Double Degree Programme with Charles University Prague
The double degree programme combines the Master’s programme in Political Science at the University of Bamberg with the Master’s programme in Political Science at Charles University in Prague. Students spend part of their studies at each of the two universities and can combine different academic specialisations.
Upon successful completion of the programme, students receive two Master’s degrees:
- the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science from the University of Bamberg, and
- the Magister (Mgr.) in Political Science from Charles University in Prague.
The programme combines a solid theoretical education with a strong comparative perspective on democratic systems, political transformations, international politics, and European integration. Students benefit from a broad range of courses, an international student body, and research-oriented teaching that reflects the current state of academic research.
The cooperation between Bamberg and Prague brings together two complementary profiles in political science. While Bamberg offers a strongly empirical and methodologically oriented education, studying in Prague provides particularly in-depth insights into comparative politics, processes of transformation, and the political development of Central and Eastern Europe.
At the same time, Prague offers a unique study location: a vibrant European capital with a long academic tradition, an international atmosphere, and a dynamic political and cultural scene.
>>> Information on the Master's programme in Bamberg
>>> General information on Double Degree Programmes in Political Science in Bamberg
Information on the Application Process
If you wish to begin your studies in Bamberg (home institution), admission is possible once a year for the winter semester. Applications for the double degree programme are submitted as part of the application for the Master’s programme in Political Science and are integrated into the programme’s online application process during the application period.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from students who are already enrolled in the Master’s programme. Further information on the online application procedure and admission requirements can be found here:
>>> Application for a Master's programme
The admission requirements for the Master’s programme in Political Science can be found here:
>>> Admission and enrolment: Master Politikwissenschaft
Please note the shorter application deadlines for the double degree programmes. Applications for the winter semester 2027/28 will be possible once the online portal for Master’s applications opens in mid-May. The application deadline is:
20.06.2027
In addition to the documents normally required for the Master’s application, applicants must submit the following documents/evidence:
- A motivation letter in English or German;
- Proof of English language proficiency at level C1 through one of the following:
- Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English in one of the following countries: EU/EEA countries, Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand, or the United States of America;
TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 90, with subscores ≥ 22;
IELTS Academic: minimum overall score of 6.5, with subscores ≥ 6.0 and a writing subscore ≥ 6.5;
Cambridge C1 Advanced: overall minimum score of 176, minimum component score of 169, and minimum writing component score of 176;
Cambridge C2 Proficiency: overall minimum score of 180, minimum component score of 169, and minimum writing component score of 176.
- Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English in one of the following countries: EU/EEA countries, Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand, or the United States of America;
At the time of application, school or university certificates may also be accepted in addition to the standard recognised language certificates. For registration at the partner university, which takes place towards the end of the first semester, an official and valid proof of language proficiency must then be provided.
Study Program
During their year in Bamberg, students enrolled in the double degree programme with Prague must complete the following modules:
- One Methods module (8 ECTS);
- Lecture: International Institutions (PWM-IR-Lec → summer semester) or Lecture: Political Institutions and Political Competition (PWM-CP-Lec → summer semester) (6 ECTS each);
- Seminar: Parties, Institutions and Political Competition (PWM-CP-A → summer semester) or Seminar: Theories of Global Justice (PWM-PT-B → summer semester) (8 ECTS each);
- Seminar: International Relations and Global Order (PWM-IR-A → winter semester) or Seminar: Foreign and Security Policy (PWM-IR-B → summer semester) (8 ECTS each);
- One Research Seminar module (8 ECTS);
- One additional Political Science module;
- Part of the Master’s thesis (15 ECTS).
Regardless of which institution is your home institution, you will write a Master’s thesis at both universities, although the scope of each thesis is reduced. The two theses will be related to each other and will be supervised by one academic advisor from each institution.
In Prague, students must also complete an oral examination at the end of the programme.
More Information
Admission to the Second Year of Study
If you begin your studies at Charles University as your home university and come to Bamberg for your second year of study, you will go through a simplified admission process.
The process begins with your nomination by your home university. After being nominated, please contact the Double Degree Coordinator of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics (SoWi), Dr Tobias Kaufmann. He will guide you through the application process in Bamberg.
You will also receive information from the International Office (IO) of the University of Bamberg on preparing for your year in Bamberg, including accommodation, orientation and language courses, etc. Further information on these topics can also be found on the IO website:
Unlike regular exchange students, double degree students are regularly enrolled at the University of Bamberg. To do so, you must submit an application via the online application system of the Student Administration Office. You will receive an email with all important information and deadlines regarding this process. Therefore, please wait until you have been contacted by the Double Degree Coordinator of the SoWi before submitting your application. The online application can then be found here:
At the beginning of the semester, the SoWi will also hold an orientation event for double degree students, providing you with an opportunity to meet other students who are also enrolled in a double degree programme. You will receive a personal invitation to this event by email.