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M.A. Political Science

University of Hamburg Hamburg

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  • No tuition
    Tuition
  • Winter intake
    Intake
  • German
    Language
  • 4 semesters
    Duration
  • 31 Mar
    Next deadline

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About the programme

The Political Science Master of Arts at Universität Hamburg is research-oriented and focuses on international relations, comparative politics and political theory. It has two main themes: Global Challenges, Governance and Transformation, covering crisis governance, global inequality and political change; and Political Decision Making and Political Processes, centred on democracy, its rivals and threats, and legitimacy. Topics include global health, climate change, international organisations, conflict, migration and democratic institutions. You start with two introductory modules on theory and methods, then combine six core modules and do a research seminar. The programme runs with the GIGA institute and the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH). It is taught in English, lasts four semesters and starts in winter.

Specialization

Two specializations are offered within this research-based program: 1. Comparative and regional studies (VRS): comparison of political systems with consideration of regional characteristics and supranational structures 2. International political theory (IPT): focus on international policy and political theory with emphasis on theoretical and historical analysis, explanation, and normative evaluation of cross-border political processes and institutions

Fields of study

Law & Politics(Social Sciences & Humanities)

How to apply

ChannelDirect to university
Modeonline
APSRequired for Application

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Requirements

What you need to apply for Political Science at University of Hamburg

English language

IELTS Overall
5.5/ 9.0

German language

German for application
C1
German for enrollment
C1

Academic requirements

Completed Bachelor's degree
Required
0
View academic requirements details

Yes

No

APS verification

APS certificate
Required for Application

APS checks your degree papers. You need it if your degree is from India, China or Vietnam.

Prerequisites

The following entry requirements apply to the consecutive Master's program MA Political Science with its specializations in Comparative and Regional Studies and International Political Theory :

a) First professionally qualifying university degree in political science or a degree program with a political science or social science focus. This means that at least 45 credit points/ECTS must have been earned in political/social science courses .

b) Confirmation by the applicant that he or she has sufficient knowledge of the English language to actively participate in English-language courses, understand English-language specialist literature and make scientific contributions in oral and written form (including examinations).

c) Proof of knowledge

1. in the methods of empirical social research of at least 12 credit points/ECTS and

2. in the field of political theory and international relations with a total of at least 15 credit points/ECTS

through a transcript of records.

Documents checklist

What to prepare for your application to Political Science

Programme-specific documents

The following documents must or should be uploaded as part of the online application in the “Political Science – Document Upload” section.

1. A written explanation of your choice of study and intended specialization, no more than two pages long , in German. Please address the following questions in your letter of motivation:

a. Why do you want to study for a Master’s degree in Political Science?

b. What specialization are you primarily interested in? Please briefly explain this interest.

c. What political science-related knowledge and experience (e.g. internships, publications, thesis, work as a student assistant, tutorials, project work, other activities) do you have?

d. What specific knowledge do you have of the methods of empirical social research, international relations, and political theory? How did you acquire this knowledge?

e. What is your level of English? How did you acquire or improve your English? What other language skills do you have?

f. What do you hope the program will bring to your personal and professional future?

2. Proof of completed or impending first university degree .

aIf you have already completed your studies: certificate of your first university degree (with final grade)

b. If you have not yet completed your studies: a certificate of impending graduation , i.e., a certificate from the examination board or examination office stating that, based on your previous course of study, particularly your previous examination results, it is expected that you will graduate by the end of the first semester of your master's program. (The final certificate must be submitted by the end of the first semester of your master's program.)

3. Transcript of Records with current grade point average . The transcript of records must contain the following information: the titles of the modules and courses completed in your studies to date, examination results and credit points achieved, and the current grade point average (GPA). If no current grade point average is shown, this must be calculated and confirmed by the examination office/examination administration of the respective degree program.

4. If the transcript of records does not provide any information about knowledge of the methods of empirical social research , political theory or international relations , additional relevant certificates must be attached (e.g. course comments from the course catalog, lecture plans from the lecturers).

5. It is recommended to attach relevant documents (e.g. certificates, employment references, etc.) to the motivation letter as supporting documents.

6. tabular CV .

This programme applies directly to the university. Submit your documents through the correct channel before the deadline.

Open application portal (opens in a new tab)

Apostille and notarization

Requirements vary by nationality and issuing country. Many German universities require certified translations and, in some cases, document apostilles. Verify current requirements directly with the admissions office, or use our document services for guided preparation.

Need help preparing your documents?

Our document preparation bundle covers SOP, CV, LOR, and translation coordination, reviewed by our team.

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How to apply

Step-by-step guide to applying for Political Science at University of Hamburg

Application quick facts

Apply via

Direct to university

Mode

online

APS

Required for Application

APS checks your degree papers. You need it if your degree is from India, China or Vietnam.

Application fee

Free

Address

Program Director and Chair of the Examination Committee

Prof. Dr. Vera Troeger

Universität Hamburg

Fakultät für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften

Sozialwissenschaften

Politikwissenschaft

Von-Melle-Park 5

20146 Hamburg

WiSe 24/25: Wednesdays 1-2 p.m., by appointment. Please contact my assistant [email protected] for an appointment.

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Costs

Tuition

FREE

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

343 EUR

per semester

Application fee

Free

per application

Estimated year-1 total cost

12,590 EUR

Includes tuition, semester contribution, and estimated living costs.

This programme has restricted admission (NC). Admission is competitive and based on academic performance.

Additional fee information

Nil

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Admission outcomes

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