Politics (B.A.)

The Politics degree program with the profiles Political Communication, Activism and Political Change and Sustainable Development deals with political systems, processes, institutions and the actors within them. Graduates are qualified to critically analyze, understand and help shape political programs, concepts and processes in research, administration, media, NGOs, political consulting or even actively in a political function.

Politics (B.A.)

Politics (B.A.)

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Profiles:

Political Communication

The specific components of the Political Communication profile explore the psychological foundations, media and social dynamics of communication. The profile is primarily aimed at students who are already politically or socially active and also see their professional future in the field of political organizations. What sets this degree program apart from other political science programs is its focus on concrete political work and practical skills. Students learn how to engage in social networks and participate in current debates in a qualified manner. As a result of the program, graduates are qualified to plan and implement communication strategies for political actors. Practical projects and a semester abroad at a partner university strengthen intercultural exchange.

Profile-related subjects of the degree program are strategic political communication, political journalism, public relations, election campaign communication, online and digital political communication, opinion research and international and comparative political communication.

Career opportunities are available in almost all areas of society, especially in political parties, trade unions, parliaments and international organizations, associations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), educational institutions and in the entire media sector. The spectrum of possible forms and fields of work includes research, organization, content-related work in a wide variety of political fields, project management, public relations, member support, political consulting, campaign work and political education.

Activism and Political Change

By becoming experts in activism and political change, students develop a deep understanding of social movements, political systems and the mechanisms of change. The focus is on the history, theories, typologies and dynamics of social movements worldwide. Students acquire research methods for analyzing social change, deal with ethical issues in the context of activism and political change and develop strategies and tactics for effective activism. Upon successful completion, they will be able to analyse activism and resistance in their historical, political and cultural context, initiate and organize civic engagement and activist actions, and examine political and social developments in specific geographical regions and cultural contexts.

Profile-related subjects of the degree program are the history of social movements, strategic practice and action planning, civic engagement and action research, digital media and activism, analysis of internal dynamics, identities and decision-making processes within movements, resilience and well-being of movements.

Career opportunities are offered, for example, by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations, political consulting, international organizations, research and political education. The spectrum of possible forms and fields of work is broad. This includes consultant activities such as organization, project management, public relations, strategy consulting, campaign work, political education, data collection, analysis, evaluation and presentation.

Sustainable Development

This profile focuses on theoretical and political aspects of global responsibility and the development of sustainable value chains. An interdisciplinary approach links social, political and sustainability research with concrete impulses to promote just and sustainable political change. Practical projects and a semester abroad at a partner university deepen the international and interdisciplinary exchange.

Profile-related subjects of the degree program are theories and concepts of sustainable development, global justice and political transformation. Students deal with international politics, comparative political science, political philosophy, public policy as well as feminist, postcolonial and intersectional perspectives. The course is supplemented by practice-oriented formats such as community and international projects, simulations, a professional internship and language modules.

Career opportunities range from public administrations, parliaments and international organizations to foundations, associations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), business and consulting companies, media, educational institutions, market and opinion research institutes. The forms and fields of cooperation include research, organization, content-related work in a wide variety of political fields, processing, project management, public relations, member support, political consulting, strategy consulting for companies, campaign work, sustainability management, political education work, data collection, analysis, evaluation and presentation.

Politics – Everything at a glance

Application deadline

EU: Sept. 1, non-EU: July 15 or later, depending on the visa process of the home country

Start of studies

End of September

Duration of study

6 semesters

Tuition fee

EU: € 550 / month
Non-EU: € 750 / month

ECTS points

180

Teaching language

English + other language courses

Practice

Company projects, practical semester and semester abroad

Lectures

Mondays to Fridays (and block seminars)