Aptitude Test Master
Admission Requirements
The prerequisite for enrolment in the master degree program is a first academic degree, or an equivalent German or foreign academic qualification, obtained in a degree course of at least six semesters, preferably in political science or in a related subject.
Application for Admission
Applications for the Master's programme in Political Science are closed. Applicants will be notified by e-mail until June 7, 2023.
Application Deadlines
The following deadlines must be observed when applying for the Master's programs in Political Science at the Geschwister-Scholl-Institute. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
- April 1, 2023: Double Degree Option Stockholm (SU)
- May 15, 2023: Double Degree Option Barcelona (UPF)
- May 15, 2023: Regular Master in Political Science
Application Documents
You will need to attach the following documents to your online application:
- A curriculum vitae in tabular form.
- A copy of the leaving certificate from your first academic degree course with the details of all your examination results ("transcript of records") and the official grade point average, if available. In case you do not yet have the first degree leaving certificate at the time of your application, please include an up-to-date transcript of records with the seal and signature of the responsible examination office and with the grade record of your studies in your major subject thus far.
- Proof of English language skills (uncertified copy). The minimum acceptable level is C1. Proof of English language skills may be provided in any form that demonstrates that you have attained the minimum acceptable level of C1 on the scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Please refer to our list of accepted tests and criteria.
- Only for Double Master Degree Options: It is recommended to hand in a letter of motivation in English stating the candidate's interest in following the Double Master Degree Option (400 to 600 words).
Foreign Applicants
Aptitude Assessment
Applicants who have submitted a complete application on time will be invited to participate in our aptitude assessment. There are two ways to be admitted to our Master Program in Political Science:
Pre-Selection
Applicants will be judged eligible to enrol in the Master Degree Program in Political Science without having to take the aptitude test, provided that the transcript of records of your first degree course fulfils all three of the following conditions:
- A grade point average of 2.0 in political science,
- A minimum of 90 ECTS points in political science, and particularly in the modules of the three political science subdivisions of political theory, political systems, and international relations,
- The record of examinations taken during the first degree course in the area of the methodologies of empirical political research must total at least 9 ECTS points (as part of the minimum of 90 ECTS points in political science).
The Bavarian formula can be used to convert the grades of foreign degrees. Applicants who meet the criteria for pre-selection will be judged eligible without any further tests. They will be informed by e-mail.
Written Aptitude Test
All other applicants whose leaving certificates do not fulfill the pre-selection criteria, will receive a written invitation to the aptitude test (see above).
The purpose of this assessment process is to establish whether, in addition to the skills acquired in the candidate’s first academic degree program, the candidate also has an aptitude for the special qualitative requirements of the master degree programme.
These include a deeper knowledge of, and the ability to conduct, problem-analysis, the ability to think abstractly and concretely, and the ability to adapt already known approaches to new research questions in the three branches of political science: political theory, political systems, and international relations. The master degree program also requires the knowledge of empirical political research methods, research oriented and scholarly work methods, and adequate German and English language skills.
Date for the Written Aptitude Test
This year's aptitude test will be held on June 21, 2023 at 6:00 pm CET. The exam will be written on the online platform EvaExam.
Preparing for the Written Aptitude Test
The written aptitude test evaluates the qualities required in the master degree program (see above) in the following categories. Does the candidate demonstrate well developed analytical skills (10 points) and well developed logical and mathematical abilities (10 points)? Does the candidate have an in depth knowledge of political science theories and methods (10 points)? And, finally, does the candidate demonstrate a high level of linguistic competence and the ability to structure an argument (10 points)? The candidate is judged suitable for the master degree program in political science when, in the evaluation of the individual qualities at least 5 points are made in each category and when the sum of all the qualities measured is at least 25 points. Otherwise the candidate is judged to be “unsuitable“ („nicht geeignet“).
The aptitude test lasts ninety minutes. It consists of multiple choice questions (where appropriate with the opportunity to support answers with arguments) and a short essay. The basic literature of the bachelor's program can be used for preparation.
To prepare for the written aptitude test for the Master's programme in Political Science, we recommend reading the basic literature of the Bachelor's programme. On the slides of the information event 2022 you will also find some sample questions for the aptitude test.
Information Meeting
An online information event via Zoom will be held on June 5, 2023 at 6:00 pm CET. Among other things, the aptitude procedure, the study contents and the study organization will be discussed. More information to follow.
Contact
The degree program coordinator and academic counselor for the Master Degree Program in Political Science is Stephan Weltzer, M.A.