Study programmes A-Z

Career prospects

Programme start

Winter semester

Academic structure

The master's programme has a modular structure. You can start your studies either in Barcelona or Konstanz. You spend one year at the first university and change to the other university for the second year of studies. In the second year you attend seminars and then you write your master's thesis. Usually scientists from both universities supervise your thesis. You will acquire interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in the fields of politics and administration science, as well as through your choice within the compulsory elective area of related social science subjects. You will deepen your specialist knowledge, learn how to pursue scientific work independently and how to practically use the methods and insights. At the same time you can choose your specialist area from 3 specialisation programmes. You make the final choice for your specialist area during your studies. You can decide whether you focus entirely on your specialist area, or whether you would prefer to attend general courses alongside courses from your specialist area. You are required to attend courses totalling at least 120 ECTS credits.

You choose one of the following 3 specialisation areas depending on your individual interest:

• Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis
• International Relations and European Integration 
• Political Behaviour
  

You will find detailed information about the individual course contents on the website of the department.

Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.

Internships

Internships help you to gain insights into various professional areas and to build up contacts. The departments or the Career Services at both universities are here to help you find a suitable placement.

Study abroad

The year abroad at our partner university UPF Barcelona is compulsory. You can complete it either in the first or second year of your studies. The academic year at UPF Barcelona is divided into 3 trimesters. For the year at UPF Barcelona you have to pay the normal tuition fees there. After completing your studies successfully, you will receive an examination certificate from both universities. Both universities are among the best academic institutions nationally as well as internationally. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) financially supports this study programme. You will receive a monthly grant during your year abroad.

The department concentrates especially on an empirical-analytical approach to political science. You are confident in the use of quantitative research methods and are able to contribute your knowledge independently to small research projects. Your general education and English language skills are very good. You have a keen interest in current political affairs and events in society. You are prepared to specialise in an area within the specialisation areas.

Foreign language skills
English proficiency proof: C1 according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

• Evidence of 7 years continuous English classes in a German secondary school up to Abitur (German equivalent to A-level), minimum grade befriedigend or better
  
• TOEFL: minimum score: 100
  
• Cambridge First Certificate in English: minimum grade: C

Language(s) of instruction

Teaching language is English.

• Bachelor's degree in politics or a related subject from a recognised university (minimum grade ‘good’/German grading system or 7,0/Spanish grading system)
• English language skills (Level C1 of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF)
• Documentation of a relevant internship of at least 2 months

Please attach the following documents to your application:

• Officially certified copies (with an official translation into German or English, if applicable) of your original bachelor's degree certificate, your academic transcript for each year/semester of study, showing subjects taken, ECTS-credits and grades obtained. Students in their final year of study: officially certified copy of your academic transcript to date, showing subjects taken and grades obtained, with, an official translation into German or English, if applicable.
• Two letters of recommendation from academic teachers at a previous institution of higher education. The teachers shall write these letters on official university paper and sign it. Copies have to be officially certified. If the letter is not in English or German, please provide an official translation.
• Statement written by you, outlining your suitability and motivation for the programme.
• Curriculum vitae in English.
• If applicable, evidence of professional or practical activities in the related field. 
• Proof of sufficient English language skills (Level C1 of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF)).
• Application form, please attach 1 passport photo.
• Application (informal) for recognition as a case of hardship (if applicable) 
• If you have been enrolled at a German university, please submit confirmation of leaving this university (Exmatrikulationsbescheinigung).
  

International students:

• Applicants from Mongolia: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy in Ulan Bator
• Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country
• Applicants from Georgia: please submit a declaration of consent for the verification of your documents' authenticity by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZaB) in Bonn, Germany.

All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

This study programme has admission restrictions. Based on the results of a selection process we allocate the places to the most suitable applicants. Application deadline for the winter semester is 1st of april.

The UPF Barcelona runs a separate application process and allocates the same number of places. Double applications are possible.

An application is possible during the following period: The study program is discontinued. (winter semester). There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website.

Application documents

Please attach the following documents to your application:

• Officially certified copies (with an official translation into German or English, if applicable) of your original bachelor's degree certificate, your academic transcript for each year/semester ofstudy, showing subjects taken, ECTS-credits and grades obtained. Students in their final year of study: officially certified copy of your academic transcript to date, showing subjects taken and grades obtained, with, an official translation into German or English, if applicable; 
• Two letters of recommendation from academic teachers at a previous institution of higher education. The teachers shall write these letters on official university paper and sign it. Copies have to be officially certified. If the letter is not in English or German, please provide an official translation;
• Statement written by you, outlining your suitability and motivation for the programme; 
• Curriculum vitae in English;
• If applicable, evidence of professional or practical activities in the related field;
• Proof of sufficient English language skills (Level C1 of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF);
• Application form;
• Application (informal) for recognition as a case of hardship (if applicable);
• If you have been enrolled at a German university, please submit confirmation of leaving this university (Exmatrikulationsbescheinigung);
• Applicants from China: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy in Beijing;
• Applicants from Mongolia: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy in Ulan Bator;
• Applicants from Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy in Hanoi;.