Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (B.A.)
Overview
The Geschwister-Scholl-Institute of Political Science offers a six semester Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programme in political science. Our bachelor degree is non-consecutive, i.e. an undergraduate programme. The programme is limited to nine semesters. The language of instruction is mainly German, although most modules can be studied in English. Sufficient knowledge of written and spoken German is required.
Curriculum
Our degree is discipline oriented. A three semester foundation course introduces you to the full scope of the discipline. Building on this foundation you can proceed step by step to establish your own areas of specialization in the fields of political theory, methods, political system, international relations, European politics and governance. Depending on your interests, you can choose to orient yourself more to research or to practical studies. The degree programme concludes with the writing of a bachelor thesis.
Minor Subject
In addition to the major in political science (120 ECTS), our bachelor degree course includes a minor subject (60 ECTS). You can choose your minor subject from a wide range of options according to your personal interests. You can find a list of all available minors here.
Studying at LMU Munich
Postgraduate Studies
Our bachelor degree programme is excellent preparation for a variety of master degree programmes in Germany or abroad. Due to its wide scope it can lead both to consecutive master degree programmes that build directly on previous studies as well as to specialized master degree programmes. We offer a consecutive master degree programme in political science, as well as two double master degree programmes with Stockholm University and Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
Intensive Training in Methodology
The degree programme is research-oriented. A special emphasis is placed on teaching methodologies, quantitative and qualitative, which enable you to relate theory to empirical reality. In this way you learn to formulate research questions, develop adequate conceptual frameworks and carry out your own research projects.
Comprehensive Support
Aside from our introductory lectures, the programme is conducted in small seminars from twenty to thirty students. Our study format allows you, in dialogue with fellows students and teachers, to acquire political science knowledge, to apply it to relevant issues, and to test its usability. Organizational support is provided by our study programme coordination.
Application Process
You can find more detailed information on the application process and all required documents here.
International Outlook
We maintain a wide range of international contacts with renowned partner universities from which you can benefit by participating in study abroad programmes.
Career Prospects
Our bachelor programme aims at professional readiness in the sense that graduates can cope with diverse and complex tasks in professional practice within a short period of time due to their knowledge of key qualifications, scientific methods, and their ability to abstract, conretize, and transfer.
Due to its focus on research and a broad based education in political science, our bachelor degree programme offers an excellent basis for a consecutive master programme and a scientific career.
Our alumni also enjoy excellent job prospects off campus. Among others, on the staff of factions and parties at municipal, state, federal or European level, international and non-governmental organizations, political and business consulting, press and public relations, human resource and corporate responsibility departments as well as the foreign service.
Documents
Contact
If you have any questions about our bachelor degree programme in political science, please contact the responsible study programme coordinator, Béatrice Alischer.