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
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.
Screenshot: Sophie Bartholome
major subject
Graphic: Sophie BartholomeThe 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.
Franziska Martha Nolte
Image: Sophie BartholomeThe 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 ScienceExternal link 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 ScienceExternal link 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.
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Welcome to the Institute!External linkThe Institute of Political Science is located on campus at Carl-Zeiss-Straße 3, right in the heart of the city.
Student interviewing someone
Image: Designed by wavebreakmedia_micro / freepik.com- 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
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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.
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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
Academic Advisor — Dr Sven Leunig
Carl-Zeiß-Str. 3
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)
Bachstraße 18k
07743 Jena
Telephone hours:
Mondays and Fridays (9:00 – 11:00)
Wednesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
The ASPA is primarily responsible for students in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Theology.
Postal address:
Akademisches Studien- und Prüfungsamt
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Student Representatives Political Science
Carl-Zeiß-Str. 3
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Central Student Advisory Service
University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Office hours:
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.
Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).
Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb
Student Service Centre
University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Opening hours:
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)
You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.
Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)
Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
International Office - International students
University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link