Double Masters Degree in Governance and International Politics

Through this programme, graduates gain a high-level understanding of political and economic power in a globalised world. Studying modules on topics such as Religion and Global Politics, Security and Defence in Europe and International Political Communication and Leaders, students develop wide-ranging insights into political behaviour and skills in the critical analysis of contemporary political issues.

Aston is a long established research-led University known for its world-class teaching quality and strong links to industry, government and commerce. Aston has a strong reputation for developing highly-skilled, sought-after, employable graduates from a diverse range of backgrounds. You will have access to the Virtual Learning Environment – Blackboard – to support your studies, including Blackboard discussion groups, to the University Library, including over 25,000 books and a wide range of electronic journals, and to University wide facilities such as the Careers Service, Students’ Advice Centre, Students’ Jobshop, Counselling Service, Sports Facilities, and Chaplaincy. Students at Aston become part of a vibrant, small and friendly community in the heart of Birmingham, the UK's second largest city. There are students from over 120 countries studying at Aston living in a lively, safe, close-knit and friendly atmosphere. Aston is based right in the city centre, so most things are within easy walking distance.

At the University of Bamberg, Political Science is taught as a social science with a strong empirical focus. Students will be taught by a number of scholars with a reputation for international excellence, who are committed to offering and developing an outstanding learning experience for students from all backgrounds. The university is in a position to offer courses in all major subfields of Political Science, including a range of modules in English. Both our teaching and research are strongly driven by theory, and cutting-edge research methods are also a central focus. Moreover, the university provides students with an excellent library and ICT facilities.

This Double Masters Degree equips students with knowledge as well as the analytical and transferable skills needed to pursue further postgraduate research or a successful internationally career in the public or private sector. Typical careers include:

• employment in international organisations (EU, WTO, UN etc.)
• research in policy-oriented domestic or international think tanks
• careers in government administration
• further postgraduate research at the PhD level
• journalism
• international marketing or business

The Double Masters programme begins each year in October. In order to apply to one of the programme's scholarships it is recommended for applicants to submit their application by June 30^th. Applicants entering the Double Masters programme have to hand in their application in a twofold way by applying firstly for the normal Master in Political Science programme at Bamberg (online or written application submitted to the Studentenkanzlei) and secondly by submitting a written application to the coordinator of the Double Masters programme.

To apply for the Master in Political Science at Bamberg candidates will be expected to satisfy the following general admissions criteria in Political Science

•  hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or another congenial programme in the Social Sciences with a minimum of 54 ECTS credits accumulated in Political Science and at least an average mark of 2.5 for their degree classification, or
• hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or another congenial programme in the Social Sciences with a minimum of 81 ECTS credits in Political Science and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for their overall degree classification (according to the regulations of Bamberg’s MA in Political Science)

Candidates wishing to enter the Double Masters programme will be expected to hand in a separate written application, addressed to the programme coordinator at Bamberg, which includes:

• a letter of motivation written in English
• for candidates whose first language is not English, evidence of their English speaking and writing abilities (e. g. TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Academic or evidence that the Bachelor’s degree they hold was taught mainly or entirely in English)
• Two references, typically from professors with personal knowledge of the applicant.