Students

Joint Master's Programme Political Science – Integration & Governance

Why choose PoSIG? Here are the key reasons that make this programme an excellent choice

 

The Joint Master's Programme in Political Science – Integration and Governance (PoSIG) is founded on international standards and benchmarks for the instruction of political science, aligning with level 7 of the European Qualification Framework. The consortium members contribute to this programme by integrating their distinct academic profiles in the following areas: Comparative Politics, European Integration, International Relations, Public Policy & Administration, and Political Theory. In addition to this contribution, the Western Balkan and South Caucasus consortium members deliver specific academic competencies regarding political developments in those regions.

The PoSIG programme is designed to equip its graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue academic careers in all areas of political science. In addition to this, it offers a comprehensive background in the transition and Europeanisation of the Western Balkan and South Caucasus region.

PoSIG ensures that students with disabilities or chronic illnesses are fully supported and not subject to any form of discrimination. The program is committed to the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as local non-discrimination laws and positive action policies across all partner institutions.

Graduates of this programme will be awarded a joint Master of Arts (MA), potentially by up to four universities, depending on their chosen mobility track. This unique feature enhances academic credentials and international career opportunities.

Graduates of this programme will possess a distinctive academic profile, integrating specialisations, an international student and faculty body, and a mobility pathway between EU, Western Balkan, and Southern Caucasus partners. A compulsory internship ensures practical experience, enabling alumni to acquire distinct expertise regarding the conditions for social, economic, and political processes in the Western Balkans and Southern Caucasus.

The master's thesis projects are designed to encourage students to engage in innovative research that is relevant to the social, economic and political development of the region. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge to contribute to the political debate and processes related to Europeanisation.

The typical professional fields of graduates of the PoSIG are:

 

  • employment at local and national level in public administration, parliaments and political parties, non-governmental organisations, interest groups and trade unions, the business sector, media and public relations;
  • employment in international organisations, foreign services (careers in diplomacy), in institutions of the European Union and in international profit and non profit organizations, development agencies and NGOs;
  • employment in the field of civic and political education (foundations, academies, educational institutes, etc.);
  • academic careers (teaching and research at universities and research institutions).


Competence in the field of study, in particular:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of theories of political science, political concepts, actors, institutions, processes, norms, and central policy fields.
  • The ability to understand, assess, and apply political science research with high methodological standards to other modules.
  • The ability to analyze political and societal problems based on social science concepts and theories.

Methods competences, in particular:

  • The ability and knowledge to thoughtfully and critically apply the methodological instruments of empirical-analytical political science research, including the ability to use statistical software, and to plan and carry out independent research.
  • The ability to cooperate with others (interdisciplinarily and/or in groups), to carry out research collectively.
  • The ability to present complex research and research findings convincingly in front of an audience.

Competence in sound reasoning and judgement, in particular:

  • The ability to understand scientific social and political science literature and to critically analyse and assess it by drawing on the insights of neighbouring disciplines (such as law, economics, sociology, history).
  • The ability to assess the presentation of scientific research outcomes, to make comparisons and to give self-reflecting feedback.
  • The ability to debate and compare one’s own insights and positions with those of others and to modify them, if necessary.

Competence in responsive action, in particular:

  • The ability to grasp political and social problems, to develop practical strategies, policy reform contributions and to present them in public debates.
  • The ability to connect science and political practice.
  • The ability to engage in politics effectively on the basis of scientific insights.
  • The ability to work within the scope of the standards of academic and professional integrity and ethics.

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