Roads to Democracies – Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Politics and Culture University of Siegen

The Master’s programme in “Roads to Democracies – Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Politics and Culture” at the University of Siegen offers interdisciplinary studies on democratic governance. It focuses on historical and contemporary perspectives from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia and reflects how political actors and institutions deal with global challenges, strengthen the resilience of democratic governance, and promote international cooperation in a multipolar world.

This international programme, taught in English, equips students with analytical skills and historical insights to critically assess democratic developments worldwide. Students develop a broad, comparative understanding of the mechanisms behind democratic processes, acquire the skills to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of democratic processes at both national and transnational levels, and are empowered to critically assess the demands for legitimate and efficient political problem-solving. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalised mentorship, and access to leading experts in the fields of democracy, sociology, and political history. Furthermore, students can choose from a variety of language courses (including German) offered by the university’s Language Centre, and they can acquire important soft skills through courses in intercultural communication, academic writing, and more. In addition, the House of Young Talents, the Career Service, and the Alumni Association offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to prepare students for their future careers.

In this programme, students from around the world study in an international research environment and benefit from opportunities to study abroad.

The Roads to Democracies Master of Arts degree programme qualifies successful candidates for admission to doctoral studies / PhD studies.

Furthermore, the programme prepares students for roles in international organisations, NGOs, international aid and development agencies, research institutions, cultural heritage institutions, publishing houses, journalism and media agencies concerned with international and intercultural communication, political parties, associations, foundations, and international and internationally operating companies.

The programme comprises compulsory core modules as well as elective courses:

First semester

• Introductory module
• Actors and Institutions in Historical and Contemporary Perspective

Second semester

• Empirical Research on Democracy
• Political Cultures and the Public Sphere: Past and Present

Third semester

• Global and Transnational Processes: Past and Present
• Democracies in Comparative Perspective
• Thematic module abroad  – optional

Fourth semester

• Master’s thesis and Master’s presentation (Master's examination)

Flexible elements that can be completed every semester

• Additional special studies module
• Master's thesis module
• One compulsory internship (eight weeks) 
• "Studium Generale Module"

Modes of teaching are seminars, blended-learning courses, workshops, projects, and lectures. Students are expected to obtain an average of 30 credit points per semester and must acquire 120 credit points over the entire programme.

Internships are an integrated part within the study programme and are scheduled for the second semester (eight weeks/nine credit points). Students will receive assistance from the study course advisers in finding a suitable institution. Internships abroad can be funded through the Erasmus+ Programme. 

Winter semester (regular start of studies)

• Application period: 1 January to 28 February (especially recommended for non-EU applicants to allow sufficient time for the visa application)
• Application period: 1 January to 30 April (deadline for all students, EU and non-EU applicants)

Summer semester

Application period: 1 August - 31 October

Please note that starting your studies in the summer semester means an extension of the study period by the first semester (five semesters duration of studies).

A first academic degree (a Bachelor's degree from a programme with a minimum duration of three years or equivalent) in history, political science, sociology or an appropriate related subject with an overall final grade of at least 2.5 (according to the German grading system). Admission to the Master's programme requires proof of a study-related special qualification.

A study-related special qualification is ascertained when the submitted documents, in particular, the transcript of records, the letter of motivation and the exposé, show that the student has the ability to conduct independent scientific work and has the relevant methodological competencies that enable him/her to successfully complete the Master's programme. Please check the guide on our website for further information.

The assessment of the study-related special qualification is part of the application procedure. It is based on the submitted application documents (see application documents below).

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• CV in English
• Certified copies of the university entrance certificate
• Certified copies of university certificates, university diplomas with transcript of records and certified translations in German or English, if applicable
• Language certificates (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE, or certificate issued by university showing that the language of instruction during the BA studies was English)
• Each applicant must submit a letter of motivation (750 to 1,000 words) in English containing information on professional qualifications and personal motivation for the course of study described from a professional-scientific perspective. The letter should also elaborate on professional goals.
• Applicants must also submit an exposé of research ideas for their potential Master's thesis of 2,000 to 2,500 words in English, and this must meet scientific standards and include references to the current state of research. A confirmation of authorship needs to be signed and attached to the document.
• One letter of recommendation from a university professor in English

Students have to pay a semester contribution of approximately 372 EUR, which is due before the start of each semester, as part of (re-)registration. This fee covers the cost of a public transport ticket (valid for six months in all of Germany), a social services contribution, and student activities.

The city of Siegen has very moderate costs for accommodation, offering attractive living conditions for students. Living expenses range from only 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month, including rent, health insurance, food, clothing, learning materials, phone/Internet, travel expenses, entertainment, and sports. This estimated cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle, type of accommodation, budget, and spending habits.

It is important that students plan and manage their finances throughout the duration of the degree programme to ensure they have enough funds to cover semester contributions and living costs.

Students can find part-time jobs with the help of the job placement service of the university. Siegen and the surrounding area are home to a large number of medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs), or so-called hidden champions in electrical and mechanical engineering. Some bigger examples include the companies SMS and Achenbach Buschhütten. A lot of smaller, yet very successful and quickly growing high-tech companies are located here as well, for instance, PMD Technologies and Asentics, which are spin-off companies of the university. Therefore, there are employment prospects in the region, particularly for positions that are available during the semester break and following graduation.

Students at the University of Siegen can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium / Studienförderfonds”, which can cover part of the students' cost of living. Scholarships for doctoral students are available at the House of Young Talents of the University of Siegen.

The career services team helps with all questions regarding career entry and career planning. It offers information on occupational fields, helps with the career-related structuring of studies and provides direct support with individual coaching and consulting services when it comes to finding a good career start after graduation.

Furthermore, the programme "Forging International Talents - FIT in Siegen" specifically supports international students during their whole studies with a focus on preparation for the German job market. Additionally, the offers of the "Alumniverbund" provide a good opportunity to network and to benefit from the experiences of former students.

There are student residences (dormitories) of the "Studierendenwerk" (student services) close to the university. The rent for a room is between 240 EUR and 460 EUR. Please be aware that German universities do not usually have campus systems like universities in some other countries, where all students can find accommodation directly on the university property. Therefore, some students might have to find rooms on their own. The private accommodation costs per room are 400 EUR on average. Detailed information concerning general accommodation can be found here.

Early application/search is advisable.