MSc Programs in Political Science

Compare 68 MSc Programs in Political Science

Political Science

Those hoping to make a career of public service often find that road they have to travel requires a lot of hard work in order to complete. Many of those careers will require more than just a bachelor’s degree. Yet for those willing to put in the work, the rewards that come from helping others and, in many cases, in added financial compensation make pursuing such a career well worth it. If you hope to follow this path, a Master of Science (MSc) in Political Science may be awaiting you.

Political science can cover a variety of topics, including:

Private, public, and international policy

Domestic and international political philosophies

Criminal, constitutional, and civil law

Business and personal ethics

When considering what is an MSc in Political Science and what work such a program will entail, you should focus on building upon the knowledge you gained regarding the aforementioned topics during your undergrad career and be prepared to learn how you can translate this knowledge into a professional setting.

Those working in the legal and government arenas are required to have a strong knowledge of the many guidelines and statutes that they deal with. The knowledge you gain during your undergraduate career often only covers those topics in general terms. Thus, having a Master of Science in political science demonstrates to employers your capacity to completely understand the field in which you work.

Paying for graduate school can be a challenge for some depending upon the tuition and fees required by the schools that they study with. Consider looking into financial aid options if you have concerns about the affordability of your graduate degree. 

With your graduate degree in hand, you’re ready to hold high positions in a variety of fields. Political science studies helps prepare students for careers in the political arena (including commentary) or the legal field.

 

You can still work while going to graduate school. Online courses allow you to work at your own pace on your own time. Distance learning environments such as this really push you to truly understand your coursework and its practical applications. To apply for our online program, simply search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form. 

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68 Results in Political Science Filter

Political Science

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Masters of Science

All (436) Master Degrees (191) Masters of Science (68) Masters of Arts (177)

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MSc in European Affairs

Lund University
Campus Full time 2 years September 2017 Sweden Lund

The Master's programme in European Affairs provides preparation for a professional career as an administrator, analyst or decision-maker in the public or private sectors, at local, regional, national or international level. [+]

Programme overview

We offer a unique combination of courses, covering such topics as European governance, EU law, EU negotiations, Europe and international political economy, and the EU common foreign and security policy. In addition to getting a theoretical understanding of the topic, we also offer you to bridge theory to practice by taking the opportunity to do a 10 week internship course at an organisation of your choice. Students currently enrolled in the programme have internships at the European Commission and in various organisations involved in consultation efforts and lobbying activities in Brussels.

Knowledge and skills acquired in the programme:

A thorough understanding of the legal framework governing European integration A thorough understanding of the political processes of the EU A thorough understanding of EU policy in various areas, including external trade and foreign and security policy Advanced analytical and methodological skills. ... [-]

MSc Crisis and Security Management

Leiden University
Campus Full time 1 year September 2017 Netherlands The Hague Leiden + 1 more

During the one year multi-disciplinary master program students will become familiar with the political and social dimensions of the governance of (in)security and crises. [+]

Security ranks high on both the societal as well as political agenda. The threat of terrorism, transnational organized crime, civil war, urban riots or natural disasters is making headlines almost every day and is a guarantee for political turmoil. Although from a factual perspective the risk of high-end security incidents is in most Western countries low, the risk perception is far more higher. When it comes to security and crisis, risk perception seems to be as important as actual risk assessments. During the one year multi-disciplinary master program students will become familiar with the political and social dimensions of the governance of (in)security and crises. By analyzing security discourses, security actors, security practices and security outcomes students will become acquainted with the ‘wicked problem’ of security and crises topics in a complex and globalizing world. As security is no longer a public good solely provided by state actors or public actors but the combined outcome of public actors, private security actors, civil society and citizens as well, the master program will focus on the multiplicity of actors engaged in defining and practicing security. Further, as a result of the globalized and interwoven world of today in which incidents, images and messages travel within seconds from one part of the world to another part of the world, students will study current security and crisis challenges from a ‘glocal’ perspective: both global and local levels and especially the nexus of those levels. In the master’s program students will be confronted with the... [-]

MSci International Relations and Global Issues

The University of Nottingham - Faculty of Social Sciences
Campus Full time 4 years September 2017 United Kingdom Nottingham

