In the first semester students have to take one core course in the field of Political Theory and the course State of the Art of Political Science. Both courses combine a broad engagement with core questions of politics with in-depth study of a particular contemporary theme from a sub-disciplinary perspective. Students study in groups of four to five students. Subsequently students also choose two relevant electives from a list of approximately 20 electives (topics change every academic year).
In the second semester you will write your Master’s thesis based on your own empirical research. Writing of the thesis takes place in a Research Project, under supervision of one of our members of staff.
The Master’s thesis research project is literally your masterpiece. It is an independent research project supervised by an expert. The topic of your research is preferably closely linked to the research of the group but can also be chosen freely as long as an expert on the topic can be found to supervise you. The thesis should be between 10,000 and 16,000 words long.
This course in comparative politics aims to provide a broad understanding of key questions and methodologies. Students explore classic and contemporary works on political order, conflict, and research design principles. Weekly topics range from defining politics to understanding the emergence of states, shaping societies, and analysing democratic and autocratic regimes.