MPSA FAQ’s
The full MPSA FAQ’S document Download here
General questions
Who is the target audience for the Executive Master’s Programme in Managing Peace and Security in Africa?
Our principal focus is the capacity and professional development of middle to senior level personnel working in the areas of peace and security from institutions such as the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs), multilateral institutions, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, Member States of the African Union and international participants.
I don’t speak English. Can I participate?
The language of instruction is English and proficient competency is required for enrollment. It is also the lingua franca of Addis Ababa University.
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants need to complete an online application form (available on https://ipss-addis.org/what-we-do/academic-programmes/executive-masters-mpsa/), attach a CV, letter of motivation, letter of consent from your employer, and copies of your academic credentials (transcripts and certificates).
Do I need a Bachelor’s degree to apply?
Yes. To be accepted into the programme, applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
When does the academic intake start?
A new MPSA cohort begins in October of each year.
When are applications launched?
The call for applications is launched between February and March each year with the application period lasting for three and a half months.
I am self-employed. Can I apply?
Yes, if your work is related to peace and security in Africa and if you have at least five years of experience you are eligible to apply for the programme.
I don’t have five years of experience on peace and security. Can I still apply?
While each application is examined on its own merits, applicants should have experience with regional/international organizations, or NGOs that work on peace and security in Africa.
Can I apply if I am not a national of an African country?
Yes. International applicants are encouraged to apply, more so if they are working in the area of peace and security.
Does IPSS provide tuition scholarships?
Yes, IPSS provides tuition support to a maximum of four admitted candidates. Tuition support is granted on the basis of merit, need and in particular, if participants are coming from Regional Economic Communities (RECs). However, all other administrative fees (application, registration, costs related to graduation and certification) are the responsibility of the participant.
Who are IPSS’ partners?
IPSS works with a number of partners (full list), and receives significant support from the African Union Commission (AUC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and with the Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
Who conducts the learning process?
There are no lecturers per se for this programme. Rather, we have facilitators/Module Owners who lead the teaching-learning process throughout the course. Senior and high-level experts and practitioners, university professors and other specialists of high international reputation lead the learning processes.
Is the Programme fully accredited?
The Executive MA in Managing Peace and Security in Africa is a graduate programme fully accredited by Addis Ababa University. The programme is also accredited by ACQUIN (Accrediterungs, Certifizierungs- und Qualitätssicherungs Institut), the Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute based in Germany, making it one of the exceptionally few academic programmes certified by an European accreditation agency.
Do we have access to the IPSS library?
Yes. You can borrow two books at a time for a period of two weeks, renewable afterwards.
How many credit hours does the Programme consist of?
It consists of a total of 32 credit hours or 91.75 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
How many sessions are there?
The programme is structured in six sessions: five face-to-face sessions (2 weeks each) and a one-month online session stretching over 12 months. This is followed by a four-month period during which participants are required to complete a research paper (long essay). The in-person part of the programme is hosted at IPSS and the distance course are carried out online.
Logistical questions
How much are the tuition fees?
For information on the current tuition rates and fees, please contact Rediat Mesfin (rediat.m@ipss-addis.org) or Mahlet Fitiwi (mahlet.f@ipss-addis.org)
Where can I change my money?
Applicants must pay for the Programme registration and application fees in USD (only for non-Ethiopian nationals). You can change your money at the bank, at the airport or your hotel.
Who will take care of my visa?
We send visa request letters to applicants who should make their own visa arrangements. We can also facilitate visa on arrival if there is no Ethiopian Embassy in the country of residence.
Where can I get a SIM card from?
SIM cards cost about 1 USD and can be obtained from any Ethio Telecom office. You are required to provide two photos and a copy of your passport.
Are there days off during the sessions?
Each two-week session begins on a Sunday. There is one Sunday off at the end of the first week and the session closes on the Friday of the second week. For special circumstances or professional obligations only, the facilitator and participant can agree on a plan to make up for any missed days.
I have special diet requests (vegetarian, Halal, etc.). Can I get meals accordingly?
Yes. Kindly specify your preferences in your confirmation letter.
I’m not a sponsored participant. Will you help me find accommodation?
Yes, we will provide necessary tips and information if you let us know ahead of time.
Should I bring my yellow fever vaccination card?
Yes.