Program Overview

National and International Administration and Policy Master's Program

The University of Potsdam offers a unique English-language Master's degree program in National and International Administration and Policy. This program provides students with an exceptional opportunity to study Public Administration and Public Policy from an international perspective.

Program Overview

• Name: National and International Administration and Policy
• Degree: Master of Arts (if applicable: Ph.D.)
• Standard period of study: 4 semesters
• Credit points: 120
• Language of instruction: English
• Start of program (1st semester): Summer and winter semester
• Campus: Griebnitzsee
• Fees & Charges: Semester fees and charges: yes, Tuition fees: no

Program Content

During their studies, students will engage with core topics in political and administrative science research from an international and comparative perspective. The focus is on empirical projects in the areas of administration, public policy, management, and governance using qualitative and quantitative methods and drawing on subject-specific theoretical knowledge.

Course Objective and Future Career Options

The Master's program has an academic as well as a professional orientation. In the Fast-Track-Doctoral Stream, students have the opportunity to work towards a doctoral dissertation. Graduates will encounter a broad range of professional opportunities, including universities, research institutions, administration, parties, social interest groups, non-governmental organizations, or the media.

Prerequisites for Admission

Generally, a prerequisite for admission to the Master's program is having the first professional academic degree, e.g., a Bachelor's degree, in a subject relevant to the Master's program. Students should have acquired knowledge in the core areas of political/administrative science as well as in social science methodology. Because this is an English-language program, students are also expected to have very good proficiency in the English language (at least level C1) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Applicants must provide evidence of German language skills at least at level A2 (CEFR).

Program Structure

The program consists of 120 Credit Points, completed over four semesters. The structure includes:

• Foundation Modules: 36 CP, covering National and Comparative Public Administration, Government, Governance and Organization, and Public Policy.
• Specialization Modules: 42 CP, including elective modules such as Political Science, Public Management and Electronic Government, and Law and Administration.
• Research and Methods: 18 CP, focusing on research designs and social science methods.
• Complementary Courses: 12 CP, allowing students to set their own focus.
• Master's Thesis, Colloquium & Disputation: 30 CP.

Advantages

The program offers a unique opportunity to earn a completely English-language Master's degree in Public Administration/Policy, a strong international orientation, and an excellent reputation and expertise of the faculty. It is located in an attractive academic environment, close to government and administrative institutions at all levels, with an excellent international network and a high density of research institutions.

Application and Admission

For detailed information on the application and admission process, including program-specific admission requirements, students should refer to the official university resources. The program provides an opportunity for part-time study and prepares students for a doctoral dissertation within the Fast-Track-Doctoral Stream.