M.A. Political Science – Governance and Participation
Photo: Jakob Studnar
Part-time Distance Learning
How can we effectively assess political decisions in the administration, economy, and environment? What can be done to analyze and identify the conditions, opportunities and challenges of democratic governance? And how can conflicts be explained on an international level? Political science deals with these and many other questions. Study for a master’s degree in Political Science – Governance and Participation at the FernUniversität in Hagen via distance learning and expand your professional horizons!
M.A. Political Science – Governance and Participation: Course Content
Globalization, climate change, financial crises – our world is in a constant state of flux and becoming ever more complex. Political science deals with the question of how political decisions are made and what impact they have on society.
In the master’s degree in Political Science - Governance and Participation, students deepen and expand the knowledge about the interplay between politics and society they have already acquired in their bachelor’s degree. Following the introductory phase, they deal with varying areas of political science such as research into democracy, globalization studies, international relations, political participation, and aspects of political sociology. The course also deals with current political science discourses. Students develop a deeper understanding of the German and EU political system as well as the institutions and processes of international politics. In addition, the master’s degree program in Political Science - Governance and Participation deepens analytical, theoretical and methodological skills. It prepares graduates for independent academic work.
Student Testimonial on the M.A. in Political Science
René Lahn
“I want to shed light on the background to social structures and understand the political theories behind them. It helps to have contextual knowledge and to be able to understand the actions of certain key players.”
Photo: John Meister, M.A. in Political ScienceFind out more
Career Prospects as a Master of Political Science
A master’s degree in Political Science – Governance and Participation qualifies you for work in senior positions in both academic and non-academic fields, for example in:
- Science (university and non-university research and teaching)
- Politics (parties, associations, international organizations, diplomacy)
- The private sector
- Public administration
- Consulting activities in politics, business and associations
- Political education (including the adult education sector, foundations, political parties, associations, private sponsors, German armed forces)
- Media (information preparation and dissemination)
Of course, a master’s degree in Political Science – Governance and Participation also opens the door to a career in research and teaching. The next step would be a doctorate.
Profile of the Master’s Degree Program in Political Science
| Degree: | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
| Type of study | Full-time study, part-time study, part-time distance learning (further education/continuing education), professional qualification with elements of classroom study and online study |
| Study duration: | 4 semesters full-time, part-time studies can be arranged to suit your circumstances |
| Scope: | 120 credit points (ECTS) |
| Start of studies: | Summer semester (April 1) or winter semester (October 1) |
| Enrollment deadlines: | 1 December to 31 January (for the summer semester) 1 June to 31 July (for the winter semester) |
| Costs: | Approx. €1,400 total costs for a full-time course in the standard study period. For part-time studies or a personalized period of study, the total costs increase by a further 60 euros basic fee per semester (plus student body contribution) |
Your benefits at a glance
- Maximum flexibility: You adapt your studies to fit your life – not the other way around.
- Recognized degree: the state-run FernUniversität in Hagen has been offering education at an academic level for around 50 years.
- Good support: The faculties at the FernUniversität in Hagen are particularly committed to providing students with intensive support during their studies.
- Good-value further education: There are no hidden costs involved with distance learning at the FernUniversität in Hagen. You always have full transparency.
- Location-independent & plannable: The FernUniversität in Hagen provides you with learning materials from by post or online via digital learning tools. Events with compulsory attendance are announced well in advance and thanks to the FernUni in Hagen’s 13 German and 7 foreign campus locations are easily accessible for all students.
Want to Know More?
Would you like to find out more about the master’s degree program in Political Science as a (part-time) distance-learning course? Then take a look at the degree program web page of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Here you will find further information on the structure of the course, the specific course content and the admission requirements.
Things You Should Know about the FernUniversität in Hagen
You can find answers to the most important questions and basic information about studying at the FernUniversität in Hagen here:
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In terms of student numbers, the FernUniversität in Hagen is the largest state university in Germany. And it is the only state-run distance learning university. FernUni students can obtain an internationally recognized bachelor’s or master’s degree. Compact certificates complement our range. The flexible study system allows you to adapt your studies to suit your life situation. That's why we are exactly the right choice for the following people:
- Working professionals
- People bringing up families
- High school graduates
- Potential students with no high school diploma
- People with disabilities or chronic illnesses
- Students abroad
- Schoolchildren
- Competitive athletes
- Refugees
- Studying While Incarcerated
- Servicemen and women in the Armed Forces
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No doubt, you have many questions: How does distance learning work? How do I learn? In what format are the exams held? When can I start studying? All the answers are gathered here for our students:
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The Student Advice Service will help you make your decision about what to study at the FernUniversität. Here you will also find further information on how to organize your distance learning course.
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You can find out more about the requirements for any degree program by visiting the website of the relevant faculty. For more information about the bachelor’s degree program, please contact the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science.
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You can find all the relevant information on enrollment at the FernUniversität in Hagen listed here:
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You can find advice and support close to your home at many locations in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. We also believe that helping students to network with other students is of key importance for later success.