This innovative four-year degree leads to a masters level qualification. Years one, three and four will be spent at Nottingham; the second year will be spent at one of our partner institutions overseas (the choice will be governed by your academic progress). [+]

MSc Degrees in Political Science. MSci International Relations and Global Issues Helping students develop a broad understanding of the subject, this course includes a year abroad at one of 25 overseas institutions in locations such as Canada, Hong Kong and Australia. It leads to a masters level qualification, with years one, three and four spent at Nottingham and the second year at one of our partner institutions overseas (the choice will be governed by your academic progress). Years one and three will follow the programme outlined in our BA Politics and International Relations course with year four allowing you to take modules from the school's portfolio of masters programmes, and to research and write a dissertation. Year one Your first year will provide you with a broad knowledge across the discipline, focusing on the areas of international relations, comparative politics, British political history, and political theory. You will take some subsidiary modules from other schools within the University and, while many students opt to study a language module and continue this throughout their time at Nottingham, you can choose any subject you wish. Year two Year two is spent focusing on global issues in one of 25 partner institutions around the world, drawn from the Universitas 21 (U21) network, the school's European Erasmus exchange partners and The University of Nottingham's campuses in China and Malaysia. Year three Year three is spent back at Nottingham, where you will take modules chosen from the wide range offered on international relations and global... [-]

MSc Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Durham University
Campus Full time 1 year October 2017 United Kingdom Durham

The MSc will provide students with advanced knowledge of the complex and specialised areas of peacebuilding, among it conflict analysis, conflict prevention, conflict resolution and conflict transformation, community driven reconstruction, peace processes within the context of contemporary conflicts and in the context of broader international (humanitarian) interventions. [+]

Description The MSc will provide students with advanced knowledge of the complex and specialised areas of peacebuilding, among it conflict analysis, conflict prevention, conflict resolution and conflict transformation, community driven reconstruction, peace processes within the context of contemporary conflicts and in the context of broader international (humanitarian) interventions. Integrated into the MSc structure are opportunities to develop operational and vocational skills for example in negotiations, conflict mediation, conflict sensitive programme design and programme management, or urban peacebuilding. Students are provided with theoretical and empirical knowledge and with practical skills that are helpful for current and future employment opportunities. The courses are thus attractive to both graduates and mid-career practitioners. Whilst the academic and applied focus of the MSc comes through a peace and conflict studies analytic lens, course material will also draw from traditional strategic/security and development studies, enabling cross fertilisation between different perspectives. It allows the exploration of unique and new paradigms and practices in the fields of conflict, peace, security, defence, diplomacy, development and humanitarian intervention. Five core modules worth 75 credits plus a Dissertation worth 60 credits plus three optional modules to the value of 45 credits. Core Modules Defence, Development and Diplomacy in Conflict: Evolving Actors, Factors and Paradigms Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace Responses: Peace Processes and Political Negotiation Recovery and Reconstruction: Consolidating Peace after Violence Capstone Exercise: Humanitarian Intervention Simulation (in MSc-specific roles) Dissertation Optional Modules Optional modules in previous years have included: Religion, Culture and Conflict Conflict Mediation Fieldtrip Conflict Sensitive Programme Management... [-]

MSc Political Research

University of Strathclyde: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Campus Full time Part time 1 - 2 years August 2017 United Kingdom Glasgow + 1 more

The MSc in Political Research provides you with focused training in research methods. It helps you to develop your professional skills in empirical political science. [+]

MSc Degrees in Political Science. The MSc in Political Research provides you with focused training in research methods. It helps you to develop your professional skills in empirical political science. The course explores different methodological approaches and their application to real-life political problems. It equips you with key transferable skills in: research design a range of research methods and their application the management of different types of data You’ll study Along with giving you research skills, this course will enhance your ability to choose appropriate research methods and confront the issues of research design. It's organised into core and optional classes. You’ll also complete a dissertation. Facilities Established in 2010, the School of Government and Public Policy integrates the Department of Government with three research centres: European Policies Research Centre Centre for the Study of Public Policy Centre for Elections and Representation Studies Learning & teaching The MSc in Political Research is designed not only to give you research skills, but also to enhance your ability to choose appropriate research methods and confront the issues of research design. The course is organised into core and optional classes. You'll also complete a dissertation. You receive training with a strong empirical focus, and supervision in small-group seminars and in individual sessions You’ll receive considerable time and attention from our staff. Classes average 20 contact hours, with additional computer laboratory sessions for some methods classes. Part-time students attend classes across two academic years. They then work on their dissertation over the course of... [-]

