Masterprogrammet i Statsvetenskap

The Masters Programme in Political Science offers advanced academic training closely tied to the internationally acknowledged research we carry out at our department. It provides expertise of great relevance for those inclined to compete for a career within global- and domestic politics, public administration and civil society. This expertise includes the quality of government and corruption, public opinion and democracy, the process of democratization, social dilemmas, political institutions and environmental politics. We offer highly qualified studies in research method, both quantitative and qualitative. The opportunity to specialize in research method, through a selection of four different courses on two occasions (one mandatory and one optional) accounts for an additional preparation of our students for the job market. Of course, the programme also brings the opportunity to internship, for either a half or a full semester. Diplomat, political advisor, project manager and analyst are examples of professions among the members of our alumni network.

Career

The Master's Programme in Political Science is a state of the art education that prepares you for a professional career with advanced analysis of politics and society as a central element. Political scientists typically work within the field of research and investigation, power monitoring, public opinion formation, public administration, or politics. The degree also gives qualification to apply for doctoral studies in Political Science.

Course work

The first semester begins with a course (15 credits) that provides advanced knowledge of main research areas within contemporary political science such as political behavior, comparative politics, public administration, political theory and international politics. The second part of the first semester is dedicated to studies in research method (15 credits). There is an opportunity to choose between different courses in either quantitative or qualitative methods. If you have studied methods before you may choose between four different courses. If you have not studied methods before you can choose between two courses, SF2323 Applied Qualitative Research Methods, problems and design and SF2324 Introduction to Applied Research Design and Quantitative Research Methods for Social Scientists. Students will gain from the long-time held emphasis on the importance of research design and method to empirical investigation that is a distinctive feature of the research carried out at the department. The second semester consists of in-depth courses, including electoral studies and public opinion, the quality of political institutions and corruption, social dilemmas and environmental politics, and democracy and democratization (2 x 15 credits). Our in-depth courses rely on strong research-profiles at the department, which means that students develop their academic skills by the help of dedicated professors who are prominent researchers within their field. The third semester offers a number of different alternatives. Among the options is to do an internship in a private or public organization, for either a half or a full semester. Another option is to take further in-depth courses in political science, and to proceed with additional studies in research method in either statistical analysis or qualitative techniques. The completion of the programme consists of the research project of the Masters thesis in the fourth semester. It enables application and further development of the theoretical and methodological skills gained (30 credits). Researchers with an international reputation in their field or expertise, and with solid experience of guiding research-projects, are at students disposal as advisors.

We offer a double degree option with University of Konstanz (apply on a separate application code at www.antagning.se at the latest January 15th). Students accepted spend the first year in Germany and the second year in Gothenburg, and receive a Masters degree from both universities. More information  www.pol.gu.se/english/ education/master-programmes/.