Overview
Key facts
The Political Science programme at Umea University can lead to a 1-year degree (Master of Science, 60 credits) or a 2-year degree (Master of Science, 120 credits). For both options, the first semester is devoted to strengthening your theoretical and methodological competency, starting with a course about theoretical approaches in political science, and continuing with two methods courses that you take together with students from other social science departments.
The second semester consists of two courses that offer different perspectives on political representation and governance, the first focusing on Sweden in the EU, and the second on environmental governance in the Arctic. For a 1-year degree, you write a thesis instead of taking the course on environmental governance. For a 2-year degree, writing a thesis instead of taking the course on environmental governance is optional.
Two additional political science courses are offered during the third semester. One concerns global and regional governance, with a particular focus on multi-level governance, and the other is about leadership in public administration, including its political and administrative functions. During semester three you can choose to study abroad or do an internship, instead of taking one or both of these courses.
During the final semester you will write a master thesis, 30 credits. If you wrote a 15 credit thesis during the second semester, another 15 credit thesis suffices during semester four, which leaves room for an elective course during part of the semester.
Career opportunities
This degree programme prepares you for work with management, planning and analysis. You can work at local, national, or international level, for example at public institutions or at organizations that deal with political issues. Second cycle education is becoming more important, and with genuine comprehension of important societal issues in combination with analytical skills and proficiency in writing you will be attractive to many employers.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Approaches to Political Science
- Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences,
- Quantitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences,
- Sweden in the EU – Academic Perspectives and Competitive Intelligence
- Internship
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , International
- Apply before , EEA/EU
- Apply before , National
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Public Policy Political Science View 29 other Masters in Political Science in SwedenAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any academic requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- A Bachelors degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 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.
- Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/5.
Tuition Fee
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International
4533 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 4533 EUR per year during 24 months. -
EU/EEA
FreeTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 0 EUR per year during 24 months.
- Application fee SEK900
- Tuition fee, first instalment SEK46,500
- Total fee SEK186,000
Living costs for Umeå
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.