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Who benefits particularly from the Master's in Political Science – Governance and Participation?
The degree programme is aimed at graduates of a social science Bachelor's degree who wish to deepen their knowledge in the areas of political control, governance, democracy research, and international politics. The Master's is especially suitable for professionals from administration, politics, parties, consulting, media, education, or academia who want to engage analytically, research-oriented, and theoretically soundly with political processes and societal challenges. You fit well into the target group if you are politically interested, want to critically analyse contexts, and expand your understanding of decision-making and participation processes at an academic level.
Formal requirements for admission
For enrolment, you must provide proof of a first professionally qualifying university degree with at least 180 ECTS, usually a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Politics and Organisation, Social Sciences, Sociology, History or a closely related subject area. It is crucial that at least 60 ECTS credits in the politically science-oriented field were earned in the initial degree. The faculty decides on the exact recognition. Enrolment is possible for the summer semester (application period: 1 December to 31 January) or the winter semester (application period: 1 June to 31 July).
Personal competencies such as independent academic work, analytical thinking skills, perseverance in self-directed learning in distance education, interest in current political and social issues, as well as willingness to engage in depth with theoretical-methodological approaches are also expected. Prior experience in political science work is advantageous.
Which content do you deepen in the Master's in Political Science – Governing and Participation?
In the Master's programme in Political Science – Governing and Participation, you systematically expand your knowledge of political structures, decision-making processes and social dynamics. The curriculum combines content from political science, sociology and history, so that you get to know different perspectives on political governance and participation. You engage intensively with the following subject areas:
- Theories and empiricism of governance: You analyse how political decisions are made and which coordination and control mechanisms operate in the national and international context.
- Research on democracy: You examine the conditions, opportunities and challenges of democratic governance and develop an understanding of processes of political participation.
- Globalisation and international relations: You deal with the consequences of global changes for politics and society and learn to analyse international conflicts.
- Political sociology: You explore the interactions between social structures and political order as well as individual and collective actor roles.
- Methodological skills: You deepen your abilities in theoretical analysis, empirical research and scientific argumentation.
During the course of your studies, you practise independently working on current political science research questions and establishing practical references. The aim is to develop sound analytical, organisational and conceptual skills that qualify you for academic work as well as for professional fields outside academia.
How is the distance learning course organised in terms of process and structure?
The Master's programme comprises 120 ECTS credits and is normally designed for four semesters (full-time). You can complete the course part-time and thus individually adapt the duration of study to your professional and private environment.
- Start of studies: 1 April (summer semester) or 1 October (winter semester)
- Schedule: The course is divided into a two-semester basic phase followed by an advanced and research phase. Here you follow thematically coordinated modules.
- Teaching materials: You receive study letters digitally or by post, supplemented by online learning platforms and optional multimedia content such as lecture videos and online seminars.
- Examination formats: The course achievements include written exams, term papers, open-book exams, oral exams and the final Master's thesis with colloquium.
- Supervision: Mentoring, online consultations and a network of nationwide as well as international study centres offer individual as well as group-related support.
- Flexibility: You decide yourself how many modules you take per semester. Studying alongside work is explicitly possible.
Digital course management and fixed examination periods make the schedule predictable. In-person appointments, for example for exams or optional mentoring, are announced in good time, so that they can usually be well reconciled with work and family.
What career prospects does the Master's in Political Science – Governing and Participation open up?
After completing your studies, a variety of career paths open up for you in politics, academia and key social positions. Typical fields of employment for graduates are:
- Academia and research: University and non-university research institutions as well as teaching
- Politics and administration: Parties, associations, administrations and international organisations
- Political consultancy: Advisory tasks in political institutions, business and associations
- Political education: Adult education at foundations, associations, community colleges or private providers
- Media and public relations: Analysis, preparation and communication of political information
- Private sector: Activities in public affairs, strategic corporate communications or policy management
The degree qualifies you for leadership positions in the public sector and non-profit organisations as well as for positions in the international environment. An academic career with subsequent doctoral studies is also possible.
What tuition fees and costs should you expect – and how do you finance your studies?
The total costs for the Master's in Political Science – Governing and Participation at FernUniversität Hagen amount to around €1,400 for full-time study. The fees consist of a base fee of €60 per semester and a registration fee of around €11 per ECTS. In the case of part-time study, the duration of study is extended, so that the total costs increase by €60 per additional semester.
- Costs per semester (full-time): approx. €213
- Total costs (4 semesters, 120 ECTS): approx. €1,431
Additional costs may arise for travel to examinations, optional in-person events and supplementary specialist literature. Tuition fees can be claimed for tax purposes as income-related expenses or special expenses. Financial support is possible through common funding programmes, educational loans and, if applicable, employer subsidies. FernUniversität offers reductions or assistance for certain groups of people.
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