M.A. Governance and Public Policy

Academic entry requirements

To apply for this degree programme, you need an undergraduate university degree in one or more social sciences or in economics or a law degree. The final grade for your degree must be 2.5 (or better) according to the German grading system (opens in a new tab). Your final grade will be converted by the University during the application process. If your degree falls short of the minimum grade requirement, you can still be admitted if you can provide an official document from your prior university stating that you were among the best 70% of your cohort (i.e. your fellow students in the same exam period).

To apply, you must provide a (final or preliminary) transcript/Transcript of Records that certifies:

• 60 ECTS (opens in a new tab) credits’ worth of modules in the social sciences and/or economics and/or law
• social and/or economic research modules (i.e. mathematics, statistics or empirical social research or similar) in the amount of 10 ECTS (opens in a new tab) credits
• the final/preliminary result of, or equivalent to, 2.5 (or better)

Language requirements

This degree programme can be completed entirely in English. However, to be able to get by in Germany, students are nonetheless required to have German language skills at level A1 CEFR (beginner's level). If you do not meet this requirement at the time of your application, you will be offered a free beginner's German course during your first year of study. By the end of that year, you have to be able to present a German language certificate at level A1 CEFR.

English language requirements

You must be able to provide proof of English language skills (opens in a new tab) equivalent to level B2 CEFR.

Starting your studies before completing your prior undergraduate degree

You can begin your studies before obtaining your first university degree if you have earned at least 140 ECTS (opens in a new tab) credits in your first degree programme by the start of the first semester of your master's degree programme in Passau. To do so, you must be able to show that you have gained 60 ECTS (opens in a new tab) credits in social sciences and/or economics and/or law as well as 10 ECTS (opens in a new tab) credits in social research methods. (NB: One ECTS (opens in a new tab) credit equates to 30 hours of study, including lectures and self-study.)

Please submit a transcript of records showing the number of semesters studied, the coursework and examinations completed to date and the ECTS (opens in a new tab) credit points earned, as well as the provisional final grade (2.5 or better).

If you are enrolled in this manner, you will have to submit the degree certificate and final transcript for your prior undergraduate degree to the Student Registration Office by the end of your first year at the University of Passau (no later than 30 September). This deadline stands, even if you take official leave of absence during your studies.