MSc Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE)

University of Groningen
Campus Full time 1 year September 2017 Netherlands Groningen

The Faculty of Philosophy offers a high-quality English language master's programme in PPE to national and international students. The master’s in PPE at the University of Groningen offers an interdisciplinary degree for ambitious students with diverse interests and backgrounds, providing specialist training in understanding the social world. Public policy as much as commerce increasingly requires broader, more integrated theories and methodologies. [+]

The Faculty of Philosophy offers a high-quality English language master's programme in PPE to national and international students. The master’s in PPE at the University of Groningen offers an interdisciplinary degree for ambitious students with diverse interests and backgrounds, providing specialist training in understanding the social world. Public policy as much as commerce increasingly requires broader, more integrated theories and methodologies. The programme offers systematic training for the development of analytical and quantitative skills as well as a solid background of theoretical and historical knowledge in PPE. It aims to encourage open-mindedness and responsible decision-making, and while it is truly interdisciplinary, it will have a very clear and distinct identity, focusing on methods uniting the three disciplines of philosophy, political science and economics. The programme is open to students with Bachelor’s degrees in philosophy, political science and economics, as well as to students with Bachelor’s degrees in history, international relations, sociology, psychology, provided they demonstrate sufficient knowledge of at least one of the three core fields (philosophy, political science, economics). ... [-]

Master in Visual Analytics (MSc by Research)

Middlesex University London
Campus Full time Part time 1 - 2 years August 2017 United Kingdom London UK Online + 2 more

We are growing our community of practice in visual analytics and this is a chance to join our team, to work alongside some of the best UK researchers and to get involved in leading edge work. The course will build your professional network, your understanding and your portfolio of experience. [+]

MSc Degrees in Political Science. Visual analytics is a key requirement of the early 21st century. As our human activity generates rapidly increasing amounts of new data every day, there is an urgent need to make sense of it and a huge potential to elicit new knowledge and insights from it. World events and phenomena like climate change, 9/11, global finance systems and public health are data rich and increasingly complex. Visual analytics turns large and complex, data sets into interactive visualisations that can prompt visceral comprehension and moments of insight that are compelling and offer an unparalleled richness of possibility for data analysts. In this uncharted world of boundless data, visual analytics is providing our new maps and new ways of navigating. Data analytics is recognised as a key trend that will have a major impact on the IT and Communications industry in the next 5 years. [-]

Master of Science in Public Policy (MPP)

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Campus Full time 2 years September 2017 USA San Luis Obispo

The Master of Public Policy degree program (MPP) is open to students who wish to pursue analytic careers in government, non-profit agencies or in businesses subject to government regulations. The MPP program is structured to prepare graduates to work as analysts and as program managers. [+]

About the Program The Master of Public Policy degree program (MPP) is open to students who wish to pursue analytic careers in government, non-profit agencies or in businesses subject to government regulations. The MPP program is structured to prepare graduates to work as analysts and as program managers. Core courses in the MPP program cover public policy, policy analysis, quantitative methods, and economic policy. This is a two-year program for students taking 8 or more units per term. The program consists of 60 approved units (not including courses necessary to compensate for deficiencies). The degree culminates with a two-term seminar focused on analytical projects where students will develop, present, and discuss individual research. Students develop a unique concentration of electives related to their interests, and may pursue joint graduate degree programs. Curriculum Core courses in the Masters in Public Policy program cover public policy, policy analysis, quantitative methods, and economic policy. This is a two-year program for students taking 8 or more units per term. The program consists of 60 approved units (not including courses necessary to compensate for deficiencies). The degree culminates with a two-term seminar focused on analytical projects where students will develop, present, and discuss individual research. Students develop a unique concentration of electives related to their interests, and may pursue joint graduate degree programs. MPP Courses The MPP offers coursework relevant to problem solving and analysis of public policies. Each student files a formal study plan after completing 12 units of coursework (generally toward the end... [-]

