The academic cycle follows the same rhythm every year, so the deadlines below apply whichever intake you belong to. Exact calendar dates for a given academic year are announced by the Institute.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Last week of August | Orientation programme for international students; academic year begins |
| September – January | Autumn semester |
| February – June | Spring semester |
| Mid-June | Graduation ceremonies (precise date announced in early spring) |
| Semester | Focus |
|---|---|
| First | Focus on Scientific Methods and Core Competencies modules; preliminary thesis prospectus as part of Social Science Methodology |
| Second | Remaining mandatory courses; specialisation courses; begin approaching potential supervisors |
| Third | Semester abroad or internship, if you choose one; formal thesis prospectus due |
| Fourth | Writing and defending the MA thesis |
| Deadline | What is due |
|---|---|
| 1 November (third semester) | Formal approx. 4-page thesis prospectus. |
| 1 November (third semester) | If you intend to extend and write your thesis in a fifth semester, you must inform the Programme Director by this date. |
| 1 April | Prospectus deadline for students who have extended their studies. Their defence then takes place in the autumn term (the following January). |
| May (fourth semester) | Thesis submission. |
| End of May / beginning of June | Thesis defence. |
These are not listed in this guide because they change annually. Follow the links for the current version:
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