Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master's degree programme in Political Science is designed for graduates of a Bachelor's degree programme in Political Science who wish to pursue more advanced studies within a strongly research-oriented environment. The focus of the Master's degree programme is on the theory-driven empirical analysis of democracies and governmental activity within a variety of political systems, as well as the comparative analysis of differing political systems, foreign policy, institutions, conflicts, and international regulatory policy.

Facts and Formalities

• Degree: Master of Arts
• Type of programme: Consecutive
• Start of programme: Winter and summer semester
• Standard period of study: 4 semesters
• Language(s) of instruction: German and English
• Fees and contributions: 161.10 € / Semester
• Application procedure: Consecutive master’s programmes with access restriction
• Application deadlines: Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.
• May be studied as a minor subject: Yes

Course Content

The Master's degree programme reflects the research focus and core competencies of the Institute for Political Science, in particular, the comparative analysis of political systems in general, and, specifically, of democracy and research on governmental activity, as well as conflict research and analysis of institutes. It provides students, through their choice of the modules offered, with the opportunity to establish specialisations, allowing them to develop their own individual academic profiles. Students will also actively participate in ongoing research activities, gaining insight into current political science research debates.

Course Structure

The degree programme is divided into:

• Compulsory elective modules that provide an in-depth study of political science (four of the six modules must be chosen)
• A research seminar, followed by a one-semester research internship that is held during the course of study and is intended to broaden theoretical and methodical knowledge as well as to involve students in ongoing research projects
• Final oral examination
• Master’s colloquium, and
• Master's thesis

Additional Degrees

• Bachelor 25%
• Bachelor 50%
• Bachelor 75%
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)