European International Humanitarian Action (NOHA)

European International Humanitarian Action (NOHA) at Ruhr University Bochum offers a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for impactful careers in the field of humanitarian aid and international development. This interdisciplinary master's degree is part of the Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA), a renowned consortium of European universities committed to advancing knowledge and practice in humanitarian action. The program integrates core themes such as emergency response, conflict analysis, human rights, development policies, and organizational management, ensuring that graduates acquire a well-rounded understanding of the complex challenges faced by vulnerable populations worldwide. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, including project planning, coordination, communication, and ethical considerations in humanitarian work. Students benefit from a diverse learning environment, engaging with faculty experts, practitioners, and fellow students from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a global perspective essential for effective humanitarian action. The program features a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, internships, and field visits, providing hands-on experience to complement academic learning. Graduates of the NOHA program are equipped to work in international organizations, NGOs, government agencies, and other entities dedicated to humanitarian aid, disaster response, and sustainable development. Ruhr University Bochum’s strategic location and strong links with international partners provide students with valuable networks and opportunities for collaboration. The program is housed within the university's Faculty of Social Sciences, ensuring access to cutting-edge research and resources in social and political sciences. With a commitment to promoting social justice, human rights, and sustainable development, the NOHA program at Ruhr University Bochum prepares students to become effective agents of positive change in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

Educational organisation

For details, please refer to: http://www.rub.de/imos
iMOS will provide you with state-of-the-art skills in theoretical and spectroscopic techniques. The programme will enable you to apply these tools to a wide variety of interdisciplinary scientific challenges. These fundamental skills will allow you to understand molecular (bio)physics/chemistry and its applications - ranging from the nano regime to macroscopic entities.
In total, 120 credit points (CP) are necessary to obtain the iMOS Master's degree.

iMOS Curriculum (120 CP)

• First semester (28 or 33 CP)
  • Concepts of Quantum Mechanics**
  • Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics**
  • Dynamics and Simulation (Practical)
  • Concepts of Spectroscopy I (Practical)
  • Concepts of Molecular Chemistry I
• Second semester (28 or 33 CP)
  • Electronic and Molecular Structure (Practical)
  • Concepts of Spectroscopy II (Practical)
  • Concepts of Molecular Chemistry II
  • Theoretical Spectroscopy
  • Numerical Methods and Scientific Computing**
• Third semester (29 CPs)
  • hands-on training in a work group of your choice
  • international course (three month internship)
• Fourth semester (30 CPs)
  • Master's thesis

**Two of these three elective courses are required for graduation.

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants spend two to three months of the third semester carrying out a research internship at a foreign research institution. We currently have 19 international partners:
Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris; ETH Zurich; University of Cambridge; Radboud University Nijmegen; University College London; University of Nottingham; Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel; Cornell University, Purdue University, University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Irvine, University of California at Santa Barbara, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, USA; Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India; Seoul National University, Korea; National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Japan. However, students can visit other institutes if they wish.

Internships

A two to three month international internship at one of our partner institutions is obligatory and can be partly financially supported if necessary.

Forms of assessment

• Written examinations
• oral examinations
• work assessments in the form of seminar contributions or lab reports

Course objectives

iMOS will provide you with state-of-the-art skills in theoretical and spectroscopic techniques. The programme will enable you to apply these tools to a wide variety of interdisciplinary scientific challenges. These fundamental skills will allow you to understand molecular (bio)physics/chemistry and its applications - ranging from the nano regime to macroscopic entities.
Germany is one of the world's leaders in applied optical technologies, chemistry and pharmacy. There exist excellent opportunities for alumni with a top-level education and training in spectroscopy and microscopy as well as simulation techniques.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills: TOEFL 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), 100 (internet-based), IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, mathematics, biochemistry or related engineering fields
• For the application, it is enough to send the grade sheet with the marks you reached so far.
• proof of 10 ECTS credit points in mathematics
• proof of 8 ECTS credit points in theoretical chemistry, and/or spectroscopic techniques and/or quantum mechanics and/or equivalent topics

Enrolment fees

A social fee of approx. 270 EUR has to be paid. The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Costs of living

Minimum of 670 EUR per month to cover personal and living expenses

Job opportunities

Student jobs at the faculty

Funding opportunities within the university

The international practical at one of the partner institutions in the third semester can be partly funded by the Master's programme if necessary.

Arrival support

The iMOS office provides arrival support. Please contact us for details.

Services and support for international students

The iMOS office provides arrival support together with the International Office of RUB. This includes support regarding visa, accommodation, and every day life.

Accommodation

An accommodation can be guaranteed by a 300 EUR security deposit.
Accommodation is furthermore available through the Student Services Office or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 220-250 EUR.