Public Administration and European Governance – Master of Arts

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Postgraduate study programme which requires a first university degree. For this, the University of Konstanz offers the Bachelor's Programme Politics and Public Administration. Double degree programme of the University of Konstanz in cooperation with the Institut d’études politiques (IEP) de Grenoble, France.

You will gain specialist knowledge in the fields of political science, administration science and management science together with the skills to work and research independently and to apply the methods and knowledge with practical orientation. The study programme has an international emphasis and integrates scientific work with practical applications. You will learn how to analyse the interactive influences of interests, power relationships, action strategies, conflicts and conflict solutions. Special emphasis is placed on knowledge and skills related to the French administration system.

Overview

Degree Master of Arts
Programme start Winter semester
Period of study 4 semesters
Application period 1.4.
Admission restrictions yes
ECTS 120
Number of places 6

Why study Public Administration and European Governance in the University of Konstanz?

You study at one of the most internationalised departments in Germany. The study programme is highly qualifying and one of the most successful offers in this subject area. The flexible study structure enables you to develop an individual specialist area. You will receive an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented education which provides you with excellent qualifications for work in a variety of fields in the private and public sectors. This programme also provides you with the necessary skills and competencies to embark on an academic career. During your studies you will work in small groups, and you will enjoy very good support from the teachers. In addition to this, you will benefit from research-related teaching by being involved with current research developments. You will also be able to take up an internship in Germany or abroad. The department is ready to advise and actively help find the right option for you.

Content

Prospects and opportunities

Career prospects

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 IEP Grenoble awards the renowned "Diplôme de Sciences Politiques". As a master’s graduate you have very good professional prospects. The international orientation of this programme creates easy access to the international job market. Many graduates enter into the private sector (human resource management, consulting, lobby work, financial sector), public administration or development organisations (NGOs). You acquire an excellent professional basis for a career in German-French institutions, in the French or German administration, or in companies with business relations in these countries.

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester

Academic structure

The trilingual master's programme (German, English, French) has a modular structure. You spend the first year of your studies at the University of Konstanz, and the second at the IEP Grenoble. In the second year you attend seminars, complete an internship, and then you write your master's thesis. Usually scientists from both universities supervise your thesis. You 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 deepen your specialist knowledge, learn how to pursue scientific work independently and how to practically use the methods and insights. You can choose between 2 specialisation programmes as well as a more practical or research-oriented option. You make the final choice for your specialist area during your studies. You are required to attend courses totalling at least 120 ECTS credits. You choose one of the following 2 specialisation areas depending on your individual interest:

In the second year of studies in Grenoble you choose a more practical or research-oriented option of studies within your selected specialisation area. 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.

Internship and study abroad

Internships

Internships help you to gain insights into various professional areas and to build up contacts. In the second year of studies a 2-month internship is compulsory (exception: research-oriented option of the focus area ‘Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis’). 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 IEP Grenoble is compulsory. It takes place in the second year of your studies. For the year at IEP Grenoble you have to pay the normal tuition fees there. After completing your studies successfully, you will receive an examination certificate from both universities.

Impressions from students and lecturers

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

Requirements

What interests and skills should I have?

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.

Language skills

Foreign language skills
Advanced English language skills (spoken and written English), level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Advanced

French language skills (spoken and written French), level B2 of the

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

German language skills
International applicants documentation of German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent.

Language(s) of instruction

Teaching languages are German, Englisch and French.

Admission requirements

German Applicants:

  • Degree with the grade "good" or better of a three-year (or more) study programme (minimum degree: Bachelor of Arts or equivalent) at an institution of higher education or Berufsakademie.
  • Documentation of a relevant internship of at least 2 months
  • Advanced English language skills (spoken and written English), level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
  • Advanced French language skills (spoken and written French), level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

International applicants: documentation of German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent.

Fees

Semester fee

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.

Once a year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the Begabtenbefreiungssatzung (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). You can find more detailed information here.

Application and application documents

This study programme has admission restrictions. Based on the results of a selection process we allocate the places to the most suitable applicants.

Please attach the following documents to your application:

  • Application for admission, please attach a passport photo
  • Documentation of your academic degree including details on course work. If you have not received your degree certificate by the end of the application deadline, please attach documentation of all your examination results (relevant for your final degree);
  • 2 recommendations by academic teachers
  • A signed letter of motivation;
  • Curriculum vitae, including documentation
  • Documentation of relevant professional/practical experience (if you have any);
  • Documentation of advanced English language skills (spoken and written English), level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
  • Documentation of advanced French language skills (spoken and written English), level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
  • Informal application for recognition as a case of hardship (if applicable), please attach documentation 
  • Current certificate of enrolment or proof of exmatriculation (if you have studied at a German university, please indicate your 'Fachsemester’ and ‘Hochschulsemester’).

International applicants please also provide:

  • Documentation of German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent

The IEP Grenoble runs a separate application process and allocates the same number of places. Double applications are not possible, as only candidates who have successfully completed the French "Concours d’admission universitaire" can apply for admission at the IEP Grenoble.

The study programme begins in the winter semester only. The application deadline is 1 April. There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). Please check the university website for more information

An application is possible during the following period: 1.4. (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:

  • documentation of your academic degree including details on course work and performance. If you have not received your degree certificate by the end of the application deadline, please attach documentation of all your examination results
  • two recommendation letters by university teachers
  • a signed letter of motivation
  • curriculum vitae, including documentation
  • documentary evidence on relevant professional/practical experience (if you have any)
  • proof of advanced English skills (spoken and written), level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
  • proof of advanced French skills (spoken and written), level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference or Languages
  • informal application for recognition as a case of hardship (if applicable), please attach documentation
  • if applicable, current certificate of enrolment or proof of deregistration (Exmatrikulationsbescheinigung), (if you have studied at a German university, please indicate your 'Fachsemester’ and ‘Hochschulsemester’)

International students:

  • documentation of German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent
  • Applicants from China, Mongolia, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country
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