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The current world order faces unprecedented challenges. Climate change, mass migrations, and the meteoric rise of digital technologies demand global solutions. Balancing national interests with conflict prevention necessitates constant negotiation, debate, and strategic manoeuvring between international organisations, governments, civil society, and private players.
An advanced qualification in Politics and International Relations offers a powerful launchpad for those seeking to shape how governments address these crucial global issues. This programme explores the interconnectedness of our world, examining how collective decisions impact global culture, society, and the economy.
This is what Marlon Stämmler sought in a graduate programme. “I always pondered the big questions: Why are things how they are today? What influences global policymaking? How can I participate in shaping the future?”
His pursuit for answers led him to Zeppelin University (ZU), located in Friedrichshafen, one of the most important German towns on Lake Constance. Founded in 2003, this private university may be relatively new but has built a reputation for excellent education, mirrored by top rankings.
This commitment to quality is evident in its two-year Master of Arts programme in International Relations & Global Politics (IRGP). Here, students obtain the tools they need to navigate the complexities of their future careers. They explore critical issues like security policy, war and peace, development strategies, and environmental and climate change policies. Whilst gaining insights into the influence of non-state actors, they hone the specialist skills and knowledge essential for crafting successful and enduring models of international cooperation.
Zeppelin empowers students by placing them in decision-making roles like student vice president and senator. Source: Zeppelin University
The IRGP programme offers three distinct advantages
Recognising that real-world challenges can rarely be solved by a single academic discipline, the MA merges several disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of global affairs. It fuses politics, economics, law, public administration, psychology, and sociology, offering a holistic view of international relations. Students can further personalise their learning by taking up to two courses from other ZU programmes.
Delivered entirely in English, the MA gives students the flexibility to shape their learning experience. Beyond five core courses, students can curate their curriculum from a diverse pool of electives. This ensures a programme that caters to individual interests and career aspirations — something Stämmler can attest to. “The curriculum of IRGP offers solid and interesting base lectures,” he says. “Electives vary each semester and offer a good selection of relevant topics. My favourite courses are the so-called ‘Selective Topics.’ The contents of these courses are determined jointly by the lecturers and students before each semester.”
Another student, Navin Narang, agrees. “The programme was structured in a way that allowed me to freely explore the avenues of International Relations that interest me the most,” he says.
With a one-to-eight faculty-to-student ratio, IRGP students often cite the advantages of discussing global issues in small classrooms and forging lasting bonds with peers and professors alike. “ZU is a rather small but all the more homely university,” says Stämmler. “The faces you see daily are familiar and you will experience closer bonds with students, lecturers, and staff than bigger institutions. We also have many initiatives with great events where everyone can connect and participate in uni life.”
Further distinguishing ZU is its unique “Teaching Agreement,” which allows professors and students to discuss and determine course assessment criteria. It’s a practice that brings faculty and students closer still. “Most of my professors are very easily approachable and available through the mail, and I receive a reply in two days or less,” says Arushi Chakravarty. “For instance, my professor approved my research proposal over Easter weekend on a public holiday which is commendable.”
Thanks to the small class sizes, students benefit from the keen attention of approachable, friendly lecturers. Source: Zeppelin University
Career guidance and internship opportunities
Career preparation is another key focus at ZU. The university’s talent centre provides career guidance and internship opportunities. These pair well with the opportunities that come about from partnerships with prominent organisations like the Federal Foreign Office, the United Nations, and leading European institutions. Over at the Student Project Office, there are events featuring renowned speakers who offer insights into current trends and challenges in the field of IR.
These events enliven the future of students as well as ZU’s two campuses — the Seemooser Horn site on the waterfront of Lake Constance, which has its own lake access, and the ZF campus, which has modern architecture. ZU is located in the border triangle of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, about 200 miles from Munich and around the same distance from Stuttgart, where Porsche and Mercedes-Benz still have their headquarters.
“Friedrichshafen is the perfect blend of scenic beauty, friendly locals, and convenient amenities,” says Chakravarty. “It’s truly one of the best places I’ve ever lived.”
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