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The programme is designed to develop students ability to critically assess conceptual and empirical problems, conduct independent problem-solving, research, and collect and process complex material. Upon completion of the programme, students will have acquired theoretical knowledge and the practical experience of examining, assessing and analysing problems in politics, international relations and development policy. The programme prepares students for more advanced studies in various specific areas within the discipline of political science such as comparative politics, political theory, public administration, international relations and development studies.
The programme has a strong research focus building on the internationally advanced research carried out within the department. Students will benefit from a research-driven course content, a large choice of subject-specific courses and varied methods of teaching with focus on developing students theoretical and analytical skills. During the course of study, students are expected to keep abreast with advances in political science research and contribute to the development of knowledge. The final degree project provides the student with the opportunity to apply advanced political science methodology and make an independent research contribution.
The Master's thesis written for the two-year degree (30 credits) requires deeper theoretical knowledge and methodological skills than the thesis written for the one-year degree (15 credits). Therefore, the Masters Thesis course (30 credits) requires prior knowledge of qualitative and quantative methodology on an advanced level.
For students taking the two-year programme there is the opportunity to complete an internship during one semester as an integral part of the programme. The department has an extensive internship programme with placements in Sweden and abroad.The department actively encourages students to seek internships as professional experience positively enhance the profile of your Masters degree.
Career
The programme prepares graduates for a professional career as an investigator and analyst in the private and the public sectors both at home or abroad. The programme also prepares students for research and is a qualification when applying for doctoral studies.
The programme gives you an advanced education that leads to a broad investigative competence with specialist knowledge in politics, society and political science research.
Degree
The programme leads to a Master of Science in Political Sciences (120 credits) with Political Science or Development studies as the main field of study.
After one year of study it may also be possible to obtain a Master of Science in Political Sciences (60 credits).
The Masters programme in Political Science is based on course modules of 15 credits full-time study. Some courses of 7.5 credits are also given. Students are expected to complete 30 credits per semester over two years. There is a possibility to terminate the programme after one year with a one-year masters degree of 60 credits.
The courses in semester 1 are mandatory whereas the courses in semester 2 are elective. In semester 3, period 2, you may choose among the courses given by the departments affiliated to the Masters programme or other courses at Uppsala University, universities in Sweden or elsewhere. Some courses may be taken on the Bachelors level. It is recommended, however, that students write their Masters thesis (30 credits) in semester 3. Semester 4 offers the possibility to do an internship, or to take the elective courses at the department.
Note that it is customary in most university departments in Sweden to study only one course at a time since it requires your full time attention.
Mandatory and optional courses
To summarize, for the two-year Masters Programme students are required to take one of the three 15 credits courses given in the beginning of the autumn semester; the 15 credits Methods course in the second half of the first semester; and the Masters Thesis course in the third semester. The remaining 60 credits are optional. Half of these, 30 credits, must be on advanced level; the remaining 30 credits may be on Bachelors level. You may take these 60 credits in our department, or you may decide to take all or some of these credits in other departments or universities. Note that the 30 credit internship is counted as a Bachelor-level course.
Courses
First semester
The first semester provides a common ground in methodological skills and a deeper knowledge of political science, international relations and development studies through the subject courses offered by the department.
Second semester
In the second semester students choose among the elective courses, while students wishing to conclude their studies with a one-year's master's degree choose to write an essay during the second half of the second semester.
Third and fourth semesters
In the third and fourth semesters, students complete their Master's Thesis, and either opt for an internship or take courses of their own choosing.
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.
Uppsala University provides several different scholarships for students. The scholarships cover exclusively the tuition fees for courses within the programme, i e 30 credits per semester.
Read more about scholarships on www.uu.se/scholarships.