Master of Political Science (M.Sc.)
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 1,157 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 1157€ for EEA nationals | 5,800€ for non-EEA nationals (for 60 ECTS credits or one year of full-time study) (subject to yearly revision)
Introduction
Political decisions give direction to society. But how are political decisions made? The Master of Political Science provides you with specialist, in-depth knowledge of decision-making in politics. The Master's programme is taught in English. This way you will be prepared to access the political world in which English plays an increasingly important role. The programme is open to international students and carries a workload of 60 ECTS-credits.
You will study political decision-making within and between local, national, European and international administrations from four different perspectives:
- Citizens
- Politicians
- Policy professionals
- Institutions
To understand political decision-making you should be able to adopt these four (sometimes very different) perspectives. After all, elected politicians make binding decisions for society but the participation of citizens is the bedrock of legitimate decision-making.
The Master's programme does not exclusively aim at the acquisition of theoretical and analytical insight, you will also practice some of the core skills involved in political decision-making, such as argumentation, negotiation and lobbying.
Admissions
Curriculum
Your lecturers
The MSc Political Science programme has a strong research-based focus and builds on the extensive experience of the UAntwerp Department of Political Science. The 2020 ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) ranks UAntwerp highest among Belgian universities for Political Science and for Public Administration. The Department of Political Science ranks in the top ten of universities in EU member states. All courses critically engage with scholarly work. Several courses aim at developing research skills. We believe that a researchers’ mindset is of great value for all professional contexts for Masters in Political Science.
Rankings
UAntwerp, which was founded in 2003, scores extremely well in Young University Rankings
- Times Higher Education Millennials 2020 - Rank 5
- Times Higher Education Young University Ranking 2024 - Rank 12
- QS 50 under 50 2021 - Rank 20
Read more about the university's rankings on our website
Program Outcome
Read more about learning outcomes:
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Antwerp directly participates in the selection process of certain scholarship programmes. In addition students can also check if they are eligible for external funding opportunities. Scholarships are available for Bachelor, Master, PhD or for shorter stay programmes.
Career Opportunities
Your future
During the Master's programme, you will learn the science, craft and art of political decision-making and prepare for positions that require you to analyse aspects of policymaking and to guide and influence decision-making.
- Monitor, analyse and act on key policy developments taking place in Europe as a public affairs manager
- Find yourself right in the epicentre of politics as a politician
- Identify threats and opportunities emerging from new policies as a researcher
- Use your strong understanding of the European/international institutional landscape as a diplomat or lobbyist
- Cut down a 30-page political article in an academic journal to 800 words in the newspaper as a (political) journalist
Facilities
Student Testimonials
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at University of Antwerp
Our university is located in the city of Antwerp, in the heart of Belgium and Europe. Antwerp is not just an ancient medieval and baroque city rich in history, but also a bustling metropolis with a vibrant social scene, impressive architecture, and striking cultural contrasts. The port of Antwerp is one of the largest and most important in the world, and over 170 nationalities live here - similar to New York! This cosmopolitan vibe is also reflected at the University of Antwerp.
First-rate research and education make the University of Antwerp a wonderful place to study and work. We foster the nexus between research, education, and societal impact. Internationalisation is a key element of our mission statement. It is no coincidence that the University of Antwerp is a partner in one of the most promising European university alliances, Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE), and maintains excellent relationships with hundreds of renowned institutions around the world.
As a home away from home to over 23,000 students, the University of Antwerp is committed to sustainability and operates on a human scale. We believe in co-creation with our students, ensuring their voices are heard in our decision-making processes. Our faculty and staff will welcome you to top-notch facilities on one of our four campuses. While you’re here, immerse yourself in our lively cultural offerings, take advantage of premier sports facilities, and explore a wide array of student services and activities designed to enrich your experience.
Keen to learn more about the University of Antwerp?
Contact our International Students Office or visit
www.uantwerp.be
Program delivery
The Master of Political Science does not exclusively aim at the acquisition of theoretical and analytical insights. You will also practise some of the core skills involved in political decision-making, such as argumentation, negotiation and lobbying.
Besides the mandatory courses you can tailor your programme to your personal interests. The political science cluster has a variety of courses on issues in national and international politics. The interdisciplinary cluster allows you to broaden your view on politics.
The expertise you gain in this Master’s programme culminates in the Master’s thesis. A successful thesis demonstrates that you are able to explore a complex political subject independently in a scientific manner.