Master's Program in Political Science

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

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.

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

Every student takes one compulsory course in research design, one compulsory methods course in political science, three additional compulsory courses, one compulsory master's seminar course, and a compulsory master's thesis in political science. In addition, students have the opportunity to take a methodological specialization course and master's seminar courses, and to complete an internship for a full or half semester.

The program is offered on a full-time basis.

For more information about each course, see the respective course syllabus.

Program overview

Semester 1

Module 1

SK2304 Research Design in Political Science, 7.5 credits

and (in parallel)

SK2201 Advanced Comparative Politics, 7.5 credits

Module 2

SK2305 Advanced Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences, 15 credits

Semester 2

Module 1

SK2202 Advanced Political Behavior, 7.5 credits

and

SK2203 Advanced Public Administration, 7.5 credits

Module 2

SK2204 Selected Topics in Political Science, 15 credits

Semester 3 (Elective semester)

Modules 1 and 2

SK2420 Internship, 30 credits

or

Studies abroad, 30 credits

Module 1

SK2205 Advanced Topics in Political Science, 15 credits

or

SK2412 Internship, 15 credits

Module 2

SK2303 Methodological Specialization, 15 credits

or

SK2412 Internship, 15 credits

or

AG2202 Advanced Topics in International and Comparative Politics, 15 credits

Semester 4 (Thesis course)

SK2532 Master's Thesis in Political Science, 30 credits

MAPS Double Degree- Konstanz University

Degree and main field of study

A student who successfully completes the program 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, Specialisation Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, from the University of Konstanz.

Content and structure

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 Master's level. The first year of study takes place in Konstanz and the second year in Gothenburg, in accordance with the program syllabus and course syllabi of the respective parties.

Every student takes subject courses and methods courses and completes an independent degree project of 30 credits.

The program is offered on a full-time basis.

For more information about each course, see the respective course syllabus.

Program overview – Double Degree University of Konstanz

Semester 1 in Konstanz

Research design I, 9 credits (methods course)

and

Basic seminar: Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, 7 credits

and

Basic seminar: International Relations and European Integration, 7 credits

and

Elective course within the subject area of Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, 7 credits

Semester 2 in Konstanz

Research design II, 9 credits (methods course)

and

Elective course 1 within the subject area of Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, 7 credits

and

Elective course 2 within the subject area of Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, 7 credits

and

Elective course in another subject area*, 7 credits

Semester 3 in Gothenburg

Module 1

SK2205 Advanced Topics in Political Science, 15 credits

or

SK2412 Internship, 15 credits**

Module 2

SK2303 Methodological Specialization, 15 credits

or

AG2202 Advanced Topics in International and Comparative Politics, 15 credits

or

SK2412 Internship, 15 credits**

Semester 4 in Gothenburg

SK2532 Master's Thesis in Political Science, 30 credits

* The subject areas included are: Conflict Management, European Integration, International Relations, and Management and Public Administration.

** Double degree students from Konstanz may take a maximum of 15 credits of internship.

After completing the program, the student shall have achieved the objectives applicable to the relevant qualification set out in the Higher Education Ordinance (Swedish Code of Statutes – SFS 1993:100, Qualifications Ordinance, Appendix 2).

A student who began the program S2PSC no more than 4 years ago, or who has been registered on a course within the program S2PSC during the past 2 years, is offered a transition to the replacement program S2PSM, through admission to a later part of the program. This transitional provision applies to students who apply for admission to a later part of the program no later than 2030-01-20. Selection for admission to a later part of S2PSM is made on the basis of a specific order of priority. A transition to S2PSM may result in an extended period of study for the student.z

A student who began the program S2PSC more than 4 years ago, and who has not been registered on a course within the program S2PSC during the past 2 years, is referred to antagning.se/universityadmissions.se to apply to the replacement program S2PSM, compete for a place, and then (if admitted) apply for recognition of credit for completed parts of the discontinued program.

• The program is taught in English.
• The elective internship may take place at a location other than Gothenburg.
• Students will be required to pay their own expenses related to the elective internship.
• The program will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy for the Quality Assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg (Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet) (GU 2022/2839).
• For courses offered in Konstanz within the framework of the double degree, the University of Konstanz is responsible for quality assurance.
• With regard to the purpose, objectives, and guaranteed admission for the double degree with Konstanz, the same provisions apply as in the regular program syllabus above

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