Master's in Political Science University of Mannheim

The Mannheim MA in Political Science is dedicated to applied research in Political Science. The research of the Mannheim Department of Political Science is widely known for its empirical-analytical approach, ranked among the leading international institutions (highest in Germany and Europe), and embedded in a number of internationally active research centres in the social sciences (MZES, GESIS). This environment provides ideal opportunities for training in applied research, financing the study period and preparing for a PhD. In four semesters, students will acquire extensive skills in quantitative methodology and an intensive knowledge of the political system of the EU.

The Department of Political Science in Mannheim offers a wide range of research topics in Political Science, such as International Relations, International Political Economy, International Comparative Social Research, Comparative Political Behaviour, Political Sociology and Quantitative Methods. These areas are also reflected in the Master's programme, and students are expected to choose one of these specialisations for their Master's thesis.

The variety of topics in the "Comparative Politics" section of the course schedule includes political institutions of European democracies, EU member states' legislation and electoral systems as well as political communication and participation, electoral studies and coalition theories in Europe. In the "International Politics" subsection, students will become acquainted with a variety of aspects of the process of European integration, European governance, African politics & conflict studies and political economy.

During the first semester, students extend their basic knowledge in the field of Quantitative Methods that they have obtained in their respective Bachelor's programmes. The modules in Quantitative Methods, Game Theory, and Research Design provide advanced skills in empirical social science methods, statistics, and formal model building.

During the second and third semester, students will take the basic modules in International Politics, International Political Economy, Comparative Political Behaviour and Comparative Government. They enhance students' core competencies in these subfields through intellectually challenging lectures, intensive reading and discussion seminars. Additionally, students specialise by choosing one of three Research Modules, which occupies the second and third semester of studies. The Research Module consists of three intensive seminars and aims to add specific methodological tools and analytical capabilities to the skill set of MA candidates. In the final module, students write their MA theses. This is a research paper that may well be the first step in a successful career in political science research.

A research internship of six weeks or a two-week summer school programme must be completed as an integrated part of the programme. The school's internship manager assists students in finding a suitable internship.

Admission requires a Bachelor's degree in Political Science or a subject-related degree, which was completed with a grade of at least "good" (2.5 German grade equivalent) or better. If a Bachelor's degree has not yet been completed, a current transcript of records has to be submitted. This document will be the basis for admission. You will also need at least one course in statistical analysis and/or research methods, which was completed with a grade of at least "good" (2.5) or better.

For further information on admission requirements please visit: Application University of Mannheim.

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 200 EUR per semester. There are several ticket options for public transport available in the Mannheim-Heidelberg metropolitan area. Each will incur different additional costs.

Approx. 850 to 900 EUR per month to cover all personal expenses

Various student research assistant positions are available to MA students at the university.

The University of Mannheim has one of the most differentiated scholarship systems among public higher education institutions in Germany, and it cooperates with a large network of partners and sponsors.

The university strives to provide international degree-seeking students with the same opportunities as their fellow German students.

There are a number of institutions within the university that offer support in job and career issues. The school's own Internship Office offers career support as well as the Career Network, the central information platform of the University of Mannheim that focuses on work and career and accompanies students and graduates on their way to start their career with a diverse range of services.

The International Office offers support in finding dorm rooms and private accommodation.
Student halls of residence are the ideal place to get to know not only German students but also fellow students from all over the world. Depending on the hall, you will live with two to eight fellow students in a shared apartment. Each student has a room, but kitchen, bathroom, and toilet are communal. Additionally, the International Office offers a very limited number of one-bedroom apartments with a small in-room kitchen and bathroom. The kitchens are fully equipped with cooking facilities and a refrigerator.

For generations, the University of Mannheim has been preparing students to take on leadership roles in business, academia, and society. One of the university's strengths in this task is its profile, which is characterised by the economic and social sciences. It is in these fields that the University of Mannheim has repeatedly been ranked as one of the top 20 European research institutions.

Staff members at six schools and departments teach and carry out research in business administration, economics, the humanities, social sciences, law, business informatics, and mathematics.

Global Network

Researchers at the university collaborate with numerous national and international partners. The university has a particularly close relationship with the ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research, one of the leading economic research institutes in Germany, the GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, and the Leibniz-Institut für Deutsche Sprache (IDS). The Mannheim Centre for European Social Research (MZES) is the largest research institution for social sciences at a university in Germany, and it is one of the leading institutions of its kind on the international stage.

International Campus

The campus surrounding Mannheim's baroque palace is a place where bright minds from across the globe come together to learn, discuss, research, and prepare to make their mark on the world. Every fifth student at the university comes from abroad to pursue a Bachelor's, Master's, or doctoral degree in Mannheim. Students of the Mannheim Business School also come from overseas to obtain a management qualification at one of the top 25 MBA providers in the world.

Research that Benefits Society

The University of Mannheim is known for its practical orientation and its knowledge transfer with society. Numerous researchers are members of national or international bodies, or they work at institutes or associations that have an advisory role in business, society, and politics. Students are also active in society. The many organisations and associations on campus give them the chance to help make the world a better place.

Mannheim has more than 300,000 residents and is located in Baden-Württemberg at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Neckar. The city impresses with its diversity: a successful mixture of shopping districts, industrial and service centres, places of cultural interest, art nouveau buildings, the large baroque palace which houses the university, and several extensive recreational areas. The beautiful regions of Odenwald and Palatinate, both of which are very popular for walking and cycling, are close to Mannheim. The symbol of Mannheim is its water tower, a 60-metre-high sandstone colossus next to the city centre, which is characterised by its chessboard-style street grid that is unique in Germany.

Thanks to Mannheim's central location and extensive transport connections, a variety of charming towns are within easy reach, and France and Switzerland are only a relatively short journey away. Frankfurt airport can be reached by train within 30 minutes.