The Global Studies Peace and Security in Africa is an innovative interdisciplinary Master and PhD programme jointly established by the University of Leipzig, Germany, and Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. Our focus is on peace and security in Africa, and we offer specialised academic knowledge in peacebuilding, conflict analysis and - management, the socio-political and economic dynamics related to peace and conflict scenarios. They are examined within the broader research field of Global studies, hence focusing on how these dynamics unfold in a globalised context.
Since 2012, over 120 students have enrolled in the GSPSA program, including 33 at the PhD level.
Beyond graduation
At GSPSA, your journey does not end at graduation. We are dedicated to supporting our Alumni as they embark on their professional paths. We highly value the network, the set of shared experiences, the knowledge, skills and competences developed during your studies, and we are committed to helping you leverage these assets in your career and further strengthen and develop those skills that are relevant for the job market.
The outcomes from our most recent alumni survey (Spring 2024) confirms that the program is highly professionalising and allows our graduates to find employment in related fields, including in academia, within few months after graduation. This is a powerful testament of the effectiveness and quality of the education we provide. Please find out more about the survey here.
Building on these promising and positive results, we are committed to continuously improving our support for the Alumni, to bring further the expertise, knowledge and network acquired.
Here are some of the activities and initiatives we offer:
Published three to four times a year, our newsletter provides updates about the programme, selected job and study opportunities, relevant materials for your continued learning, and other interesting and useful information.
We are creating a showcase of our alumni and their career journeys after completing the programme. We are proud to celebrate your achievements! You can meet our Alumni here.
We aim to strengthen the connections between current and former students, as we strongly believe in maintaining and supporting a network of shared knowledge and expertise that is passed by and flows among the GSPSA community.
Initiatives include, among others: forming buddy systems on a voluntary basis, between first-year students and second-year students, and/or available alumni; to opportunities for the alumni to share their experiences at selected activities of the GSPSA, such as colloquia, summer schools, and other related events.
Based on alumni feedback, we are organising more reunions and networking occasions, to maintain contacts, both personal and professional, with peers and relevant actors and stakeholders in the field. If you wish to find out more about the previous networking events here.
We are organising events focused on professional growth and networking, such as workshops and webinars. Find out more on this page.
The Alumni Conference in Dakar, 2018
Our largest alumni event took place in 2018 in Dakar, Senegal, when we organised the 5-day Alumni conference. It was an incredible occasion, in which we brought together graduates and representatives of the institutions and universities involved for networking, knowledge and practice exchange, and professional development.
We engaged in roundtables and panel discussions about a variety of key issues from the field of study about peace and security in Africa: from religious extremism, to terrorism; from discussing innovative ways for solving transregional conflicts to the possibilities and limits of crossborder practices; from women empowerment in peace and security, to the role and impact of universities in producing knowledge about peace and security in Africa.
Stay connected!
As we continue to expand and enrich our Alumni offerings, we encourage you to stay tuned by following our webpage and subscribing to our upcoming newsletter. This will ensure you are always informed about our latest activities, events, and opportunities designed for you.
We are committed to your success, both during your studies and after graduation. Stay connected, get involved, and make the most of the GPSPSA Alumni community!