Master's Programme in Political Science

The programme aims to provide advanced knowledge and analytical competence in political science, necessary to analyze and understand societal and political issues. The programme is based on a research-oriented approach. It comprises critical reading and discussion of scholarly literature, analysis, independent writing, as well as oral presentation and discussion of one's own and others' work. The programme places particular emphasis on problem formulation and problem solving; the ability to make methodological choices and apply them; critical evaluation; and the ability to produce and present high-quality research reports and analyses. The programme equips students with the knowledge and skills required for qualified professional careers in politics, public administration, civil society, the private sector, as well as for doctoral studies.

Eligible for the programme is the one who has

• a Bachelor's degree of 180 credits, or equivalent
• at least 60 credits in the main field of political science (of which at least 30 credits from in-depth course), or equivalent.
• English proficiency equivalent of English 6 or English level 2, or equivalent. 

Any other entry requirements are documented in the respective course syllabus.

The programme leads to a Degree of Master of Science in Political Sciences (120 credits) with a major in Political Science (Politices masterexamen med huvudområdet statsvetenskap).

Every student takes one compulsory core course in political science, one compulsory course in research design, two to three elective in-depth courses in political science, one research method course in political science, and a final compulsory master's thesis in political science. In addition, students have the opportunity to take a course providing specialization in research methods, as well as to complete an internship for either a full semester or a half semester.

The programme is a full-time study programme.

Programme overview

Semester 1

Module 1

SK2122 Introduction to Political Science Analysis, 7.5 credits

and

SK2302 Reseach design in Political Science, 7.5 credits

Module 2

SK2301 Advanced Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences, 15 credits

or

SF2324 Introduction to Applied Research Design and Quantitative Reseach Methods for Social Scientists, 15 credits

Semester 2

Module 1

SK2212 The Quality of Government in a Comparative Perspective, 15 credits

or

SF2222 Citizens, Politicians and the Media: Evaluating Democratic Processes, 15 credits

Module 2

SK2221 Environmental Politics and Institutions, 15 credits

or

SK2222 Varieties of Democracy and Democratization, 15 credits

Semester 3

Module 1 and 2

SK2420 Internship, 30 credits

or

Studies abroad, 30 credits

or

Module 1

EU2210 European Environment and Energy, 15 credits

or

SK2211 The Performance of Democracies, 15 credits

or

SK2412 Internship, 15 credits

Module 2

SK2303 Methodological specializaion, 15 credits

or

SK2412 Internship, 15 credits

Semester 4

SK2532 Master thesis, 30 credits

For more information about each course, see course syllabus.

MAPS Double Degree- University of Konstanz

Eligible for the programme is the one who has

• a Bachelor's degree of 180 credits, or equivalent.
• at least 60 credits in the main field of political science (of which at least 30 credits from in-depth courses), or equivalent. 
• English proficiency equivalent of English 6 or English level 2, or eqivalent. 

Students admitted to the double degree programme via the University of Konstanz fulfill the English language proficiency requirement at the University of Gothenburg after completing the first year in Konstanz.

Any other entry requirements are documented in the respective course syllabus.

Higher education qualification and main field of study

A student who has sucessfully completed the programme is, upon request, awarded the Degree of Master of Science in Political Science (120 credits) with a major in Political Science from the University of Gothenburg and a Master of Arts in Politics and Public Administration from the University of Konstanz.

Content

The Department of Political Science at the University of Gothenburg and the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Konstanz have agreed on a double degree collaboration at the Master´s level. The first year of study takes place in Konstanz and the second year in Gothenburg, in accordance with the programme syllabus and course syllabi of the respective parties.

Within the main field of study, each student completes 14 credits of core courses, 29 credits of in-depth courses, 18 credits of method courses, and a 30-credit Master's thesis. In addition to the main field of study, each student completes 7-22 credits of core courses and 7 credits of in-depth courses. Furthermore, the programme includes the option of a 15-credit internship.

The programme is a full-time study programme.

For more information about each course, see course syllabus.

Programme overview Double Degree with University of Konstanz

Semester 1 at the University of Konstanz

Research design I, 9 credits (method course)

and

Basic seminar Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, 7 credits (core course)

and

Basic seminar International Administration and Conflict Management, 7 credits (core course)

or

Basic seminar International Relations and European Integration, 7 credits (core course)

and

Elective core course within the main field of study Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, 7 credits

Semester 2 at the University of Konstanz

Research design II, 9 credits (method course)

and

Elective in-depth course within the main field of study Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, 7 credits

and

Elective in-depth course within the main field of study Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, 7 credits

and 

Elective in-depth course in another field of study*, 7 credits

Semester 3 at the University of Gothenburg

Module 1

SK2211 Performance of Democracy, 15 credits

or

SK2412 Internship**, 15 credits

Module 2

AG2120 International Administration and Policy, 15 credits

or

SK2412 Internship**, 15 credits

Semester 4 at the University of Gothenburg

SK2532 Master thesis, 30 credits

*The fields of study include: International Administration, Conflict Management, European Integration, International Relations, and Management and Public Administration.

**Double degree students may complete a maximum of 15 credits internship.

Other information

With regard to the objectives, intended learning outcomes, and guaranteed admission, the same provisions apply as in the regular programme syllabus above.

The programme is taught in English.

The optional internship may take place at a location other than Gothenburg.

Students will be required to pay their own expenses related to the optional internship.

The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet (Policy for the Quality assurance and Quality Development of Edcation at the University of Gothenburg (GU 2022/2839).

For courses offered in Konstanz, the University of Konstanz is responsible for quality assurance.

After completing the programme the student should achieve the applicable outcomes for the relevant education cycle contained in the Swedish Higher Education Act (Swedish Code of Statutes- SFS 1992:1434) together with the relevant higher education qualification contained in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (Swedish Code of Statutes- SFS 1993:100, Qualifications Ordinance, Appendix 2).

Local outcomes

Furthermore, the student should achieve the following outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding

Have in-depth knowledge of central concepts in political science.

Have in-depth knowledge of the most important theories in political science.

Have in-depth knowledge of the main methods and research designs used in political science.

Have comprehensive knowledge of the core areas of political science.

Competence and skills

Demonstrate advanced ability for critical evaluation of scholarly literature.

Demonstrate advanced ability to independently produce and present research reports.

Demonstrate advanced ability to apply methods and critically evaluate the choice of research design and methods.

Judgement and approach

Demonstrate in-depth ability to assess political and societal issues from multiple perspectives.

Demonstrate in-depth ability to assess choices of research design and methods.

None.

• The programme is taught in English. 
• The optional internship may take place at a location other than Gothenburg. 
• Students will be required to pay their own expences related to the optional internship. 
• The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet (Policy for the Quality assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg) (GU 2022/2839).

Students admitted to the programme have general guaranteed admission to all compulsory courses within the programme provided that they 1) apply according to assigned administrative procedures, and 2) have completed the prerequisite courses. Students admitted to the programme have limited guaranteed admission to the elective courses within the programme under the same conditions as above.