Dual MA Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security

University of Malta
Campus Full time October 2017 Malta Valletta

This dual degree program combines the faculties of two renowned educational institutions: George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, the oldest and largest programme of graduate conflict studies in the United States, and the University of Malta’s Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, which has been offering advanced degrees in diplomacy and building bridges between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for the past twenty years. The teaching faculty will be provided by S-CAR and MEDAC who will share teaching responsibilities in this programme. More information - http://www.um.edu.mt/icp/MSc-Conflict-Analysis-Resolution [+]

MSc Degrees in Political Science. This dual degree program combines the faculties of two renowned educational institutions: George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, the oldest and largest programme of graduate conflict studies in the United States, and the University of Malta’s Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, which has been offering advanced degrees in diplomacy and building bridges between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for the past twenty years. The teaching faculty will be provided by S-CAR and MEDAC who will share teaching responsibilities in this programme. The main objective of this program is to provide students with an array of theoretical and practical tools that will enable them to deal effectively with conflicts at the micro and macro levels. It also places a specific emphasis on the Mediterranean context as an area where these skills are particularly useful. Students who successfully complete this collaborative postgraduate programme earn two Masters degrees: MS Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and an MA Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security from the University of Malta. Course delivery starts with each new academic year in late September. The course duration extends over twelve months to September of the following calendar year. It is divided into three semesters, with the first two semesters devoted to the taught component of the course while the final third semester is dedicated to independent student research. The tuition fee for this dual programme is 13,500 Euro. Prospective students may apply online at any time... [-]

MSc in Economia e Politiche Internazionali

USI Università della Svizzera italiana
Campus Full time 4 semesters September 2017 Switzerland Lugano

Il Master in Economia e Politiche Internazionali (MEPIN) offre un ampio bagaglio di strumenti scientifici e competenze specifiche, indispensabili per la comprensione dei fenomeni economico-politici legati alla globalizzazione ed al funzionamento delle istituzioni pubbliche ed internazionali. [+]

Obiettivi

Il Master in Economia e Politiche Internazionali (MEPIN) offre un ampio bagaglio di strumenti scientifici e competenze specifiche, indispensabili per la comprensione dei fenomeni economico-politici legati alla globalizzazione ed al funzionamento delle istituzioni pubbliche ed internazionali. Le basi sulle quali si sviluppa l'intero programma sono legate allo studio dell'economia, del diritto e delle istituzioni, delle politiche internazionali. Verranno inoltre fornite conoscenze di carattere multidisciplinare e manageriali necessarie per affrontare tematiche quali lo sviluppo sostenibile, la globalizzazione dei mercati, l'invecchiamento della popolazione, i fenomeni migratori e, più in generale, le forme di cooperazione tra autorità pubbliche e operatori economici privati tese al raggiungimento di un obiettivo comune, quale la prestazione di un servizio o la creazione e la gestione di un progetto. Lo studio degli ambiti di intersezione tra pubblico e privato, dal livello locale a quello globale, richiede competenze sia nel settore economico-finanziario, sia in quello delle politiche pubbliche, nonché la conoscenza degli aspetti giuridico regolamentari e di comunicazione relativi ai rapporti tra le parti. Ai partecipanti vengono proposte una serie di corsi nella sede di Lugano e una in quella di Milano. Il programma si completa con l'elaborazione di una tesi e con uno stage in un'istituzione nazionale o internazionale. La formazione poliedrica e interdisciplinare che offre il MEPIN ha permesso ai suoi diplomati di inserirsi rapidamente e con successo in aziende multinazionali, in banche e società finanziarie, in enti territoriali, in organizzazioni non governative, nell'insegnamento e in istituti di ricerca. I diplomati di questo Master possiedono sia... [-]

International Security Degrees

Cranfield University
Campus Full time 1 - 2 years September 2017 United Kingdom Shrivenham

