Political Science: International Relations, Security and Global Order

The Master’s in Political Science gives you a thorough, broad-based training in social and political science methodology and theory. This involves the application and practical use of a variety of political research methods and getting acquainted with a range of theoretical perspectives and how to integrate these in your research. The Master’s in Political Science is a one-year full-time programme, taught entirely in English. It has a workload of 60 credits. In Period 1 you follow two courses on basic theories and approaches in the two major sub disciplines of political science: comparative politics and international relations(Public Administration for PP track). These courses serve to ensure a common knowledge base and to introduce you to the full breadth of the discipline.In Period 2 you choose two selected issues courses that cover different aspects of contemporary political processes. You can choose one selected issue belonging to your specialization, and one to broaden your scope.In Period 3 you follow a more general course on philosophy of science and research design that is to contribute directly to the preparation of your thesis work and provides you with both (meta)theoretical insights and methodological tools.In Period 4 you practice your research skills in a workshop within your own specialization. Working in small groups on specific topics, you practice all stages of the empirical cycle: choice and formulation of research question, literature review, research design, data analysis and report. The practical experience and the range of relevant and up-to-date research topics within your specialization that will be presented here allows you to use the work in the workshop as a stepping stone towards your Master’s thesis.In Period 5 and 6 you work individually on your Master’s thesis, supervised by one of the staff members from our various research groups.