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Governance and Public Policy

Master of Arts

Governance und Public Policy, M.A.

Description

The focus of the Master of Arts degree in Governance and Public Policy is on “Governance”. In addition to providing a general, in-depth overview of various theoretical issues in political science, the degree programme is designed to provide comprehensive information on governance in multi-level governance systems. Additional important issues include the diversification of decision-making processes at both national and international levels, change in political institutions, new forms of political governance and new types of bargaining systems.

The degree programme is designed around research as its central aim. Students participate in a research colloquium which will serve as a basis for a later career in the field of social sciences.

Module Handbook

Semester Course and Examination Schedule / Degree Programme Guidelines/Study Regulations

Course Catalogue

Institute for Political Science

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Degree Master of Arts
Duration 4 Semesters
Language: German
Programme Start winter semester or summer semester
Admission Applying with international qualifications (language requirements, application deadlines): International Admission.
Requirements for admission to the Master’s degree programme are comprised of a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science or an equivalent degree. Admission to the Master’s Degree programme may also depend on additional requirements. Specific degree entrance requirements may be found here and in the competences description.
Internship An optional internship may be taken as part of the compulsory modules to be accredited as part of course requirements (Optional Area); further information
Part-time Studies possible under specific conditions
Special Features Online Self-Assessment

While the Bachelor of Arts degree focuses mainly on the fundamentals of the field, the Master of Arts builds directly on this foundation by providing more breadth and depth scientifically and a more complete insight into the field. In contrast to the Bachelor degree programme, the Master of Arts enables and requires students to adopt their own major focal area and to work towards their own independent academic, scientific research profile. For these reasons it is recommended that students complete a Master of Arts degree.

Upon successful completion of a Master of Arts degree, there is the opportunity to begin working towards a Ph.D. either at the Technical University of Darmstadt or at another national or international university: Ph.D. at Technical University of Darmstadt

The career prospects for social scientists in general and for graduates of Political Science in particular, i.e. Master of Arts holders in Governance and Public Policy, are widely varied. An important feature of this broad spectrum includes practical experience, which students may obtain during their degree, depending on which specialisations they wish to focus on.

Political scientists also work with schoolbook and textbook editors, with publishing houses (e.g. as copy editors), with radio, television and newspaper editing desks, in PR and marketing agencies, in libraries and archives, with international organisations and in the cultural field. With additional business management qualification, political scientists may also find positions in business enterprises (e.g. in business and marketing or human resources). Other options include working in the public service or with press agencies, which are areas where social scientists often work in.

In general, political scientists often find themselves working in research and teaching at universities. In addition, they are also found in statistical, market and polling institutes for political parties, associations, international organizations or in public administration.

Political Theory, M.A.

International Studies/Peace and Conflict Research, M.A.