Political Science University of Basel

Overview

The Political Science master’s program from University of Basel is characterized by a strong focus on international relations and comparisons between and within political systems. Another special feature is that it combines the basic content and methodology with expertise on selected regions of the world. The students have the opportunity to pursue their specific interests for one or more regions. Democracy, political representation, peace and conflict research as well as the European Union form further thematic focal points.

These priorities enable diverse collaborations in teaching and research with other departments of social sciences and history. The global regional focus of the subject is complementary and expanding on the geographical and cultural contexts of the offers of the Center for African Studies, the European Institute and the departments of Middle East Studies, Eastern Europe and Literary Studies.

In addition to the acquisition of subject-specific and interdisciplinary knowledge, the students learn to design and carry out research projects independently, to reflect critically on their research approach and to communicate complex relationships and scientific findings in a comprehensible way orally and in writing. The course ends with a master’s colloquium, the master’s examination and, if applicable, the master’s thesis.

Subject combination

The diverse understanding of theories and methods in political science is an ideal way of organizing the course in an interdisciplinary manner and allows for many profitable combinations with other subjects. Students are free  to choose the  second subject according to their specific interests. Both subjects from the Faculty of Philosophy and History as well as non-faculty subjects come into question.

Career opportunities

Whether as a research assistant, consultant, analyst, PR officer, project manager, media representative - a master’s degree in political science opens up diverse and exciting areas of activity in international organizations (such as the UN), in NGOs, in research groups of companies in the private sector (banks, insurance companies, etc. .) as well as in politics, administration, economy and media. Basically, all activities that require independent, methodical and analytical work come into question.

If you want to pursue an academic career, you can apply for a doctorate  or a doctoral position after completing your master’s degree.