Master's Program in Political Science
Important Documents
Examination Regulations
Admission requirements
Module catalog
- Module catalog study start from 2023 (German)
- Module catalog study start from 2023 (English)
- Module catalog study start before 2023 (German)
- Module catalog study start before 2023 (English)
Degree Plan
- Degree Plan: study start before 2023
- Degree Plan: study start from 2023
Statutory Declaration (Eigenständigkeitserklärung)
FAQ
How do I register for courses and exams?
Each semester, you need to register online for those examinations you would like to take at the end of the lecture period. You will need to do so within a period defined by Student Services.
If you are a bachelor’s student, you will also need to register for all courses that you are meant to take in the respective semester as per the degree plan (including social skills courses). That way, the Student Services’ electronic campus management system (Portal²) keeps track of which student has already attended which courses and how often they have taken exams in those courses. You can find the examination regulations here.PLEASE NOTE: The exam registration period falls within the lecture period, which means that you cannot register for your examinations via the campus management system before the lecture period starts.
Each semester, the periods during which you can register for exams will be published on the Student Services’ website. Online registration is done via Portal².When and where can I complete my research internship?
A research internship is an integral part of the master's program. To obtain the required 8 ECTS credits, you must either:
- complete a six-week internship at a social science research institution (academic or non-academic) or
- attend a two-week summer school with an empirical focus on the social sciences.
In case you work as a research assistant for one of the professors at the Department of Political Science or in a related field, your work may be recognized as an internship as well.
Every student in the master's program in Political Science must write a report after the internship: guidelines for the internship report.
For more information or if you have general questions about the internship or summer schools, please contact our Internship Office.
Can I go abroad without having to extend my studies?
We encourage you to go abroad during your studies. Go to the “International” section for more information.
If you would like to have the courses and examinations you take at a university abroad recognized, please contact the program managers/
departmental exchange coordinators before leaving. They will discuss the courses you plan to select with you. By concluding a Learning Agreement, it is usually possible to stay within the regular period of study. How do I apply for academic leave of absence?
You can apply for leave of absence during your studies citing a valid reason (section 61 subsection 1 of the Act on Higher Education of the Land of Baden-Württemberg (LHG)). A valid reason is for example sickness or a semester abroad. Your period of absence should not exceed two semesters. In exceptional cases a longer period of absence may be granted.
Please submit your application for leave of absence to Student Services.What is Portal²?
Portal² is the University of Mannheim’s campus management system. Using the portal, you can, for example, view the course catalog, create a course schedule, and register for examinations.
What is ILIAS?
ILIAS is the e-learning platform we use at the University of Mannheim. On this platform, teachers can upload important course material, such as lecture scripts and slides, to make them available to you. If you have not yet joined the ILIAS group that corresponds to one of your courses, please contact the teachers of the respective course or their secretaries. The University IT will help you in case you have any technical questions.
When do I write my master's thesis?
You can complete your master's thesis during your fourth semester while attending a master's thesis colloquium with a supervisor of your choice. The thesis is expected to have the format of a research article suitable for submission to an academic journal in the social sciences. Please register by submitting the registration form to Student Services.
Time frame: 21 weeks
Length: printed master's thesis of max. 10,000 words
How can I disenroll?
You end your membership at the university with your disenrollment. There are two ways to disenroll:
- Official disenrollment (ex officio)
- Disenrollment upon request (“duly” disenrollment)
More information is provided by Student Services.
Services for students
Any questions? We're happy to help you!
The program managers are happy to answer any questions specific to the master's program (degree plan, selection of courses, structure and progress of your studies). For any administrative questions (enrollment, disenrollment, exams, etc.), please contact Student Services. International students may also contact the International Office (for questions on visa, accommodation, mentoring).
Student Services
Credit: Elisa BerdicaAdvising for international students
Academic director of graduate studies
Credit: Anna Logue