Master's Program in Political Science
Summary
The Master's Program in Political Science (MaPS) is a two-year program taught in English, leading to a Degree of Master of Science in Political Science. The program provides you with advanced knowledge and analytical skills to analyze and address societal and political problems from a political science perspective and with a research-oriented approach. You are trained in critical assessment, research design, and advanced quantitative methods – skills in high demand for qualified professional roles in politics, public administration, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. The degree also qualifies you for doctoral studies.
About
The program prepares you for highly qualified professional roles in which the analysis of politics and societal issues is central. Our graduates include diplomats, researchers, political advisors, consultants, project managers, policy officers, analysts, and case officers.
Program structure and content
The program combines lectures, seminar discussions, and oral presentations with literature studies and independent work. You conduct your own analyses and research projects and are trained to formulate and solve problems, apply and critically assess advanced research methods, and present analyses both orally and in writing.
The first semester begins with a course in research design, taken in parallel with an in-depth course in comparative politics. The second part of the semester is devoted to the study of quantitative methods.
In the second semester, you continue to specialize in sub-disciplines of political science. You take a course in political behavior and one in public administration during the first part of the semester. The second half of the semester is devoted to an advanced seminar course in political science, where you take two seminars and choose themes from a range of options closely linked to the Department's research, such as democracy, the environment, or state capacity. The exact themes on offer may vary from year to year.
The third semester offers a great deal of flexibility. You can take further seminar courses, complete a full-semester internship, or combine a half-semester internship with coursework. You can also study abroad as an exchange student. If you take seminar courses, you can, for example, specialize in themes within international and comparative politics or pursue further methodological specialization through a dedicated course.
The fourth semester is devoted to your master’s thesis, where you apply the skills you have acquired throughout the program. Under the supervision of leading researchers, you plan and carry out an independent research study.
Overall, the program equips you with knowledge and skills that are valuable in highly qualified professional roles across the public sector, the private sector, and civil society. The degree also qualifies you for doctoral studies in political science.
The program provides advanced study and specialization in political science and is closely connected to current research. You are taught by researchers at one of Europe’s leading departments of political science, and the program combines courses in different sub-disciplines of political science with courses in research design and methods. You will also have the opportunity to specialize in specific thematic areas and methods closely linked to the department’s research, as well as to complete an internship.
Courses in the program
Here you can see which courses are included in the program: Program Overview Master's Program in Political Science (MaPS)
Study for a year in Germany and earn two degrees
The Master’s Program in Political Science offers a double-degree option, allowing you to earn degrees from two universities. You will spend your first year at the University of Konstanz in Germany and your second year at the University of Gothenburg.
Read more about the option: Master's Programme in Political Science, Double Degree Option with University of Konstanz
Who should apply?
Our program attracts ambitious students with a strong interest in rigorous, research-based analysis of political and societal issues. Whether you are drawn to working with quantitative data, want to specialize in a particular policy area, or are considering doctoral studies, the program's mix of required and elective courses allows you to shape your own path.
The optional internship also makes it a strong choice if you want to combine academic depth with hands-on professional experience. The program is well suited to students who enjoy engaging critically with research, discussing ideas in seminars, and developing their own analyses through independent work.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Eligible for the program is the one who has:
- A Bachelor's degree (180 credits) or equivalent.
- At least 60 credits in political science, or equivalent.
- At least 5 credits in quantitative methods or statistics at first-cycle level, or equivalent.
- A minimum grade of Pass in English 6 or English level 2, or equivalent.
Any other entry requirements are documented in the respective course syllabus.
Students admitted to the double degree program via the University of Konstanz fulfil the requirement for proficiency in English, as well as the requirement of at least 5 credits in quantitative methods or statistics, at the University of Gothenburg after completing the first year in Konstanz.
Special instructions for application
For more information about the entry requirements and selection criteria, follow the link below. Please note that your application must include a Statement of Intent. For requirements for this document, see the link below.
More information about Special instructions for application
Selection
The selection is based on average grades from the Bachelor’s degree and submitted Statement of intent (use the assigned form). These shall be uploaded on www.universityadmissions.se no later than February 2 (if you apply in the first admission round) and May 2 (if you apply in the second admission round).
After graduation
Graduates of the program are awarded a Degree of Master of Science in Political Science (120 credits) with a Major in Political Science. The degree provides a strong foundation for a career in advanced professional roles and qualifies you to apply for doctoral studies in political science.
Facilities
You will study at Campus Haga, right in the center of Gothenburg.
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
During your studies, you have the opportunity to spend one semester abroad. We have several exchange agreements with universities in various parts of the world. Start planning your exchange studies early so that you are aware of application deadlines and when you will be able to go.
More information about exchange opportunities
Internship
An internship prepares you for your future career. You gain perspectives, skills, and contacts that will be valuable when it is time to look for a job. On the Student Portal, you can find detailed information about internships and the rules that apply to internship placements at the Department of Political Science.
You are responsible for finding and applying for an internship yourself, but it must be approved before you begin. One requirement is that the internship involves substantive tasks requiring independent analytical work, allowing you to put into practice the knowledge and skills you have gained during your studies. Common internship placements include embassies, government agencies, consultancy firms, and international institutions and organizations such as the EU and the UN.
