Political Science
| Degree | Master of Arts |
| Application required | access-restricted |
| Study commences | winter semester / summer semester |
| Standard course duration | 4 semesters |
| Format options | full-time only |
| Language requirements | None |
| Language of instruction | German, English |
| Other features | postgraduate / consecutive |
Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences
Course outline
Political Science
Political science is the study of the organisation and functioning of political institutions, the agencies and processes operating between state and society, the complexion of governance as a function of state policy, and international relations. It discusses policy and politics, past and present, both in terms of the theories and philosophies underlying them and the (empirically investigable) forms, processes and content in which they manifest themselves.
The M.A. course in Political Science
The M.A. course in Political Science is angled at students with an initial degree (typically Bachelor) who are looking for advanced academic schooling in Political Science in a research-intensive study environment. The major concern of the M.A. programme is the theory-guided empirical analysis of democracies, of policy-making in a variety of political systems, comparative analysis of political systems, foreign policy, institutions, and conflicts and international policies designed to (re)establish/safeguarding order.
The course reflects the research interests and core competencies of the Institute of Political Science in a variety of ways, notably in its emphasis on the comparative analysis of political systems in general, and policy and democracy research in particular, as well as on conflict research and the analysis of institutions. It offers students scope to select their own preferences within the range of modules on offer and hence to define their own individual study profiles. Students also take an active part in the practicalities of research and receive insights into the ongoing research debates taking place in the political science landscape.
Course structure
In-depth engagement with the subject matter of the course takes place in the framework of elective-compulsory modules. The Examination Regulations enable students to follow their individual preferences: of the six modules on offer they are required to choose four. The course reflects the research interests and core competencies of the Institute of Political Science in the first five modules. The sixth module “Perspectives and Positions in Political Science” provides insights into the research interests (theoretical and practical) of visiting scholars from Germany and elsewhere.
A research seminar with a subsequent year of practical research training alongside the core curriculum expands students’ foundational knowledge and skills at the theoretical and methodological level and enables them to participate in ongoing research projects.
An oral examination is scheduled for the end of the third semester. The fourth semester is given over entirely to participation in the Master colloquium and completion of the M.A. thesis. The M.A. thesis (80-90 pages) is expected to fulfil normal academic standards.
Subsidiary (minor) subject
Students of this M.A. course are required to obtain 20 credit points in a subsidiary (minor) subject. Click here for a list of all subsidiary subjects on offer.
The M.A. course in Political Science can also be studied as a subsidiary (minor) subject accounting for 20 CP.
Formal requirements
Access to the course are restricted. The current Admission Regulations are available here.
Prospective students from Germany
Prospective students from Germany can enrol without prior application at the Central University Administration building by the beginning of the lecture period. To matriculate, they are required to show a written statement of admission issued by the representative of the Master’s programme they wish to attend, confirming that the requirements set out in the Admission Regulations have been met. Please apply to the Institute of Political Science for further information on how to proceed.
International prospective students
Prospective students from other countries must apply in writing, so that their previous academic record can be verified. The deadlines for international applicants are 15 June for the winter semester and 15 November for the summer semester. Applications must be addressed directly to the International Relations Office. Please use the M.A. application form here and enclose the necessary documents.
Further information
Current information on procedure
Website of the Institute of Political Science (details on the M.A. course)
Study and examination regulations
Examination regulations M.A. (14 January 2010) Examination regulations M.A. (14 January 2010, last changes 28 September 2016)
Module Handbook
Please click here to find the latest Module Handbook.
Examinations board
Issues arising in connection with examinations, credit transfer and academic credential recognition are dealt with by the relevant examinations board/office. For more information, consult the academic advisor(s) indicated below.
Fees
Tuition fees at Heidelberg University are payable at the beginning of each semester.
Academic advisor
Tobias Ostheim,
Bergheimer Str. 58, 3rd floor, Office 03.037
Thursdays 2.30 – 4 pm
phone: +49 (0)6221 542878
e-mail: ostheim@uni-hd.de
Contact
Institute of Political Science
Bergheimer Str. 58
D-69115 Heidelberg
Secretaries
phone: +49 (0) 6221 542860
fax: +49 (0) 6221 542896
e-mail: ipw.sekretariat@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
Internet: www.politik.uni-hd.de
Student representation
e-mail: fs-pol@uni-hd.de
Internet: www.fs-pol.uni-hd.de
