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Political Science Degree: Master

Politikwissenschaft

Empirical and regional expertise in politics

During the master's degree, students will independently investigate empirical questions concerning political phenomena, applying appropriate data collection and analysis methods. Examples of possible thematic areas include comparative foreign policy studies, power and conflict in international organizations, peace and conflict research, or the influence of interest groups in democratic systems. Students can specialize in one or more world regions according to their particular interests.

In addition to conducting independent quantitative or qualitative research on their chosen issue, students will also expand their knowledge of political science and other humanities subjects thanks to a broad range of courses which can be freely chosen from. They also have the option of completing an internship. This degree program prepares students for employment in diverse and challenging occupations in politics, administration, business and the media.

Program structure

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 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.

Master of Arts (120 KP)
Major of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
65 CP (35 CP + 30 CP for the master thesis)
Minor of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
or extra-faculty
35 CP
Free electives
20 CP
Two degree subjects

Combination of subjects

The understanding of diverse theories and methods provided by political science is ideally suited to interdisciplinary study, and can be fruitfully combined with many other subject areas. Students are free to select a second master’s degree subject that meets their specific interests. Students can choose a subject offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or a subject from another faculty. 

Students are free to choose any free elective. These courses allow students to deepen their knowledge of their degree subjects, gain an insight into other degree subjects offered by the University of Basel, or acquire language skills.

Career opportunities

From researcher to advisor, analyst, PR officer, project manager or media professional, a master's degree in political science 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, master's graduates will be well prepared for all activities requiring independent, methodical and analytical work.

Those wishing to embark upon an academic career can follow their master's degree with a paid or unpaid doctorate.

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