Political Science

For this master's programme you need a subject-specific undergraduate degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) or an equivalent degree.

The bachelor's grade final overall point grade must be GOOD or higher (German and US systems 2.5).

This master's programme requires the following language proficiency:  

• English language proficiency at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• international applicants: German language proficiency at minimum level DSH-2 (or a recognised equivalent)

Your CV should have a tabular form, containing key information on your school record and academic career.

A motivation letter should not exceed the size of two DIN A4-pages and normally, it should contain information on your motivation for taking up this course of studies. You should  elaborate on the following essential questions:

• Why do you desire taking up this specific course of studies?
• What are - in your opinion - the main features that this course of studies excels in?
• Which features of this course have inspired your application? 
• Why Jena?

Please upload at the online application system your university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate. Usually, this means the school graduation diploma (German "Abitur"), i.e. the diploma that makes you eligible for studies at an University or other institution for higher education. Be mindful of the fact that here, we do not need any University diploma but a High School diploma! 

All previous University degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) if available before the application deadline - if not, please make a note of the anticipated date of issue of your degree certificate. Please upload your University degree or the most actual, detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of all semesters available to you, should you not hold your degree certificate at the time of application. The main document is the degree/ transcript based on which you apply for the master programme.

Detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of your first, subject-specific University degree, with which you apply for the master's programme (minimum requirement is the transcript/mark sheet up to the semester before the last). This trancript MUST contain an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.

You need at least 140 credits (ECTS) by the time you apply.

Should you have obtained subject-specific work experience, you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

Should you have obtained subject-specific practical experience (e.g. by internships etc.), you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

You have to submit the following proofs of language proficiencies:

• proof of proficiency in a modern foreign language on Level B2 (CEFR)

Such proof is not necessary when candidates hold an high school graduation certificate or an undergraduate degree acquired in an English-speaking country or when they have spent at least one year in an English-speaking country.

For German taught master's programmes, i.e. programmes with (predominantly) German as language of instruction, a sufficient German language proficiency proof is mandatory. Please see the information on the language requirements for the master's programme of your interest on the corresponding website.

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena accepts the following certificates as German language proficiency proof exclusively:

• the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (GDS),
• the Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD II),
• the TestDaF, minimum TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination,
• Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH), min. level 2 (= DSH-2),
• Certificate telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (min. level "befriedigend"),
• a German language examination in the framework of an assessment test at a preparatory college.

Please note: If you do not have the required mandatory German language proficiency proof at the time of applying, you may only apply if you can provide a certificate attesting your German language skills at least at level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) as well as a confirmation that you have either registered for the DSH examination, the TestDaF or an equivalent examination or that you have sat it and are going to receive the results before the end of the current semester.

There is also the possibility to apply for the (chargeable) "German Language Course Preparing for the German Language Examination (DSH)" at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Please note: Prerequisites for the application for the preparatory course are language skills at least at the certificate level B1 / GER (e.g. Goethe-Zertifikat B1, TestDaF at least 4x3 and/or 800 teaching units from a recognized language school). For detailed information on the application and further information, please visit the website of the International Office or contact the International Office directly via Mail.

Shortly before taking the DSH-2-Examination or after successfully passing it, you are welcome to apply for a German taught master's programme!

The following applicants are exempted from providing proof of their German language skills:

• Applicants, who have obtained a German taught bachelor's degree within one of the following countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This applies only to degrees that were awarded by a university in the relevant country (no satellite campuses or international branch campuses in other countries, no correspondence course degrees, no joint- or double-degrees with institutions in other countries);
• Holders of a German, Austrian or Swiss (from school where the language of instruction is German) university entrance qualification.

Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English OR German translation. Such a translation has to be conducted by officially acknowledged/ sworn translators or translation offices.

External/foreign degree certificates/ transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system (= description of the maximum grade possible and the minimum passing grade) used at the respective University. 

Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.

Applicants from the following countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination:

• Iran (College entrance examination certificate or certificate of pre-university course/year)
• Republic of Korea/South Korea: SAT (Scholastic Ability Test)
• People's Republic of China: College entrance examination certificate ("Gaokao")