Democratic Governance and Civil Society

It is almost commonplace that rising societal and economic challenges meet with shrinking problem-solving capacities of the nation state. The resulting competence difficulty gap is linked with processes of globalisation, denationalisation and regional integration and with transformations of governance, democracy and civil society. The programme deals with new approaches to analyse, explain and meet current challenges of democratic and efficient governance. It concentrates on empirical theories of democracy and conflict resolution, such as bargaining democracy, consociational democracy, multilevel democracy or democratic corporatism, as well as on concepts of societal self regulation, civil society and NGOs, good governance and public administration. A special research focus is placed on the interrelation of input legitimacy and output legitimacy.

Democratic Governance and Civil Society is an interdisciplinary study programme spanning political science, history and sociology. It is meant for students with commensurate qualifications seriously interested in analysing the challenges of policy-making in modern democracies. The programme comprises an intensive study period of approx. one and a half years, followed by a six-month period for the Master's thesis. The thesis is prepared in a specific research seminar during the third semester.

In the optional area, it is possible to take courses which are offered for the Master's programmes European Integration and Social Sciences in order to intensify specific focal points. The same applies to courses in neighbouring or complementary disciplines offered by all departments of the university. The use of political science courses offered by neighbouring universities is enabled by the establishment of corresponding cooperation agreements.

Educational organisation

Seminars, research projects, lectures, research seminars, internship

Internships

An internship has to be completed in the course of the fourth semester of the programme.

Forms of assessment

Scientific essays ("Hausarbeit"), research reports, oral exams, Master's thesis

Course objectives

In the face of increasing difficulties in governing shrinking resources of democratic legitimation, all European countries need highly qualified, adequately trained and competent professionals to solve current challenges in policy formulation and interest intermediation as well as to handle multiple and complex tasks of policy implementation in various societal sectors. The competences to be acquired in this programme will qualify students to understand and meet the challenges of democratic governance, to advise organisations in the fields of politics, law, economics, and education, and to support and implement practical efforts and solutions. The broad and substantial knowledge in the field of civil society and democratic governance offered by the Master's programme opens a path not only to academic careers, but also to practical occupational opportunities in the fields of politics and administration, policy expertise, NGOs and interest associations on a national, European and international level.

Language requirements

Sufficient language skills are usually presumed if the applicant is able to submit a certificate of one of the following:
For English (unless it is the applicant's mother tongue):

• Verification of at least six years of English at school
• IELTS Test (Band 3.5 - 4.5)

For German (unless it is the applicant's mother tongue):

• DSH 1
• TestDaF 12 Points

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, political science, sociology or European studies
• Proof of sufficient English skills (unless it is the applicant's mother tongue):
  • Verification of at least six years of English at school
  • IELTS Test (Band 3.5 - 4.5)
• Proof of sufficient German skills (unless it is the applicant's mother tongue):
  • DSH 1
  • TestDaF 12 Points

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Each semester, students are required to pay approx. 330 EUR as an enrolment fee (including free use of regional public transport services).

Costs of living

In order to cover personal expenses during the study programme, we recommend that single participants budget at least 670 EUR per month for accommodation, living, health insurance, books and miscellaneous expenses.

Job opportunities

Students who have completed their Bachelor's studies may be employed as student assistants.

Arrival support

At the beginning of each semester, the international office offers all new international students a pick-up service and an orientation week ("Welcome Week"), which enables new students to complete all official formalities, to become acquainted with the city and university, and to get to know other international and German students.

Services and support for international students

The International Office offers diverse services for international students, e.g. the international cultural programme "JOIN-OS" offering day trips, theatre visits, Christmas dinner, etc.
The intercultural mentoring programme at Osnabrück University ("imos") provides new international students with social and subject-specific support by a fellow student and an academic staff member.

Accommodation

The accommodation office of the student services (Studentenwerk) offers modern single rooms in dormitories and also helps students to find private rooms and flats. The rooms must be rented for at least half a year. Costs for a single room in a student dormitory are approx. 150-250 EUR per month.