Politics

The Politics programme at the University of Antwerp offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of political systems, institutions, ideologies, and processes. Designed to equip students with critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and a thorough understanding of contemporary political issues, this programme prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in politics, public administration, international organizations, journalism, research, and advocacy. The curriculum covers various key areas including political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and governance. Students will analyze how political power is exercised, how policies are formulated and implemented, and the impact of political decisions on societies. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and practical projects, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in political analysis, strategic communication, and policy evaluation. The programme emphasizes the development of critical thinking and argumentative skills, enabling students to assess political phenomena from multiple perspectives. Additionally, students have the opportunity to choose specializations or electives according to their interests, such as European politics, security studies, or environmental politics. The university fosters an international and multicultural learning environment, encouraging students to engage with political issues on a global scale. Partnerships with governmental agencies and international institutions provide valuable internship opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and establish professional networks. The faculty members, comprised of renowned experts and researchers in the field of politics, contribute to a stimulating academic environment. Graduates of the Politics programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in political analysis, policy advising, journalism, diplomacy, or further academic research. With a strong focus on critical, reflective, and professional skills, the programme aims to prepare students for the challenges of today’s dynamic political landscape, fostering responsible citizenship and informed participation in democratic processes.

ACIM’s research projects are concentrated in three major research lines:

• The politics of multi-level government
• The politics of interest representation
• Regulatory and judicial politics

It is important to point out that, although the research lines are clearly distinct from each other, there are clear synergies and overlaps. For instance, all research projects on regulatory and judicial politics (mostly De Bièvre and Beyers) concentrate on the role interest groups play in regulatory governance. Similarly, research on multi-level government (mostly Bursens and Beyers) usually includes non-governmental actors such as political parties or interest groups. These synergies are relevant as they will stimulate future collaborative research

Requirements

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): minimum score of 550 for the paper-based test or 79 for the Internet-based test. Information about this test is available at the TOEFL-website. IOB does not accept the TOEFL ITP.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): minimum score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 on each component. Information about this test is available at the IELTS-website.
• A copy of your valid passport or identity card/a curriculum vitae
• A motivation letter
• A legalised copy of your degree certificate (please read more information on legalisation)
• Applicants that are enrolled in the final year should submit an original and signed letter from their college or university confirming that they are expected to finalise the program at the end of the current academic year
• A copy of your academic transcripts, provided with a stamp of the university

Scholarships

• An assistant mandate - salaried assistant; 
• An appointment to a research project that was requested by a promoter and subsidized assigned by internal (BOF) or external (international, national, regional, local) research resources; 
• A personal doctoral fellowship (eg FWO-aspirant and analog mandates, IWT grant for strategic basic research, temporary mandate (opvangmandaat) of the Special Research Fund - BOF specific funds that grant scholarships); 

The Politics programme at the University of Antwerp offers an in-depth exploration of political systems, institutions, ideologies, and processes. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how political powers are exercised, the functioning of government institutions at local, national, and international levels, and the impact of political decisions on societies. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including comparative politics, political theory, international relations, public policy, and European integration, among others. Students are also encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an awareness of current global political developments. The programme often incorporates practical components such as internships, seminars, and research projects to prepare students for a range of careers in public administration, policy analysis, international organizations, journalism, or further academic research. The University of Antwerp is known for its research-driven approach, and students benefit from faculty expertise in various subfields of politics and international relations. The programme emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from sociology, economics, law, and history to provide a well-rounded understanding of political phenomena. It is typically designed for students interested in pursuing careers in government, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, or international bodies. The language of instruction is primarily English, facilitating international students' participation. The programme duration is generally three years for a bachelor's degree and one or two years for a master's degree, depending on the specific track chosen. Graduates from the Politics programme at the University of Antwerp are equipped with critical perspectives, research skills, and practical knowledge to understand and influence political processes effectively.