Overview

Politics, economics and sustainability: good governance as key to positive progress

The world has become more volatile, which comes with challenges and opportunities for organisations. Experts in governance and policy need to be able to react confidently to the unforeseen and, crucially, to help shape the future. That is why this master’s programme features a multidisciplinary curriculum, preparing students for making responsible, well-considered decisions in a complex, dynamic environment.

In the foundation modules, you will study political theory, governance and development or sociology, as well as research and quantitative methods. Building on this, the specialisation modules focus on contemporary topics, such as power, inequality, sustainability and the transformation of global political landscapes in the digital, networked age. You'll gain a comprehensive, multi-faceted perspective that will enable you to see the big picture and shape policies effectively.

This is an accredited programme which has received the Seal of Quality of the Foundation for the Accreditation of Study Programmes in Germany.

Key facts

Why study Governance and Public Policy in University of Passau?

Governance in a changing world: specialise in contemporary and dynamic aspects of governance and policy
The programme includes knowledge about communications theory, media relations and social media cultures due the close connection between governance and public communication
Unique range of courses and excellent staff-student ratio in small masterclasses
Numerous partnerships with universities abroad, which are particularly useful for students on this degree programme (e.g. France, Hungary, Pakistan, Romania, the UK and the USA)
One of only seven degree courses in Germany to have been accepted into the Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Double-degree options with Andrássy University Budapest (Hungary) and University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Accreditation

This is an accredited programme which has received the Seal of Quality of the Foundation for the Accreditation of Study Programmes in Germany.

It is one of only seven degree courses in Germany to have been accepted into the Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Programme Structure

A: Foundation modules

You will study two compulsory modules from the Governance and State in Globalised Societies module group:

Perspectives on Governance
Political Theory and Comparative Politics

...as well as one of the two modules:

International Politics and Political Aspects of Development
Sociology

In addition, you will take two modules covering Empirical Research Methods in the Social Sciences.

B: Specialisation modules

Power, Authority and Democracy
Conflict, Inequality and Violence
Regulation and Transformation
Sustainability and Values

C: Transfer modules

The transfer modules are intended to give students the opportunity to gain (work) experience, foreign language skills or enhanced research skills. Students choose one option from:

Language course
Internship
Research Tutorial

Master's thesis

You will write a thesis on a topic of your choice.

You will accumulate 120 ECTS points throughout the programme.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00

Language

English, Partially taught in German

Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Passau, Germany

Disciplines

Sociology Public Policy Political Science View 37 other Masters in Political Science in Germany

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Academic requirements

GMAT

Required

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

To apply, you need an undergraduate university degree in one or more social sciences or in economics or a law degree. The final grade for your degree must be 2.5 (or better) according to the German grading system. Your final grade will be converted by the University during the application process. If your degree falls short of the minimum grade requirement, you can still be admitted if you can provide an official document from your prior university stating that you were among the best 70% of your cohort (i.e. your fellow students in the same exam period).

To apply, you must provide a (final or preliminary) transcript/Transcript of Records that certifies:

60 ECTS credits’ worth of modules in the social sciences and/or economics and/or law
social and/or economic research modules (i.e. mathematics, statistics or empirical social research or similar) in the amount of 10 ECTS credits
the final/preliminary result of, or equivalent to, 2.5 (or better)

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Passau and/or in Germany, 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

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

There are no tuition fees in the conventional sense. However, there may be some smaller fees for individual services

Living costs

Passau

Germany

630 - 1000 EUR / 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.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Governance and Public Policy.

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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