These courses are designed for participants to be able to develop and implement strategic security sector plans and analyse, communicate and evaluate the broader implications for related areas within state and regional frameworks and study some of the most pressing issues of world politics such as the causes of war and peace, the pressures and opportunities of globalisation, the threats posed by terrorism, and the problems of global poverty and injustice. [+]

MSc Degrees in Political Science. International Security Degrees MSc in International Defence and Security This course considers some of the most pressing issues of world politics such as the causes of war and peace, the pressures and opportunities of globalisation, the threats posed by terrorism, and the problems of global poverty and injustice. Duration: 1 year full-time Who is it for? This course is intended to attract students who are either currently employed in posts relating to Security Cooperation or those individuals who generally have an interest in issues pertaining to defence and security. Students come from the following areas: Serving members of the UK MOD (civilian and military) Foreign MOD civil servants and members of foreign armed forces Staff from other UK and foreign government departments, as well as international Governmental and non-governmental organisations, who have an identified need to develop their knowledge of Defence and Security Civilians with an interest in defence and security. There is often a wide range of nationalities on the course, with a maximum of 30 places available. MSc in Security Sector Management This course is designed for participants to be able to develop and implement strategic security sector plans and analyse, communicate and evaluate the broader implications for related areas within state and regional frameworks. Duration: Executive Programme: 2 years, plus a dissertation. 1 Year Accelerated Executive Programme: 1 year, plus a dissertation. Who is it for? The course is suitable for those who work in any security or development related organisation –... [-]

MSc State, Society and Development

SOAS University of London
Campus Full time Part time 1 - 3 years September 2017 United Kingdom London + 1 more

This MSc programme seeks to explain state-society relations and development in Asia, Africa and (where appropriate) Latin America through the sub-disciplines of comparative political sociology and comparative/international political economy. Students will study the core concepts of these sub-disciplines such as: state; civil society; social closure; class; bureaucracy; patrimonialism; hegemony; late-industrialisation; product cycle; developmental state; rent-seeking; good governance; and globalization. [+]

MSc State, Society and Development Duration: May be taken full-time over one year, or part-time over two or three years. Minimum Entry Requirements: The qualification for entry is normally a first or upper-second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Politics or International Relations, or a related social science discipline. Applicants without such a background may be considered for admission depending on their academic training and undergraduate performance. Start of programme: September intake only This MSc programme seeks to explain state-society relations and development in Asia, Africa and (where appropriate) Latin America through the sub-disciplines of comparative political sociology and comparative/international political economy. Students will study the core concepts of these sub-disciplines such as: state; civil society; social closure; class; bureaucracy; patrimonialism; hegemony; late-industrialisation; product cycle; developmental state; rent-seeking; good governance; and globalization. They will also be exposed to the principal analytical perspectives of political science such as historical institutionalism, rational choice theory and Marxism. These intellectual foundations will enable students to gain a better understanding of the shaping factors behind phenomena such as: state collapse and criminalisation in Africa; cronyism in Southeast Asia and Latin America; religious fundamentalism in South Asia; economic take-off in East Asia; linguistic nationalism in Central Asia; the ‘third wave’ of democratisation; global financial instability; and the relationship between the Washington Institutions and the South. Students will also come to understand the usefulness of cross-regional comparison by seeing how the study of one region can illuminate similar issues elsewhere, despite differing cultural contexts. Structure Students take... [-]

MSc in European Studies

Maastricht University, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Campus Full time 2 years September 2017 Netherlands Maastricht

The Research Master European Studies is a two-year interdisciplinary programme leading to a Master of Science degree. The programme’s focus is on doing research into the politics and [+]

