UMEÅ UNIVERSITY · SWEDEN
Master's Programme in Political Science
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS UMU-M2076
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
0.0
IELTS
€17k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 yearsFull-time study duration
- 120 creditsTotal credits
- On campusStudy location
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- World-leading researchersFaculty expertise
- Internship/Study abroad optionPractical experience
This Master's Programme in Political Science offers an in-depth exploration of key political science concepts, including political representation, governance, public administration, and leadership at various analytical levels and across different issue areas. The program is designed to enhance your skills in social science theory and methodology, with a strong emphasis on practical training in analysis and scientific writing. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in management, planning, and analysis within public institutions, political organizations, and the private sector at local, national, and international levels. The program structure allows for flexibility, enabling students to pursue a 1-year degree (60 credits) or a 2-year degree (120 credits). The curriculum begins with a focus on theoretical approaches and research methods in political science, followed by specialized courses in areas like Swedish politics within the EU, environmental governance in the Arctic, global and regional governance, and leadership in public administration. Students have the option to undertake an internship or study abroad during their third semester, and the program culminates in a Master's thesis.
Curriculum
The program can lead to a 1-year degree (60 credits) or a 2-year degree (120 credits). The first semester focuses on strengthening theoretical and methodological competence. The third semester offers opportunities for an internship or study abroad. The final semester is dedicated to writing a Master's thesis.
- Semester 1
- Approaches to Political Science2sv036
- Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences2so145
- Quantitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences2st031
- Semester 2
- Sweden in the EU - Academic Perspectives and Competitive Intelligence2sv062
- Collaborative Environmental Governance in the Arctic2sv061
- Thesis2sv027
- Semester 3
- Internship, study abroad or electives
- Global and regional governance2sv031
- Internship, study abroad or electives
- Leadership in Public Administration2sv001
- Semester 4
- Electives
- Master thesis2sv049
- Master thesis2sv034
Careers
This degree prepares graduates for roles in management, planning, and analysis within public institutions, political organizations, and the private sector at local, national, or international levels. The program's focus on societal issues, analytical skills, and writing proficiency makes graduates attractive to a wide range of employers.
- Case Officer
- Coordinator
- Senior Investigator
- Communications Officer
- PR Consultant
- Committee Secretary
- Ministerial Adviser
- Doctoral Student
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master's Programme in Political Science?
- You need a Bachelor's degree equivalent to 180 ECTS with 90 ECTS in Political Science or 90 ECTS in Peace and Conflict Studies plus 30 ECTS in Political Science, including a thesis of at least 15 ECTS. English proficiency equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2 is also required.
- How much does the Master's Programme in Political Science cost for international students?
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees of SEK 48,300 per semester, totaling SEK 193,200 for the 120-credit, two-year program. An application fee of SEK 900 also applies.
- How long is the Master's Programme in Political Science, and what are the study options?
- The program can be completed as a 1-year degree (60 credits) or a 2-year degree (120 credits). The two-year program includes specialized courses, an optional internship or study abroad, and a Master's thesis.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The language of instruction for the Master's Programme in Political Science is English.
- When is the application deadline for the Master's Programme in Political Science?
- The application deadline for the Autumn 2026 intake was January 15, 2026. A late application period may open in July 2026 if seats are available, typically for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
- What career opportunities are available after completing this Master's program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in management, planning, and analysis within public institutions, political organizations, and the private sector. Potential roles include Case Officer, Coordinator, Ministerial Adviser, and Doctoral Student.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS)From an internationally recognized university. Special requirements: 90 ECTS in Political Science or 90 ECTS in Peace and Conflict Studies and at least 30 ECTS in Political Science, including an independent written thesis equivalent of at least 15 ECTS.
Proficiency in EnglishEquivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
Selection is based on academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 ECTS).
Fees
Tuition (international)SEK 48,300 per semester (total SEK 193,200 for 120 credits)
Tuition (home)Not applicable for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
LivingNot specified
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are required to pay application and tuition fees. An application fee of SEK 900 also applies.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityEnsure you meet the academic and English language requirements for the program.
2. Prepare DocumentsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, degree certificates, and proof of English proficiency.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application through the university's online application portal before the deadline.
4. Pay Application FeeNon-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens must pay an application fee of SEK 900.
5. Await Admission DecisionAdmission decisions are typically released after the application period closes.
6. Pay Tuition Fees (if applicable)If admitted, you will need to pay the first installment of the tuition fee (SEK 48,300) by a specified deadline.
Accreditation
Not specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master's Programme in Political Science?
+
You need a Bachelor's degree equivalent to 180 ECTS with 90 ECTS in Political Science or 90 ECTS in Peace and Conflict Studies plus 30 ECTS in Political Science, including a thesis of at least 15 ECTS. English proficiency equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2 is also required.
How much does the Master's Programme in Political Science cost for international students?
+
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees of SEK 48,300 per semester, totaling SEK 193,200 for the 120-credit, two-year program. An application fee of SEK 900 also applies.
How long is the Master's Programme in Political Science, and what are the study options?
+
The program can be completed as a 1-year degree (60 credits) or a 2-year degree (120 credits). The two-year program includes specialized courses, an optional internship or study abroad, and a Master's thesis.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The language of instruction for the Master's Programme in Political Science is English.
When is the application deadline for the Master's Programme in Political Science?
+
The application deadline for the Autumn 2026 intake was January 15, 2026. A late application period may open in July 2026 if seats are available, typically for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
What career opportunities are available after completing this Master's program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in management, planning, and analysis within public institutions, political organizations, and the private sector. Potential roles include Case Officer, Coordinator, Ministerial Adviser, and Doctoral Student.