Master's Programme in Political Science (MaPS)
Read more about Master's Programme in Political Science at gu.se.
Welcome as a student to the Master's Programme in Political Science. On this page, you can see how the programme's four semesters are structured. We wish you the best of luck in your studies!
New student
The Master's programme in Political Science autumn semester 2024 starts on September 2 with an introduction.
Director of studies Birgitta Niklasson welcomes you and presents the programme.
Then you will meet study counsellor Eva Nilsson, internship and alumni coordinator Elin Ackerberg and international coordinator Angelica Thell who will tell you about the help and the various opportunities you as a student are offered during your education. The student union will also present itself.
Introduction to MaPS
Time: September 2 at 10.00.
Location: The University's main building in Vasaparken, Universitetsplatsen 1, hall Torgny Segerstedt.
Schedule and more
Schedule, syllabus, literature list, responsible teacher and more can be found in the course overview for your first course in the Canvas learning management system. It is important that you register for the course in good time before the course starts. If you have practical questions about your course, you are welcome to contact the education administrator.
Learn more in the Canvas learning management system.
If you have any questions
Programme structure
Semester 1
The first semester consists of the mandatory core course SK2121 Political Science Analysis.
Following that, you will take a methodology course - you can choose from the four options listed below. Two of the courses require prior knowledge of methodology:
- SF2321 Applied Statistical Analysis
- SF2322 Applied Qualitative Research Methods
- SF2323 Applied Qualitative Research Methods, problems and design
- SF2324 Introduction to Applied Research Design and Quantitative Research Methods for Social Scientists.
Semester 2
During the second semester, you will study two specialization courses. In the first part of the semester, you can choose from:
- SK2212 The Quality of Government in a Comparative Perspective
- SF2221 Global Security and Democracy (the course is given by the School of Global Studies)
- SF2222 Citizens, Politicians and the Media: Evaluating Democratic Processes.
During the second half of the semester, you can choose from:
Semester 3
During the third semester, you can either pursue further specialization and methodology, engage in an internship for half or the entire semester, or study abroad for the entire semester.
In the first part of the semester, you can choose from:
- SK2211 The Performance of Democracies
- EU2210 European Environment and Energy
- SK2412 Internship (15 credits)
- SK2413 Internship (30 credits, full semester)
- Study Abroad (30 credits, full semester).
During the second half of the semester, you can choose from:
- SF2321 Applied Statistical Analysis
- SF2322 Applied Qualitative Research Methods
- SF2323 Applied Qualitative Research Methods, problems and design
- SF2324 Introduction to Applied Research Design and Quantitative Research Methods for Social Scientists
- SK2412 Internship (15 credits).
Semester 4
In the fourth and final semester, you will work on your thesis within the course SK2532 Master's Thesis (30 credits).
Learn more: Degree project.
To apply for courses within the programme
As a student, you must submit your course applications for the upcoming semester through universityadmission.se. Please make sure to apply for the correct courses, follow the application process accurately, submit your application on time, and accept your place after the first round of selection to secure your spot. The education administrator will send you an email before each application round with information about which courses to apply for.
Disability study support
If you are entitled to disability study support during your studies due to, for example, a persistent functional impairment, you can find more information on the Student Portal. If you have any questions about disability study support, feel free to contact the study counsellor, Eva Nilsson.
Learn more: Disability study support.
Study counselling
If you need pedagogical support, wish to have your previous education credited, or need to take a study break or withdraw from your studies, you can reach out to Eva Nilsson. Eva can also help you plan your future and career.
With Elin Ackerberg, you can discuss internships, both within Sweden and on an international scale. She can also provide support and guidance when planning your career.
For personalised guidance on selecting exchange studies, don't hesitate to reach out to Angelica Thell. She can also assist you in exploring our double degree programme, which offers the opportunity to study for a year in Konstanz, Germany.
Student groups
Welcome to the MAPS(E) Student Group, the student association for the Master’s Programme in Political Science (MAPS) and the Master’s Programme in Political Science: Environmental Governance and Behavior (MAPSE).
Learn more: