Political Science
Political Science (B.A.)
Discover the exciting world of political science! The program offers you in-depth knowledge of political theories and practices as well as systems of government, international relations, and backgrounds in the history of ideas. Here you will find answers to questions that shape our daily lives. Who makes political decisions and why? How does the EU work and how can war and peace be explained? Become an expert on political connections and actively help shape the future!
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Duration of studies in semester
- 6
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 150-250
- Subject group
- Language and Cultural Studies
- Special ways to study
- 2-subject Bachelor, Part-time degree program
- Teaching language
- German and English
- Admission Requirements
- No Admissions Restrictions
What is the degree program about?
If you choose to study Political Science, you’ll explore politics in all its facets, in theory and practice. You’ll learn about the fundamental theoretical questions of politics and their basis in the history of ideas, about the German political system, foreign political systems, as well as international relations.
You will find answers to questions such as: Who is involved in the political decision-making processes? Who pursues what interests using what strategies? Why is the political system of one country more stable than that of another? How does the European Union work? How can war and peace among states be explained? What political ideas have emerged over time and how have they influenced politics?
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In the modularized two-subject bachelor’s degree program, Political Science can be selected either as a first subject or as a second subject.
The first subject differs from the second subject by the writing of a Bachelor’s thesis. In the first subject eight and in the second subject seven modules (= teaching and learning units which are self-contained in terms of time and content with examinations during the course of study) have to be completed.
Structure
- The module „Propaedeutics“ takes place in the first semester.
- In the second to fourth semesters, four further basic modules in the areas of „Political Theory“, „Political Systems“, „International Relations“ and „Politics in Non-European Regions“ must be taken.
- The fifth and sixth semesters consist of in-depth modules. In the sixth semester you will also write your Bachelor’s thesis in your first subject.
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- Genuine interest in all manifestations of the political in theory and practice.
- Willingness to read widely and intensively.
- Good ability to express oneself linguistically.
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The study basically qualifies for activities
- in the field of journalism and the activities of administration, associations (NGOs) and companies at national, international and supranational level
- in political parties, parliaments, parliamentary groups and members of parliament at the European level and in the area of federal, state and local government
- in political education in the non-school sector
- in political consulting
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- Studying political science does not train you to be a politician.
- The study of political science does not automatically qualify for the journalistic field.
- Languages are important in political science – you need very good knowledge of English (at the level of UNIcert II – European Framework of Reference B 2). But knowledge of other foreign languages is also a great advantage.
- Specifications (internships, foreign qualifications, key qualifications) are extremely important for the later choice of career already in the Bachelor’s program.
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Degree program combinations
- Archaeological Sciences
- Art History
- Book Studies
- Business and Economics
- Chinese Studies
- Cultural History of Christianity
- Education
- English and American Studies
- French Roman Studies
- German studies
- Greek Philology
- Hispanic Studies
- History
- Indo-European and Indo-Iranian Studies
- Islamic Religious Studies
- Italian Romance Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Medieval Latin and Neo-Latin
- Oriental Studies
- Philosophy
- Public Law
- Sociology
- Theater and Media Studies
Das Lehrangebot dieser Kombination ist so aufeinander abgestimmt, dass die Fächer in der Regel überschneidungsfrei miteinander kombiniert werden können.
Limited degree program combinations
- Computational Linguistics
- Digital Humanities and Social Sciences
- Geography: Cultural Geography
- Latin Philology
- Scandinavian Studies (BA)
Diese Kombination kann nur nach einer diesbezüglichen Studienberatung studiert werden. Die Überschneidungsfreiheit kann jedoch nicht garantiert werden. Die Studierenden tragen selbst die Verantwortung für die Studierbarkeit der Kombination und die Einhaltung der Fristen des § 10. Der Nachweis einer Studienberatung ist bei der Immatrikulation vorzulegen.
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Application deadline winter semester
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30.09.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 or equivalent
- General language skills
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Nachweis ausreichender Kenntnisse zweier Fremdsprachen, darunter Englisch, bis zum Ende des 4. Semesters
- Details and notes
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The application deadline for the winter semester for international applicants is July 15th.
In addition to the general qualification for university entrance (Abitur), there are other access options for studying at FAU.
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.