costs 188.90 EUR and is valid for a duration of six months.

Arrival support

Three weeks of introduction offering workshops, orientation and assistance with formalities (Foreigners' Registration Office, bank, health insurance, etc.)

Accommodation

Student accommodation is available.