Master's thesis

In your master’s thesis, you will independently address a research question in political science, applying the methods you have learned during your studies and demonstrating your in-depth knowledge of the respective subfield of political science. The thesis is typically 80–100 pages long.

If you have chosen a research focus, the topic of your thesis must be related to that focus. As a general rule, this means that you will be supervised by a professor from one of the relevant subfields. These are …

• For the International Relations & Global Public Policy track: International Politics, Policy Analysis, Political Theory
• For the Democratic Politics track: Political Sociology, Comparative Politics, Political Theory
• For the Computation, Data, Politics track: Digital Transformation, Political Theory

If you are studying under the academic regulations valid through the 2025/26 winter semester, the professor in your area of specialization will generally supervise your thesis. In the program track without a specialization, you may generally write your master’s thesis at any department.

The primary point of contact—especially for all questions regarding the content of your thesis—is your thesis advisor. This is usually one of our professors.

In exceptional cases, research assistants with a Ph.D. may also supervise theses. In this case, please first speak with that person to determine whether they are able and willing to supervise your thesis. If so, the chair of the department will decide whether supervision is possible.

A thesis in a field other than political science is generally only permitted for interdisciplinary tracks (Computation, Data, Politics track). To have a supervisor from outside your field, you must submit an informal written request to the Political Science Examination Committee. Please include with this request a confirmation from the person who has agreed to supervise your thesis.

Thesis advising slots are allocated centrally within the political science programs; please note the application deadline:

• Winter semester: September 15
• Summer semester: March 15

Bei der Bewerbung geben Sie an, an welchem Lehrstuhl Sie Ihre Abschlussarbeit schreiben wollen. Geben Sie dabei neben Ihrer ersten Präferenz auch eine zweite und dritte Präferenz sowie einen vorläufigen Titel bzw. ein Thema an (falls schon vorhanden). Die Betreuungsplätze werden dann zentral unter Berücksichtigung Ihrer Präferenzen verteilt. Bei jeder Betreuerin bzw. jedem Betreuer wird jeweils ein Kontingent an Plätzen für Bachelor- und Masterstudierende vorgehalten. 

When applying, please indicate which department you would like to write your thesis in. In addition to your first choice, please also list a second and third choice, as well as a tentative title or topic (if available). Supervision slots will then be allocated centrally, taking your preferences into account. Each advisor has a set number of slots reserved for both bachelor’s and master’s students. 

If space is limited, Master’s students with a specialization in a specific field will be given priority over those without a specialization. In the event that there are too many applicants with the same qualifications for supervision at a particular department, a lottery will be held. However, we expect that it will generally be possible to assign one of the three desired departments for supervision.

If space is limited, Master’s students with a specialization in a specific field will be given priority over those without a specialization. In the event that there are too many applicants with the same qualifications for supervision at a particular department, a lottery will be held. However, we expect that it will generally be possible to assign one of the three desired departments for supervision.

>>> Apply Online for a Supervision Slot

By October 1 (winter semester) or April 1 (summer semester), you will find out who your advisor will be and which thesis seminar you will be attending.

If you did not apply in time, there is still a possibility of securing a spot at a department with available capacity. To do so, please email. Once you have been assigned a advisor, you will receive further information from that department.

• Before the first session of the seminar, you do not need to proactively contact the advisor assigned to you at the beginning of the semester.
• However, by the time of the first session, you should already have given some thought to the content of your thesis.
• Attending the thesis seminar with your advisor is a mandatory requirement for passing the master’s thesis.
• In the seminar, you will receive information regarding both the content and format of your thesis. You will also present your topic and discuss it with your advisor and your fellow students.

>>> Overview of the Various Thesis Seminars in UnivIS

The Registration and Submission of the Master’s Thesis are handled administratively by the Office of Academic Examinations.

Requirements for Registration:

• To register, you must have earned at least 60 ECTS credits.
• Registration must take place no later than once you have completed the seminar for thesis work (end of the lecture period).
• You may also take courses during or after completing your master’s thesis.
• All information regarding formal requirements (contents of the title page, number of copies, declaration of original work, etc.) can be found on the back of your thesis topic confirmation.

>>>  Registration of the Master's Thesis to the Office of Examinations

Deadlines:

• The processing time for the master’s thesis is 6 months. It begins at the end of the day on which the master’s thesis topic is assigned (signature of the advisor).
• The date on which your master’s thesis topic is assigned must be chosen so that you can complete your degree within the maximum duration of study (6 semesters). This does not mean that you must register 6 months before reaching the maximum duration of study! Registering later simply shortens your official time to complete the thesis.
• If there are reasons beyond the candidate’s control, the examination committee may, upon written request—which should generally include a recommendation from the examiner—extend the processing period by no more than one month.
• In the event of a medically certified illness, the deadline may be extended by no more than two months upon written request, which must be submitted to the examination committee no later than 3 days after the certificate is issued; if the certified illness lasts longer, the topic shall be deemed not to have been assigned.

Submission:

• Submissions must be made electronically via the Examination Office’s file server by the deadline.
• Please send two printed copies (the “Basic” version from the copy shop is perfectly adequate) to your primary advisor shortly after you have submitted your work electronically.

Enrollment, Withdrawal, Grading:

• At the time you submit your thesis, you must be enrolled in the Master’s program in Political Science.
• Enrollment is no longer required during the period when your thesis is being graded—the only requirement is that you submit it by the deadline.
• If the master’s thesis is the final exam of your degree program, advisors are required to complete the evaluation within two months. Please contact your advisor directly if there are special circumstances that warrant expedited grading.
• If you are unsure whether you have passed or failed your master’s thesis or other outstanding modules, it may be advisable to remain enrolled for another semester so that you can retake any exams as soon as possible.
• You will be automatically withdrawn from the university as soon as you have successfully completed your degree program or fail to re-enroll for the next semester.

• The previous semester: Initial considerations
• September 15 or March 15: Application deadline for a thesis advisor
• Start of the semester: Attend the thesis seminar
• Register the thesis with the Office of Examinations: By the end of the lecture period for the thesis seminar; in a timely manner to ensure graduation within the maximum duration of study; in consultation with the thesis advisor
• Submission: By the deadline, within the standard period of study, with “enrolled” status
• Withdrawal from enrollment: (a) automatic if you do not re-enroll for the following semester, or (b) also automatic once you have completed all course requirements and successfully finished your degree program.
• During the retake period: Enrollment is not required unless you still need to complete other modules or are concerned that you might fail your thesis or another module for which a grade has not yet been issued.
• Evaluation and Grading: If you need your diploma soon, be sure to speak with your academic advisor in a timely manner.
• Transcript: You will receive it by mail a few weeks after your final exam results have been entered into Flexnow.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the academic advising office.