Master of Arts
Political Science
How are laws made? What influence does the UN have? Why do wars happen? And what does peace actually mean? If you find these questions interesting, you have come to the right place!
Symbolic image for global connections
Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree
major in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 265,60
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Application & Deadlines
Is there hardly a day in which you don't check the latest news from the world of politics on your smartphone? Do you also miss very few live broadcasts of the Bundestag debates in the media? Olaf Scholz, Bodo Ramelow or Xi Jinping are not just mere names to you either? If so, you can deepen your passion in the Bachelor's programme ‘Political Science’. You will be taught the subject-specific basics for analysing and explaining political action and events (e.g. elections or demonstrations) at the University of Jena. Politics is interdisciplinary which is why it has many overlaps with subjects such as economics, law or philosophy.
In order to understand events and interactions as a whole and to make interrelations transparent, you have no choice but to read books and (English) specialist articles during. Good mathematical skills are also an advantage, especially for statistical analyses. But you will also leave the lecture theatre from time to time. A variety of excursions, such as to Brussels, Strasbourg and Berlin, or current events on German and international politics will give you an insight into practice. Especially in times of increasing disillusionment with politics and populism, curious experts like you are more important than ever.
Irena and Marcel, two students of Political Science at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, offer an insight into the Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
The bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study is six semesters, during which various forms of courses (e.g. lectures, seminars or practical courses) are offered for the individual modules.
A multi-subject bachelor’s programme consists of a major subject with 120 credit points (CP for short; 1 CP = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations) and a minor subject with 60 CP.
The study programme in the major subject ‘Political Science’ comprises 13 modules These include eight compulsory modules (75 CP) and five required elective modules (45 CP). You can combine the major subject with any of the minor subjects offered at the University In addition, you can set your own focus during your studies and study certain topics in greater depth.
More detailed information can be found in the module catalogue for the study programme [in German]External link.
The study programme provides very good basic and methodological training in the first semesters. Thanks to the small lecture and seminar sizes, there are many opportunities to talk to the lecturers, clear up any ambiguities and discuss improbable scenarios.
Franziska Martha Nolte, Political Science student
at Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- Wide range of topics: During your studies, you can set your own focus and study the topics that really interest you.
- Excellent teaching: Are you looking for personal supervision, work in small seminar groups, modern and interactive seminar forms, action-oriented projects and a variety of excursions? If so, the Institute of Political Science at the University of Jena is the right choice for you.
- High practical component: The programme in Political Science in Jena is oriented towards the promotion of skills that prepare you for the labour market. Through a variety of topical events, we also keep you in close touch with German and international politics and practice.
- International orientation: The Institute of Political Science maintains ties with many international universities and exchange programmesExternal link. You sit in seminars with international students, can study abroad and enhance your foreign language skills.
Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
The Institute of Political Science is located on campus at Carl-Zeiss-Straße 3, right in the heart of the city.
Areas of employment for graduates
- private sector (e.g. HR management, marketing ,sales)
- media and journalism
- political parties and associations
- civil society, religious, development and international organizations
- public administration
- political consulting
- political education
University entrance qualification
A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.
More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.
Language requirements
English and another modern foreign language; proof to be submitted by the time the bachelor thesis is registered.
sufficient reading comprehension in English to participate in advanced modules (POL 310–351).
Admission and language requirements for applicants of foreign nationality and without German Abitur: www.uni-jena.de/en/study-orientation-international
Subject-specific academic advisor — Dr Sven Leunig
Carl-Zeiß-Str. 3
07743 Jena
Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations
Opening hours:
Please contact us by phone or via our ticket system.
Telephone enquiries:
Monday und Friday 9:00 to 11:00
Wednesday 13:00 to 15:00
The ASPA is mainly responsible for students at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Theology.
Telephone enquiries:
Monday und Friday 9:00 to 11:00
Wednesday 13:00 to 15:00
The ASPA is mainly responsible for students at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Theology.
Student Representative Committee Political Science
Carl-Zeiß-Str. 3
07743 Jena
Central Student Advisory Service
University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Office hours:
We offer consultations and the handling of your concerns in person, via video chat or telephone. Appointments can be made by phone or via service desk.
Consultation hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 12:20, Tuesday 14:00 to 18:00 and on Wednesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 16:00.
Consultation hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 12:20, Tuesday 14:00 to 18:00 and on Wednesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 16:00.
Video chat:
Monday to Friday 12.30 to 13:00
ZSB2020
Student Service Centre
University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Opening hours:
Monday 10 - 12
Tuesday 13 - 15
Wednesday 10 - 12
Thursday 13 - 15
Friday 10 - 12
Updates / adjustments may occur at any time. Thank you for your understanding!
We currently provide advice and handle your concern solely also via phone and service desk.
You can reach us by phone
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 11:00
Tuesday 13 - 15
Wednesday 10 - 12
Thursday 13 - 15
Friday 10 - 12
Updates / adjustments may occur at any time. Thank you for your understanding!
We currently provide advice and handle your concern solely also via phone and service desk.
You can reach us by phone
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 11:00
Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
International Office - International students