Program Overview

Bachelor's Program in Political Science

The Bachelor's Program in Political Science at the University of Mannheim is a research-oriented program with an international focus. It is respected worldwide and has long held the top spot in international rankings.

Program Facts and Information

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
• Standard period of study: 6 semesters (= 3 years)
• ECTS credits: at least 180 (125 in core subject, approx. 55 in supplementary modules)
• Language of instruction: German, English
• Language requirements: A good level of English proficiency is required. You can prove your language proficiency if you have taken this subject in school or by taking a language test.
• Program start: Fall semester (September)
• School: School of Social Sciences
• Semester fee: EUR 194
• Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
• Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650

Program Overview

Political Science involves analyzing the role of institutions, organizations, and voters within society in preparing, agreeing, and implementing political decisions within democratic and undemocratic regimes. The program addresses questions of power, information, and fairness from both a general and a personal point of view.

The Bachelor's Program in Political Science at the University of Mannheim consists of a core subject and supplementary modules. The core subject gives students a solid foundation in the field, divided into introductory modules and advanced modules focusing on four areas: international relations, comparative politics, political sociology, and methods and statistics.

Why Study Political Science at the University of Mannheim?

The program is research-oriented with an international focus and is respected worldwide. It has long held the top spot in international rankings. Graduates of the program are able to take up a master's program in Political Science or a related field. By completing a career development module and a social skills module, students are also prepared to begin their professional career right after completing their studies.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates work, for example, as members of the German parliament, at the European Commission in Brussels, or at non-governmental organizations such as Terre des Femmes. Other opportunities are available in public relations, at local and national media outlets as well as interest groups, and in business.

Required Interests and Skills

Students of Political Science should:

• find science interesting
• have a very good level of English proficiency
• not be put off by numbers and reasoning
• enjoy working with critical texts and different points of view, and finding new approaches

Program Structure

• Module catalog: The module catalog gives you an overview of the courses and their content.
• Studying abroad: The University of Mannheim is well-connected internationally, and is partners with around 450 universities around the world. The International Office can help you to plan a semester of study abroad.
• Internships: The career development module gives students an insight into the career options available to political scientists. They build on this module by doing a twelve-week internship during a semester break.
• Sample course schedule: This is how your course schedule for the first semester could look like.

Continuing Education

• Certificate programs: Strengthen your potential, deepen your knowledge, find solutions for challenges we will face tomorrow.
• Language courses: Making language learning easier: No matter if you want to learn Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish or Norwegian, take the Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE), The European Language Certificates (telc) or the TOEFL test.
• Studium Generale: Are you interested in IT or communication trainings or theater, music, or drawing courses? Studium Generale has a vast range of courses available to all.

Further Study

Graduates of the program can take up a master's program in Political Science or a related field in Germany or abroad. Due to the thorough instruction in methods given during the program, graduates also have the opportunity to move directly onto a doctoral program and work towards a doctorate.

Application and Selection

At the University of Mannheim, a traditional numerus clausus (within the meaning of a minimum grade required for admission) does not exist. In our selection process, we take numerous criteria into account. For more details, please check the selection statutes. Be bold! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice. We are looking forward to receiving your application!

In our selection process for the Bachelor's Program in Political Science, we take the following criteria into account:

• the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification
• the grades achieved in Mathematics and English
• other achievements relevant to your application (such as experience in a federal, state or local public administration, public relations work for a political party, journalism, employment at a trade union, social organization, or church association)

German Language Proficiency

If you do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent school leaving certificate), you must prove German language proficiency at C1 level.

Selection Statutes

Under “Application and selection” we have compiled the most important selection criteria of the program for you. For more detailed explanations of the selection process and the legally binding requirements of the degree program, please refer to the selection statutes.

If the program of study is currently not selective, you will receive a study place if you fulfill all admission requirements and apply in due time and form.