International Programmes 2023/2024

Double MA Degree in Political Science Double MA Degree in Political Science

University of Bamberg • Bamberg

Degree
MA in Political Science and a second MA from the respective partner university
In cooperation with
  • Aston University / UK
  • Essex University / UK
  • Radboud University Nijmegen / Netherlands
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The entire programme can be completed in English. In Bamberg, students are also free to take German courses if they have sufficient language skills.

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

All applications should be submitted by 30 June.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
Varied
Additional information on tuition fees

Tuition fees apply at our partner universities. Please see the information on our website: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/ma-dd-politics/

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
Yes
Description/content

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 perspectives.

Course organisation

Participants acquire a Double Master's award from Aston University in Birmingham (Governance and International Politics) or the University of Essex in Colchester (from a range of different Political Science specialisations) 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 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
International elements
  • Integrated study abroad unit(s)
Integrated 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.

Integrated 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 Essex.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
Varied
Additional information on tuition fees

Tuition fees apply at our partner universities. Please see the information on our website: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/ma-dd-politics/

Semester contribution

Students whose home institution is Bamberg must pay a regular contribution to the administrative costs at the University of Bamberg (103.80 EUR per semester at present). There are no additional tuition fees during the student's stay at the host institution. A "Semesterticket" for public transport in the city of Bamberg is included (more information here).

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission 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 (see below)
  • Two references, typically from professors who know the applicant personally
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 Essex 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.

Application deadline

All applications should be submitted by 30 June.

Submit application to

Please see information published on our website: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/ma-dd-politics/.

Accommodation

Bamberg's housing market has changed considerably in recent years. The demand for private accommodations is quite high, and rent prices continue to increase. The common trend seen in many cities, and particularly in university cities, is now quite apparent in Bamberg, too.

It is thus advisable to begin looking for a flat as early as possible and to be patient, as the process can take quite a while. It also pays to check listings in the local newspaper (Fränkischer Tag), submit an announcement that you are looking for accommodation, or explore the numerous online housing portals.

www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studies/living-studying/living-in-bamberg/

University of Bamberg

Since the founding of the University of Bamberg in 1647, it is the people who have been its top priority. The close proximity of students and instructors provides for excellent advisory services, personal communication and interdisciplinary studies.

The University of Bamberg, with about 12,000 students, is among Germany's medium-sized universities. The university currently offers roughly 100 programmes at the Bachelor's and Master's level.

The university’s main areas of academic focus lie in the humanities, social sciences, economics, business administration and human sciences. These are rounded out by numerous programmes in application-oriented computer science. The premises of the four faculties are concentrated in three main locations that are easily reached by bicycle or via the local network of bus routes.

One of the University of Bamberg's main strengths is its commitment to a focus on international studies. The university’s International Office maintains exchange programmes with approximately 300 universities in nearly 60 countries worldwide.

There are currently about 1,700 foreign students from 100 countries enrolled at the University of Bamberg. The range of courses offered at the university reflects this focus on international studies. Degree programmes in fields like international business administration and management, European economic studies, or the joint Master’s degree in English and American Studies all require that students spend up to one year studying abroad. Furthermore, international students receive a great deal of support outside the classroom.

In order to help visiting students from around the globe become better integrated and acquainted with daily life, the International Office organises a tandem programme that brings together local and foreign students.

The university's international guests also have the opportunity to participate in an extensive programme of excursions and events meant to present a broader experience of life in Germany, even beyond the city of Bamberg. An international "Stammtisch" provides students with the opportunity to socialise and share experiences.

www.uni-bamberg.de/en/university/profile/

https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studies/living-studying/

University location

Located in Northern Bavaria, it is easy to travel to and from Bamberg using many different means of transport. For those travelling by car, the city can be reached from all directions via the A70 and A73 motorways. Bamberg's railway station is also a stop on the ICE line between Munich and Berlin, which means that both cities can be reached without changing trains. Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, is approximately 45 minutes away by train, and its international airport provides flights to destinations worldwide.

www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studies/living-studying/mobility/

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