FAQs

General Questions about the Programme

Is the program accredited?

Yes, the programme was accredited in 2016.

Do I have to pay tuition fees?

No, but there is a moderate semester fee. You can find information on that here (unfortunately only in German).

When does the semester start?

Studies beginn in the winter term of every year (October). Applications are only possible for the winter term.

What is the language of instruction for the PACS programme?

The programme is conducted entirely in English. More details can be found on the Study Programme page.

Is it possible to study the PACS programme part-time or online?

The PACS programme is designed as a full-time, in-person course of study. Details are available here.

Are there any reccomendations for structuring my studies?

An advice for the structure of your studies can be found here.

Is the internship mandatory, and when should it be completed?

Yes, the internship is a compulsory part of the curriculum and is usually completed after the second semester. See the Internship section for details.

Can I complete the internship in my home country or does it have to be in Germany?

Internships can be completed internationally, provided they meet the programme’s criteria and are approved. More info in the Internship section

Where can I complete my internship and how long should it last?

The internship should be completed at the end of the second semester. It has a duration of 4-6 weeks and is available for all study-related areas, such as non-governmental organizations, national and international political organizations, educational and training institutions, etc.

How many pages should the internship report contain and which criteria should it fulfil?

The internship report should contain 5-7 pages and introduce the institution where the internship has been done. Also, it should contain the abilities that you have learned there as well as an evaluation of the internship.

Are there opportunities for student exchange or studying abroad during the programme?

While the programme itself is based in Magdeburg, students may explore exchange opportunities through the university’s International Office.

Application Procedure

Where and when do I apply?

Applicants with a German degree can submit their applications via myOVGU. More information about the application procedure for applicants with a German degree can be found here (application period: mid-May until the 15th of July). Applicants with a foreign degree can submit their applications via uni-assist (application period: 15th of April - 15th of July). Applicants for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme can find the admission requirements here.

Please refer to the Admission section of the PACS website to overview the possible ways of addmision.

Do I need to prove my English language skills?

Yes! In order to meet the admission requirements, candidates must demonstrate a level of English equivalent to C1 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This can be evidenced by an official language certificate. We accept: UNIcert, IELTS, Cambridge, TOEFL, TOEIC, telc. An exception is made for applicants who graduated in an English-speaking program in the following English-speaking countries: Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, the USA, Ireland or Canada (we can only accept degrees in these countries as proof of language skills!).

Do I need to certify my documents?

Yes. Necessary certified copies are:

All university transcripts
Certificate of the general university entrance qualification (e.g. Abiturzeugnis, Highschool-Diploma, Senior Secondary School Diploma)

For applicants with a foreign degree, who apply via uni-assist please check their criteria for the certification of documents.

Applicants for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme can find the admission requirements here.

Can I apply with a lower final grade than 2.5 (German Grading System)?

No. Unfortunately, we only accept applications with a final grade of 2.5 (German Grading System) or better.

Can I apply if my previous/on-going degree is not in social or cultural sciences?

Applicants from other disciplines may be considered if they demonstrate relevant experience or coursework. Please refer to the admission requirements depending on your application here.

Is a letter of motivation required for the application?
Yes. Generally speaking, a motivation letter (600–750 words) is required. For guidelines, see:

Master Thesis

Thesis Supervision

How can I choose my supervisors?

Using the thesis registration tool that is shared with the students every semester. This tool will help monitor supervision capacity, encourage timely thesis completion, and streamline communication between students and staff.

However, registering your thesis supervision using this tool DOES NOT mean registering the thesis. This tool exists only for organizational matters. You still need to register your thesis in the examination office as clarified in the link.

Who can apply through this tool?
Currently, this system is available to PACS students who wish to be supervised by staff at the Chair of International Relations. We plan to expand this to other chairs and departments in the future.

When can I apply for supervision?
Applications are open twice per year (Winter Round & Summer Round)

Exact dates will be announced on this website and shared with the students by email.

Can I choose my supervisor?
You can list up to three preferences for your first and second supervisor. Final allocation depends on availability, staff capacity, and topic relevance.

