Political Science
Political Science (M.A.)
In the master’s program in political science, you can expect a first-class academic education with a focus on research. You will study a wide range of topics such as political philosophy, comparison of political systems, international relations, and the German political system. The program also offers exciting courses on topics such as politics in non-European regions, human rights, and international political economy. Some modules are even taught in English. Launch your career in the world of political science with this comprehensive master’s program.
- Degree
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Duration of studies in semester
- 4
- Start of degree program
- Summer semester, Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 1-50
- Subject group
- Language and Cultural Studies
- Special ways to study
- Part-time degree program
- Teaching language
- German and English
- Admission Requirements
- Qualification assessment
What is the degree program about?
The Master’s program in Political Science focuses on academic research and covers the entire breadth of the subject: “Political Philosophy, Political Theory and History of Ideas”, “Analysis and Comparison of Political Systems”, “The Political System of the Federal Republic of Germany”, and “International Relations”. What sets the Master’s program at FAU apart is its additional focus on “Politics in Non-European Regions” (Middle East, Southeast Asia, Regional Studies), “Human Rights and Human Rights Policy” and “International Political Economy”. Depending on the topic, some of the modules are offered in English.
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This Master’s program builds on the Bachelor’s program in Political Science as a first or second subject.
It comprises 4 semesters and 120 ECTS, distributed over:
- Specialized studies in Political Science in 6 modules (60 ECTS).
- One compulsory module each in Methodology and International Political Economy (20 ECTS)
- Free supplementary studies (10 ECTS )
- Master’s thesis in Political Science (30 ECTS)
The Master’s program in Political Science is offered with a focus on Public Law. The cooperation between the Department of Political Science and the Department of Law has proven to be successful. More information can be found on the homepage of the Faculty of Law and Economics.
In addition, the Master’s program in Political Science is offered with a focus on digitalization and social change. Admission requirements for this are 30 ECTS points in the area of Digital Humanities and Social Sciences or Digital Transformation.
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- Qualification assessment
- Application deadline winter semester
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15.07.
- Application deadline summer semester
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15.01.
- Content-related admission requirements
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- Students are admitted to the MA program “Political Science” if they have achieved at least the grade “good” (2.50 or better) in a successfully completed Bachelor’s program with Political Science as their first or second subject.
- This also applies to applicants from other universities who have obtained a BA degree in or with the subject Political Science there, whereby the acquisition of at least 70 ECTS in this subject is generally required.
- A further admission requirement for all applicants is proof of English language skills at the level of C 1 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (usually verified by “UNICERT III” or TOEFL iBT). Upon justified request, English can be replaced by proof of equivalent knowledge in another science-relevant language. Students who are not yet able to provide this proof prior to commencing their studies may be admitted on the condition that the relevant proof is provided by the beginning of the third semester at the latest.
- Graduates of other courses of study (BA degree or state examination) can be admitted if they have achieved at least the final grade “good” and the course of study dealt to a considerable extent with problems relevant to political science. The admission decision is made by the admission committee on the basis of an aptitude interview.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 or equivalent
- General language skills
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DSH 2 & English C1 (proof: at the latest at the beginning of the 3rd semester)
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.