Our Double MA degrees are exciting new educational programmes which allow students to develop a deep understanding of issues of contemporary research in the field of political science whilst benefiting from the combined expertise of teaching staff at two institutions. These two-year programmes provide students with an exceptional opportunity to pursue a Double Master's, giving them an unparalleled understanding of issues in governance, international politics and political economy that is enhanced and enriched by the mix of British/German or Greek/German perspectives.
Educational organisation
Participants acquire a Double Master's award from Aston University in Birmingham (Governance and International Politics), the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki (Politics and Economics of Contemporary Eastern and Southeastern Europe) or the University of Essex in Colchester (with differing possible foci) as well as a Master's qualification from the University of Bamberg (Political Science). The programmes are structured in such a way that students spend their first year abroad and their second year at the University of Bamberg.The Double MA with Aston University:
Core modules of the Double MA with Aston University are
- International Relations
- Globalisation, Regionalism and Global Governance
Elective Modules of the Double MA with Aston University can be chosen from a wide range of subjects, for example
- Comparative Politics
- International Political Economy
- Political Theory
- Public Policy Analysis
- Research Methods
- Asia-Europe Relations
- Religion and Politics
- International Security
A dissertation project is started at Aston University and will be finished as a Master's thesis at Bamberg. Therefore, students do not need to submit two different Master's theses to the two universities.
The Double MA with the University of Macedonia:
Core modules of the Double MA with the University of Macedonia are
- Politics and Society in Eastern and Southeastern Europe
- Economics of Eastern and Southeastern Europe
- EU Integration in Eastern and Southeastern Europe
- Empirical Methods
Elective Modules of the Double MA with the University of Macedonia can be chosen from a wide range of subjects, for example
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- Public Policy Analysis
- Political Theory
- Political Sociology
- Policy-Making in the EU
- Democratic Representation in Comparative Perspective
- Minorities, Human Rights and Ethnic Conflict
The Double MA with the University of Essex:
Core modules of the Double MA with the University of Essex (depending on the chosen focus) are
- Comparative Politics
- Public Opinion and Political Behaviour
- International Relations
- Political Economy
- Quantitative Empirical Methods
Elective Modules of the Double MA with the University of Essex (depending on the chosen focus) are, for example,
- The above listed topics
- Political Explanation
- Advanced Research Methods
- Further optional modules
A Master's thesis will be written at the end of the programme at Bamberg. Students, therefore, do not need to submit two different Master's theses to the two universities.
Study abroad unit(s)
Students are required to complete up to 60 ECTS credits abroad and at least 60 ECTS at the University of Bamberg.Internships
An internship is not obligatory in order to complete the MA at Bamberg. Nevertheless, students will be provided with information about internship opportunities throughout their studies. Furthermore, we offer study trips to potential future employers.Aston's outstanding record in graduate employment is supported by our award-winning Careers and Employment Centre which was one of the first in the UK to achieve the Matrix quality award for information, advice and guidance. Students will have access to Aston futures - a one-stop shop for graduate vacancies, work experience and summer internships. Students can also view the latest careers events and reserve a careers appointment to help them find an appropriate internship.
An internship is not obligatory in order to complete the MA at the University of Macedonia. Nevertheless, students will be provided with information about internship opportunities throughout their studies. The Career Office offers its service to students and graduates. Furthermore, we offer study trips to potential future employers.
An internship is not obligatory in order to complete the MA at the University of Essex.
Forms of assessment
Examinations will take various forms depending on the aims and content of the courses. This includes written and oral exams, papers, presentations, and group work. Specific examination criteria will be specified in the syllabus of each course at the beginning of the semester.Course objectives
The Double MA programmes equip students with the knowledge and analytical and transferable skills to pursue further postgraduate research or a successful internationally oriented career in the public or private sector. Moreover, students gain experience of a different culture inside and outside the confines of the respective universities. They improve their command of foreign languages, which is a crucial asset in a globalising economy. They interact and network with students from a variety of cultures, further enhancing their employability. The careers pursued by our students vary greatly, but typical careers include:- Employment in international organisations (EU, WTO, UN, etc.)