What happens if I don't get any of my preferred supervisors?
You may withdraw your application within two weeks of the allocation notice and reapply in the next application round.

How long is my supervision valid for?
Once confirmed, supervision is valid for six months. You are expected to complete and submit your thesis within that timeframe.

What if I need more than a year to finish my thesis?
If you face valid and documented delays (e.g. illness, fieldwork issues), you may request an extension. Otherwise, you will lose your supervision slot and must reapply.

Are there special rules for DAAD or scholarship students?
Yes. DAAD scholarship students must complete their studies within four semesters, including the thesis.

If you are a DAAD student, you must ensure that your thesis is submitted before the end of your fourth semester. Delays beyond this point may jeopardize your scholarship and should only occur in exceptional and officially approved circumstances.

We strongly advise you to plan your supervision and writing process accordingly and communicate proactively with your supervisor(s) about your timeline.

Can I find my own supervisor outside this list?
Yes. You may arrange supervision independently with:

• Other university departments or staff

• External academics (who meet supervision criteria and are approved by your OvGU supervisor)

Does this application count as official thesis registration?
No. This tool is only for supervision allocation. Official thesis registration with the examination office remains a separate process and must follow formal procedures.

Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please reach out to: pacs@ovgu

Thesis Registration and Submission

When and how do I register for the Master's thesis?

In general, you should register at the end of the 3rd semester and the beginning of the 4th semester. The registration can be completed after consultation on the topic with the professor at the examination office with this form. For the request you need:

Proposal for the subject area that the topic of the Master's thesis will involve
If applicable, an application for the assignment of the topic and teamwork
If necessary, suggestions from the supervisors

More information can be found here.

How many credit points is the master's thesis worth?
The thesis is worth 25 credit points, plus 5 for the colloquium. See the Thesis page.

How much time do I have to write the Master's thesis and is there a possibility to extend the working time?

After the registration of your thesis, you have 20 weeks (5 months) to finish it. If you can assure by a medical certificate that you are prevented from working on your thesis, the working time can be extended up to 4 weeks.

Can I change the topic of my Master's thesis?

You can change your topic only once and only within the first three weeks of the working time.

Where do I submit my Master thesis?

You have to hand in two copies of your thesis at the examination office of our faculty.

Can I write my Master's thesis in German?

Yes, the Master's thesis can be written in English and German.

Career Prospects

What career opportunities are available after completing the PACS programme?

Graduates pursue careers in NGOs, academia, international organizations, and beyond. The homepage offers a brief overview.

Does the programme offer support for job placement after graduation?

While direct placement is not provided, the programme supports your development through networking and academic guidance.

Accommodation

Does the PACS programme offer accommodation for students?

No, the PACS programme does not provide accommodation. However, after your admission, our student coordinators will be happy to guide you to the appropriate housing services and platforms to help you find a place to live in Magdeburg. You can also explore resources from the Studentenwerk Magdeburg.

Visa

Can the PACS programme help me with my visa application?

The PACS programme does not have any direct influence over embassies or diplomatic missions. Support in visa-related matters is very limited and cannot guarantee a successful or expedited application. We strongly recommend that admitted students begin the visa process as early as possible and follow the instructions provided by the German embassy or consulate in their country.

Final Note for Admitted Students

If you are admitted to the PACS programme, please know that you won’t be alone. Our dedicated student assistants will be there to support you with everything you need during your stay in Germany — from settling in to navigating daily life and academic requirements. We're excited to welcome you to Magdeburg!

Important: questions that concern the study programme itself and are not answered on our website or in the FAQs can be sent to . Please be aware that Emails that contain answered questions on our website will most probably be disregarded. In case you have not received an answer to your inquiry within one week please revisit our website and check the information again.

Please contact the Head of the Programme only if you cannot find an answer to your question below, in the FAQs of the student's office or after you have asked the PACS tutors (mail to: ).

FAQs

General Questions about the Programme

Admission and Application

Master Thesis

Career Prospects

Accommodation

Visa

General Questions about the Programme

Application Procedure

Master Thesis

Thesis Supervision

Thesis Registration and Submission

Career Prospects

Accommodation

Visa

Final Note for Admitted Students