MSc Degrees in Political Science. The Research Master European Studies is a two-year interdisciplinary programme leading to a Master of Science degree. The programme’s focus is on doing research into the politics and policies of the European Union and into the wider historical and international contexts of the process of European integration. It is an interdisciplinary programme combining political science and the study of international relations with history and the cultural sciences. The overall objective of the programme is to equip future PhD students and analysts with a broad range of scientific methods and theoretical approaches relevant to the analysis of European phenomena. The programme operates in close cooperation with other universities, with European Union institutions, other Brussels-based actors and with the national administrations of the European Union member states. Double degree The research master’s programme European Studies can also be studied as a double degree programme in co-operation with the University of Cologne. Fast facts The Research Master European Studies at Maastricht University… is a two-year international and interdisciplinary Master of Science programme is taught in English offers the possibility to follow a double degree track, which results in two master's diplomas: first year of the programme at Maastricht University, second year at the University of Cologne combines political science and the study of international relations with history and the cultural sciences explores the politics, policies and administration of the European Union pays attention to the wider historical, cultural and international contexts of the process of European integration uses... [-]

Master of Science in Humanitarian Action, Cooperation & Development (MSc HACD)

The Open University Of Tanzania
Online & Campus Combined Part time 18 months September 2017 Tanzania Dar Es Salaam

The Master of Humanitarian Action, Cooperation and Development (MHACD) programme offers a wide approach to issues concerning humanitarian actions well as to methodological research procedures. The programme benefits from the experience of a highly qualified team of lecturers who are specialized in various areas of Humanitarian and Development Aid, such as Management of NGOs, Design and Implementation of Projects on Humanitarian Action, international and Development Economics, Political Science, International Security, and International Humanitarian Law. [+]

The Master of Humanitarian Action, Cooperation and Development (MHACD) programme offers a wide approach to issues concerning humanitarian actions well as to methodological research procedures. The programme benefits from the experience of a highly qualified team of lecturers who are specialized in various areas of Humanitarian and Development Aid, such as Management of NGOs, Design and Implementation of Projects on Humanitarian Action, international and Development Economics, Political Science, International Security, and International Humanitarian Law. Educational Aims of the Programme The programme objective is to enhance knowledge of and develop practical competences in: Providing humanitarian and development professionals with the awareness and understanding of policy and practice environments essential for effective action in development and emergency contexts; Understanding of specific contexts of humanitarian actions, particularly violent, turbulent or conflict environments as well as the urban and built environments, and their impacts on the nature of humanitarian responses; Understanding a range of theories, concepts and analysis in order to investigate specific issues related to the different dimensions and challenges of humanitarian actions; Encouraging cooperation and dialogue between governmental, non-governmental, national and international agencies involved in humanitarian action; Creating effective synergy between emergency humanitarian interventions and sustainable development Admission Requirements Candidates holding the following qualifications are eligible for admission into the MHACD Programme: An Honors degree in any field of study. An advanced diploma from any recognized institution with second class or above with working experience of at least two years in community economic development related fields. Programme Design Master of Arts is... [-]

MSc in Political Science

Aarhus University
Campus Full time 2 years September 2017 Denmark Aarhus

The MSc in Political Science is the flagship degree of our top European political science department, whose high ratings and research attract academics from around the globe to its vibrant community of scholars. [+]

MSc Degrees in Political Science. A BROAD, RESEARCH-ORIENTED DEGREE PROGRAMME Does diversity jeopardise the welfare state? How is political radicalisation prevented? Why are Scandinavians more trustful than others? At the Department of Political Science our objective is to choose the right research strategies, methods and theoretical concepts that will enable us to answer such questions. This may involve conducting surveys, statistical modelling or interviews, spending hours at the library, or going on field trips to the Middle East. The MSc in Political Science is the flagship degree of our top European political science department, whose high ratings and research attract academics from around the globe to its vibrant community of scholars. This is a high-quality, two-year programme for those who seek a comprehensive political science education focusing on research design and methodology. The programme gives students the possibility of specialising in the subfields of comparative politics, political theory, political sociology, international relations, public policy or public administration. QUALITY TEACHING IN AN INFORMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT The MSc in Political Science is dedicated to the highest-quality teaching in an informal and egalitarian learning environment. Students are always welcome to approach the teaching staff, whose doors are open to anybody wishing to propose a supervised reading course, for example. Students are expected to engage actively in classroom debates. They also collaborate in small-scale comparative projects that make the most of the international study environment. VARIETY AND OPPORTUNITIES The MSc in Political Science is flexible, giving students the opportunity to design their own course... [-]