Overview

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.

Key Facts

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 2026-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-15 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
Starting 2027-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Umeå, Sweden

Disciplines

Political Science View 23 other Masters in Political Science in Sweden

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

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.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Umea University and/or in Sweden, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

96600 SEK / year

≈ 96600 SEK / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Living costs

Umeå

Sweden

7125 - 11770 SEK / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Political Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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