Program Overview

Master’s Program in Political Science

The two-year master's program in Political Science is a research-oriented master's program during which students advance their methodological competencies in data analysis. Students can specialize and apply their analytical skills in a broad range of areas including international politics, comparative politics, political economy, European societies and politics, and formal and quantitative methods.

Program Facts and Information

• Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Standard period of study: 4 semesters (=2 years)
• ECTS credits: 120
• Language of instruction: English
• Language requirements: English; for further information on the required proof of language proficiency see Admission requirements and selection
• 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

The teaching in the master's program in Political Science (M.A.) is divided into modules which take place in the first three semesters: methods modules, basic modules in international politics, comparative politics and advanced methods as well as the equivalent research modules. In the second semester, one out of three research modules must be selected. They include three seminars or a lecture, the corresponding tutorial and two seminars.

During the fourth semester, students write their master's thesis and attend the colloquium.

Why Study Political Science at the University of Mannheim?

The University of Mannheim has one of the best political science departments in Germany. Numerous independent national and international rankings, such as the Times Higher Education Ranking or the CHE University Ranking (published by the German newspaper DIE ZEIT), have confirmed the good study conditions at the Department of Political Science in Mannheim and have repeatedly ranked it at the top.

The Department of Political Science’s reputation for its empirical-analytical research approach transcends national borders, and it is one of the leading research institutions in Europe. This academic environment provides excellent conditions for students to gain practical research experience, for example, by contributing to research projects or by working as a student assistant.

The University of Mannheim is part of a global network: Our ties to 450 partner universities all over the world not only impact life on campus, but also open numerous doors to those students who wish to go abroad. They can integrate a period of study abroad into their program without being set back in their studies. In cooperation with Bocconi University in Milan, students enrolled in the master's program in Political Science can even earn a double degree.

As all our master’s courses are taught in English, our students have what it takes to be successful on the world stage when they leave the university.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the master's program in Political Science are ideally positioned for jobs requiring the theoretically and analytically rigorous analysis of social problems. Examples of jobs of recent graduates include also careers outside of academia, in such diverse fields as management or policy consulting, market or media research, journalism, government, international organizations, and NGOs.

Our successful master's students are encouraged to continue their studies in the three-year doctoral program offered by the Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences, a step taken by a significant number of our graduates. Credits earned during the master's program count towards the doctorate requirements, thus reducing the time needed to complete the doctoral program.

Required Interests and Skills

Students of the master's program in Political Science should have:

• a very good level of English proficiency,
• pronounced interest in empirical-analytical research, including instance measurement, game theory, causal inference and software-based data analysis,
• analytical and critical thinking.

Program Structure

The teaching in the master's program in Political Science (M.A.) is divided into modules which take place in the first three semesters: methods modules, basic modules in international politics, comparative politics and advanced methods as well as the equivalent research modules. In the second semester, one out of three research modules must be selected. They include three seminars or a lecture, the corresponding tutorial and two seminars.

During the fourth semester, students write their master's thesis and attend the colloquium.

Continuing Education

• Certificate programs: Strengthen your potential, deepen your knowledge, find solutions for challenges we will face tomorrow – there are many good reasons to think outside the box, get to know and try out new things even during your studies.
• 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 – each semester, the University of Mannheim offers language courses and language certificates in more than 16 languages for students and non-university members, online and on campus.
• 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.

Doctorates

Successful graduates of the master’s program in Political Science are encouraged to apply for the doctoral program at the Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CDSS). Credits obtained during the master’s program can be counted towards the doctorate requirements, thus reducing the time needed to complete the doctoral program.

If you strive for an academic career at the Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CDSS), you can qualify for Associate Member status in the second year of your master’s program.

It is also possible to pursue a doctorate at a chair of the School of Social Sciences.

Admission Requirements and Selection

• Admission requirements:
  • Completion of a bachelor’s program in Political Science or a program recognized as equivalent, completed with a grade of “good” or better (equivalent to the German grade of 2.5) at a German higher education institution or abroad (also Berufsakademie) and corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or a standard period of study of at least three years
  • Good grades in the bachelor’s program (at least a grade of “good” or better, equivalent to the German grade of 2.5) in the field of methods of Empirical Social Research and Statistics
  • Proof of proficiency in English (may be submitted by 15 August)
• Selection criteria:
  • The final grade or – for students still completing their degree – the grade average of the bachelor’s program
  • Letter of motivation in English (500-word maximum)
  • Text sample in German or English (5000-word maximum)

Application

• Application deadline: The application deadline for fall semesters starts on 1 April and ends on 15 May.
• It is not possible to apply for the spring semester.