Political Science
Political Science (B.A.)
Discover the fascinating world of political science! This degree program offers you in-depth knowledge of political theories and practices as well as systems of government, international relations, and the background to the history of ideas. Here you will find answers to questions that shape our daily lives. Who makes political decisions and why? How does the EU work and how can we explain war and peace? Become an expert in politics and actively help to shape the future.
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Duration of studies in semester
- 6
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 150-250
- Subject group
- Language and Cultural Studies
- Special ways to study
- 2-subject Bachelor, Part-time degree program
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Keywords
- Political Science
What is the degree program about?
If you choose to study Political Science, you’ll explore all aspects of politics in theory and practice. You’ll learn about the fundamental theoretical questions of politics and their basis in the history of ideas, about the German political system, foreign systems of government, and international relations.
You will find the answers to questions such as: Which stakeholders determine political decision making processes? Which interests do they pursue and which strategies? Why is the political system in one country more stable than in another? How does the European Union work? How can we explain war and peace in the relationships between states? Which political ideas have emerged over the course of time and how do they influence politics?
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In the modular two-subject Bachelor’s degree program, you can choose Political Science as either your first or your second subject.
The major difference in whether you take Political Science as your first subject or as your second subject is when it comes to choosing the topic of your Bachelor’s thesis. As a first subject, students have to complete eight modules (teaching and learning units that are self-contained with examinations taken during the program) or seven modules when taken as a second subject.
Structure
- The preparatory module takes place during the first semester.
- During the second to fourth semester, students take four further basic modules in “political theory”, “political systems”, “international relations” and “politics in non-European regions”.
- The fifth and sixth semesters comprise specialization modules. In addition, students write their Bachelor’s thesis in their first subject.
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- A genuine interest in all forms of politics in theory and in practice.
- A willingness to read a lot and in detail.
- Good verbal communication skills.
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This degree qualifies graduates for careers
- In journalism and administration, associations (NGO) and companies at a national, international and supranational level
- For political parties, parliaments, political groups, politicians on the European level and the Federal, “Länder” and local authority level
- In non-formal political education
- In policy consulting
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- Studying Political Science does not qualify graduates to become politicians.
- Studying Political Science does not automatically qualify graduates for journalism.
- Languages are important in Political Science – students require very good proficiency in English (at UNIcert II – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level B2) Knowledge of other languages is also a great advantage.
- Specializations (internships, qualifications from other areas, key qualifications) even during the Bachelor’s degree program are extremely important for selecting a career later on.
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Possible combinations without overlaps
- Archaeological Sciences
- Art History
- Book Studies
- Business and Economics
- Chinese Studies
- Cultural History of Christianity
- Education
- English and American Studies
- French Studies
- German studies
- Greek Philology
- Hispanic Studies
- History
- Indo-European and Indo-Iranian Studies
- Islamic Religious Studies
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Medieval Latin and Neo-Latin
- Oriental Studies
- Philosophy
- Public Law
- Sociology
- Theater and Media Studies
With these subject combinations, there are generally no overlaps in the timetable.
Possible overlaps in the timetable
- Computational Linguistics
- Digital Humanities and Social Sciences
- Geography: Cultural Geography as a two subject Bachelor's degree program
- Latin Philology
- Scandinavian Studies (BA)
If you combine these subjects, individual courses may overlap in your timetable. For this reason, you can only combine the following subjects with your chosen subject after a consultation. Students are responsible for ensuring that the combination can be studied and that the deadlines set out in Section 11 of the ABMStPOPhil are met. When enrolling, proof of a corresponding consultation with the Central Student Advisory Service or the Student Service Center (Faculty of Humanities, Social Studies, and Theology) must be submitted.
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Application deadline winter semester
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30.09.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 (written 2 / oral 1) or equivalent
- General language skills
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Nachweis ausreichender Kenntnisse zweier Fremdsprachen, darunter Englisch, bis zum Ende des 4. Semesters
- Details and notes
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The application deadline for the winter semester for international applicants is July 15th.
In addition to the general qualification for university entrance (Abitur), there are other access options for studying at FAU.
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.