Study Politics in Germany
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Politics in Germany
A Political Science degree program in Germany will equip you with world-class skills to create a career in Germany or abroad. During your studies in Germany, you will explore politics in a theoretical and practical context. Germany is an ideal destination to study politics, not only because of its academic excellence but also because of its diversity. Thousands of international students are currently studying here, meaning students are constantly exposed to different cultures and perspectives through which they can grow and learn. German universities offer plenty of interdisciplinary degree programs in Politics, catering to a wide array of preferences.
Here’s everything you need to know about studying politics in Germany:
Reasons to Study Politics in Germany
Learn Politics in the Center of the EU
If you decide to study politics in Germany, you will learn the fundamentals of political science in the center of the European Union. You will learn anything from the distribution of power, political theories, history of political ideas, Government policy research/analysis, as well as foreign policy and international relations. Political Science programs in Germany also focus mainly on the political system of Germany alongside that of the EU. Regardless of what your program focuses on, you will graduate with the essential skills to find your way into the labor market.
English-Taught Programs
You may be able to find over a hundred English-taught programs in Political Science in Germany. Due to the large number of international students taking an interest in the German higher education sector, universities in Germany have also begun offering programs with English as the medium of instruction. Some programs are also provided in both German and English, with only some subjects being taught in English. Depending on your language proficiency, you are likely to find a suitable Politics program in Germany.
Practical-Based Teaching
The great thing about the higher education sector in Germany is that it pays special attention to the practical aspects of learning. Even though the study of Politics is not dependent on hands-on experience, as some subjects are, German universities find a way to integrate practical knowledge and skill in their curriculums. As a nation that recognizes the importance of practical experience, students pursuing their Politics degree in Germany are exposed to numerous internship opportunities and the chance to become competent professionals.
Internationally Ranked Universities
German universities far exceed global higher education standards due to their quality of education, academic expertise, theoretical/practical balance in their teaching, as well as their friendly and diverse environments of studying. Germany has become one of the most popular destinations for international students, and its university degrees enjoy an excellent reputation globally. In fact, German degrees are respected by employers worldwide. Germany’s internationally ranked universities are one of the main reasons to study politics in Germany; because it means employment opportunities are plentiful both in Germany and abroad.
Top Universities to Study Politics in Germany
Some of the top universities to study politics in Germany are:
- Freie Universitaet Berlin
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- Universität Mannheim
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
- Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main
- Universität Konstanz
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg
Top Politics Master’s Programs in Germany
Some of the top Master’s programs in Politics in Germany are:
- Master’s Program in Political Science
- Master’s Program in Gender, Intersectionality, and Politics
- Master’s Program in Media and Political Communication
- Master’s Program in Politics/Political Education (Master in Education)
- Master’s Program in Global Studies
- Master’s Program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Master’s Program in Human Rights Studies in Politics, Law, and Society
Requirements
Academic requirements to study politics in Germany are:
- University entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent).
- Curriculum Vitae and Letter of Motivation.
- Depending on the medium of instruction:
- German language proficiency (DSH or equivalent).
- English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).
- For Master’s programs:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (or equivalent degree with a minimum of 60 ECTS points in political science).
- For students who earned their university entrance qualification in countries other than Germany:
- Preliminary Examination by Uni-Assist.
International students from non-EU/EEA countries will also have to obtain a student visa and prove their financial stability as part of the requirements to study Politics in Germany. These requirements must be met upon university admission.
Application Process
Applying to a Political Science program in Germany is a relatively simple process. When you decide to apply to a German university, you should make sure you fulfill the university-specific eligibility criteria and admission requirements.
To apply to a Political Science program in Germany, applicants should:
- Register with the university’s online application portal.
- Complete and sign the application form.
- Upload the required documents:
- Certified copy of University Entrance Qualification,
- Certified translation of academic documents (certificates, transcripts, diplomas, etc.)
- Curriculum Vitae,
- Proof of language proficiency,
- Proof of academic achievements,
- Others (depending on the university).
In most cases, international students should have their documents verified by Uni-Assist (VPD) before submitting an application with the university. Uni-Assist, however, is not responsible for the selection procedures.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Politics in Germany?
Bachelor’s programs in Political Science at German universities typically take six semesters (3 academic years) to complete. Students learn anything from political ideas and political theories to foreign policy and international relations during this study period. A master’s program in Political Science (or fields related to Political Science) generally takes four semesters, or two academic years, of full-time study to complete. Political Science has numerous similarities with subjects like History, Philosophy, Economics, Law, or Sociology, so you can expect to find plenty of Master’s programs related to politics combined with any of the aforementioned fields of study.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Politics in Germany?
Studying a Politics degree at a public university in Germany will cost you approximately €250/$305 (administrative fee) per semester. This is the case with most public universities in Germany (except for public universities in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg). Generally, public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees, but even when they do (in Baden-Württemberg), tuition fees are relatively reasonable. Public universities in Baden-Württemberg will charge approximately €1,500/$1,830 in tuition fees per semester.
Private universities in Germany may charge up to €20,000 per year for a Political Science degree in Germany.
Politics Degree Career Prospects in Germany
Politics graduates in Germany can find employment in various areas, including public administration, political institutions (e.g., German Federal Parliament/regional parliaments), political parties or foundations, universities, and research institutes. Some political science graduates also find employment in publishing companies or even television broadcasting. Many Political Science programs in Germany focus highly on research, which equips students with the skills to undertake a scientific career.
The exact salary depends on the type of employment, company, or experience; however, a political scientist in Germany earns around €40,000 per year on average.