- Careers in government administration
- Careers in business, government, NGOs and international organisations operating in Eastern and Southeastern Europe
- Journalism
- International marketing or business
- Research in policy-oriented domestic or international think tanks
- Postgraduate research at PhD level
Language requirements
For the Aston University component, candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy one of the following minimum requirements:- An English language score of 6.5 in IELTS (with a minimum of Band 7 in Writing and Band 6 in Speaking, Reading and Listening), or
- a TOEFL score of 105 with a minimum of 25 points in Writing and Speaking and 23 points in Reading and Listening, or
- Pearson Academic results of minimum 68 in Writing and Speaking and minimum 61 in Reading and Listening, or
- evidence that their undergraduate degree was taught mainly or entirely in English
For the University of Macedonia component, candidates whose first language is not English will be expected to provide proof of proficiency in English comparable to that of the Aston component.
The same applies for the University of Essex.
Academic requirements
To apply for the Master's in Political Science at Bamberg, candidates will be expected to satisfy the following general admission criterion in political science:- Hold a Bachelor's degree in political science or a similar programme in the social sciences
Candidates wishing to enter the Double Master's programme will be expected to hand in a separate written application, which includes:
- A letter of motivation written in English
- A CV written in English
- For candidates whose first language is not English, evidence of their English speaking and writing abilities (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Academic, or evidence that the Bachelor's degree they hold was taught mainly or entirely in English.)
- Two references, typically from professors who know the applicant personally
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.
Enrolment fees
In Bamberg, students are obliged to pay administrative fees to the amount of 80 EUR per semester (so-called "Semesterbeitrag").Arrival support
University of BambergStudents will be provided with support via web, e-mail and telephone concerning general information (e.g. visa application, contacts with embassies, residence permit, health services and insurance policy, academic and social life, accommodation).
In addition, students will be teamed with a mentor, a local student who provides support and guidance starting on the first day of arrival.
Aston University
As part of Aston Welcome there is a free Meet and Greet service for new students who can be collected from the airport and taken directly to the campus (see: http://www1.aston.ac.uk/new-student/international-students/meet-and-greet/).
Prior to the start of your studies, Aston University runs a week of activities to help you settle into your new environment which also offers the opportunity to meet other students and enjoy a week of activities before the home students arrive for Freshers' Week.
University of Macedonia
Students will be provided with support via web, e-mail and telephone concerning arrival matters. In addition, students will be teamed with a mentor, a local student who provides support and guidance starting on the first day of arrival.
University of Essex
Students will have access to student support networks and will be offered opportunities to communicate with faculty staff in advance of the commencement of studies to discuss possible thesis topics, expectations, and conventions.
Services and support for international students
University of BambergStudents will be teamed with a mentor, a local student who provides support and guidance during the first months at the university.
Students will have free access to the internet on campus.
At the language centre students can learn the national language as well as other languages in the form of intensive courses or as semester courses at various levels. It is also possible to study the language together with a local tandem partner.
Aston University
The Hub Advice Zone and Finance Centre aims to enrich the student experience at Aston by providing outstanding student support in a friendly, welcoming environment where students can feel at ease. You may want to open a bank account, register with a doctor, register with the police or speak to a member of staff about your tuition fees - you can get help with all of these tasks by visiting The Hub. It also runs various trips to local places of worship (see http://www1.aston.ac.uk/current-students/hub/).
University of Macedonia
Students will be teamed with a mentor, a local student who provides support and guidance during the first months at the university.
Students will have free access to the internet on campus.
At the language centre students can learn the national language as well as other languages.
University of Essex
Students will have access to student support networks and will be offered opportunities to communicate with faculty staff to discuss possible thesis topics, expectations, and conventions.
Accommodation
University of Bamberg:Students will be offered support in finding accommodation in Bamberg. For more information visit: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studium/interesse/living-studying-in-bamberg/accommodations-in-bamberg/.
Aston University:
Our green and compact campus right in the heart of Birmingham, the UK's second largest city, gives our students the best of both worlds - all the facilities of a small town within a vibrant city.
This makes settling into campus life much easier and means that you can stay on campus throughout each academic year of your studies if you want to. Aston has a wide variety of accommodation, all located on campus, giving students easy access to all facilities and eliminating travel costs.
For more information on the types of accommodation available, current prices and the application process, please go to: http://www.aston.ac.uk/accommodation/prospective-students/.
For general information about house hunting the Advice & Representation Centre (The ARC) will be delighted to help.
Phone +44 (0)1 21-2 04 48 48 or e-mail arc@aston.ac.uk
University of Macedonia:
Students will be offered active support in finding accommodation in Thessaloniki.
University of Essex:
The University of Essex will assist students in locating suitable accommodation.
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