Study Programme
Master of Arts (M. A.) "Security Studies" – Executive Summary

The objective of the Master of Arts (M. A.) study programme “Security Studies” is to prepare the students for professional life by providing a relevant field scientific background and offering a professionally qualifying degree. After graduation the students will be ready to take line positions on all levels of management or administration in different fields, or to work as free lancers. The programme is geared to the model of a “moderately specialised all-rounder” and is based on imparting and developing scientific and methodical basics in all functional areas of the respective field and all associated subject areas.

The intended learning outcomes of the programme concerning the standards and criteria as well as the level and orientation corresponds fully with the following requirements: To gain general competencies, such as the capacity for logical thought and reasoning, the ability to acquire and process information, the ability for critical reflection and project-based work, creativity, the ability to perform supervision tasks, the ability to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions, and a positive attitude towards life-long learning, is guaranteed by the programme. General professional competencies, like the ability to work together as part of a team, a solution oriented attitude in the sense of being able to define and analyse independently complex problematic situations in professional practice, and the ability to develop and apply effective strategies to solve them, as well as to develop a sense of social responsibility in connection with the professional practice, will be achieved while studying the programme. Specific professional competencies at the level of a newly qualified professional additionally will be gained by the students.

The proposed programme is a professionally oriented master programme with 120 ECTS points in English language. The Master's programme offers possibilities to chose or specialise. Upon successful completion of the examinations the academic degree "Master of Arts" (M. A.) is awarded.

The Master programme has a total duration of four terms (semesters, with 30 ECTS points each) and is completely modularised in its structure. It is formally divided into the following units: The first term offers respective basic courses and is mainly focused on the basic parameters, functional aspects and relevant topics of the specific field. In the second and third term the specialisations are offered, in each case with a strong international orientation. The fourth term is dedicated to the Master thesis.

In each term five modules to 6 ECTS points each are to be completed. In the third term the students are to write a Master's thesis (24 ECTS points). The programme consists of compulsory modules, which are, in accordance with the objective to train generalists, designed to provide a broad basis of professional knowledge.

6 ETCS points per module, 30 ETCS points per semester, 24 ETCS points Master Thesis, 120 ETCS points total.
Each specialisation consists of 5 modules of 6 ETCS; two specialisations have to be chosen.

The institution, as a fully oriented distance education institution, is acting internationally with various partners in different countries. It has a very innovative character and is a novelty in the world of higher education. Different international locations are involved in offering the programme.

Since research is also part of the duties of higher education institutions, (applied) research is also included in the possible means of knowledge development for this professionally oriented master programme. Thus, the exchange between teaching and research has been added to the criteria for the programme as well.
It is possible, to study the programme both on a full-time and a part-time basis. As the different modes of provision make equally different demands a number of requirements for quality, the consistency of the curriculum, the tutoring, the qualified staff and the admission requirements are ensuring, that the quality is provided for each mode of provision.

The workload of the programme meets the legal requirements.

The structure and contents of the intended curriculum are in line with the qualifications of the incoming students for master programmes. Predefined conditions are set by the institution for individuals, who do not meet the stated requirements.

The educational process, the student counselling, learning assessment, and evaluation and testing are regulated detailed.

The total teaching staff of the institution, i.e. currently 39 professors, associate professors, assistant professors and lecturers involved in the programme are qualified by definition of the generally acknowledged quality assurance procedure for higher education in various countries. They are actively in charge there, with long lasting professional experience. They have successfully completed the different levels of qualification (Bachelor, Licentiate Degree, Master, PhD and postdoctoral qualification) and are appointed on this basis. Furthermore they have distinguished themselves internationally in their respective fields of expertise through research work and scientific publications, and have, in co-operation with companies and other organisations, proved their competence in the practical context.