Political Science – Inequality, Power, Conflict Degree: Master

The Master’s degree program Political Science – Inequality, Power, Conflict at the University of Basel places a strong emphasis on political sociology, comparative politics, and international relations. It enables students to focus especially on the analysis of inequality, power, and conflicts. During the master's program, students acquire skills in scientific research as well as specialized knowledge of their chosen topics and methods. 

This specialized approach enables diverse teaching and research collaborations with other departments. 

The master's program builds consistently upon the knowledge of political science theory and methods acquired during the bachelor’s program, and consists of three modules. The module «Inequality, Power, Conflict» offers students the opportunity to set their own thematic focus according to their personal interests after completing a general introductory course. In the module «Research Methods in Political Science», students learn the necessary skills for answering an empirical research question. In the module «Extension Social Sciences», students can supplement their studies with courses from related subject.

In addition to acquiring subject-specific and interdisciplinary knowledge, students will also learn to independently design and carry out research projects, critically reflect on their research approaches, and successfully convey scientific knowledge and interdependencies both orally and in writing. The program is further complemented by a master's colloquium, a master's exam, and, if studied as a major, a master's thesis.

A master’s is a second degree that a person can earn after completing a bachelor’s. The master’s program requires a total of 120 credit points (CP). The Master's Degree Program in Political Science – Inequality, Power, Conflict is combined with a second degree subject, each worth 35 CP.

The subject in which students write their master’s thesis (30 CP) is considered to be their major; the other subject is their minor. Free electives (20 CP) are also included. One ECTS credit point equates to approximately 30 hours of work.

From researcher to advisor, analyst, PR officer, project manager or media professional, a master's degree in Political Science – Inequality, Power, Conflict opens the door to a diverse and exciting range of careers. These may be in international organizations such as the UN, NGOs, research groups in private sector firms (banks, insurance companies etc.), or in politics, management and the media. In principle, graduates will be well prepared for all activities requiring independent, methodical and analytical work.

Graduates who wish to pursue an academic career can apply for entry into a doctoral training program or for a doctoral position.

Academic advice

Academic advice provided by faculty members can help with questions regarding the course content and structure of the specific subject/course (e.g. study and examination regulations, timetables, course structure, combination of subjects, working techniques, exam preparation).

email: gernot.biersack@unibas.ch
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The Student Advice Center provides support with general questions about studying, choosing a course of study and career planning, as well as orientation and decision-making conflicts or questions about combining and changing courses.

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