Political Science – Bachelor minor subject

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Elective minor in an undergraduate study programme (bachelor). A minor subject may only be chosen in combination with a major subject.

You can study political science as a minor subject as part of a bachelor's programme in the humanities. In the minor subject you will focus on the theory of states and democracies, analysing particular fields in politics and dealing with questions surrounding international relations. During your studies you will apply the methods of modern empirical social research.

Overview

Programme start Winter semester
Application period 9.5. - 15.7.
Admission restrictions yes
ECTS 39-42

Content

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester

Academic structure

You will begin with basic modules to learn key methodological foundations, and you will study the political system in Germany. After this, you will choose two of the four following fields of study:

  1. Analysis and comparison of political systems
  2. Introduction to policy analysis
  3. International relations and European integration
  4. Theory of states and democracies

In the advanced module you will choose two courses from the fields of international relations and European integration, comparative politics and policy analysis, theories and /or methods.


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

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.

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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 and provides you with a firm grounding in the foundations of quantitative research methods. As a result, a command of mathematics at upper secondary school level is essential. The courses are taught in German and English. You need good English skills already at the start of your studies to read the relevant international literature. In addition to this, you will find it useful to have a general knowledge of the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, the European Union and a basic knowledge of 19th and 20th century world history. You also need to have a definite interest in present-day politics and society. If there are some gaps in certain areas of basic knowledge but you are prepared to catch up before or during your studies, you will be well equipped to complete your studies with success.

Language skills

You do not have to proof any foreign language skills. However, good English skills are mandatory since the majority of the course literature is in English as well as the instruction language of some of the lectures and seminars.

Language(s) of instruction

The languages of instruction and examinations are German and English.

Admission requirements

The same general entry requirements apply for the major and minor: General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.

For details, please see the admission regulations.

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.

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.

Application and application documents

This study programme has admission restrictions.

Application documents

During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods etc.) and upload various PDF documents. Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:

  • your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
  • documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ etc.)
  • any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
  • any other required documents (medical certificate etc.)

An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).

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