Roads to Democracies - Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Politics and Culture

University of Siegen

Germany, Siegen

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1001

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University of Siegen

Germany , Siegen

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Siegen

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesOctober-2021

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Next Intake October-2021

Roads to Democracies - Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Politics and Culture

About

Roads to Democracies is an international, interdisciplinary, and research-oriented Master of Arts programme integrating the subjects of history, political science, and sociology. The full-time programme has a duration of two years (four semesters). The programme aims to provide students with analytical tools and theoretical knowledge that help to understand and explain the interrelation between institutional structures, political processes, and the social and cultural foundations of democracy. Students shall develop a broad, comparative understanding of the mechanisms behind democratic processes from a historical and social scientific perspective. Thus, students will acquire the competence to assess present-day democratic developments on a national and supranational level. They will obtain theoretical knowledge and gain advanced insights into comparative research methods in history and the social sciences. The interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on political, economic, historical, social and cultural aspects of democratic ideas, institutions, and structures within and outside Europe. In elective courses, students have the possibility to attend lectures in economic and environmental law. Within the module on "transferable skills", students can choose from a variety of language courses (including German) offered by the university's Language Center, and they can acquire important soft skills through courses offered in intercultural communication, academic writing and more. In addition, the House of Young Talents, the Career Service and the Alumni Association offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to prepare students for their future careers. International academic exchange is an important aspect of the programme. It is strongly recommended that students spend a semester abroad with an Erasmus+ scholarship at one of the participating partner universities, e.g., the University of Bologna, the University of Coimbra, the University of Palermo, Uppsala University, Ilia State University (Tbilisi, Georgia), Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, China) and others. The language of instruction and examination is English. Furthermore, international academic exchange is strengthened through the organisation of joint summer schools and guest lectures in Siegen and abroad. International cooperation in the students' research activities is encouraged through the possibility of involving professors from the participating partner universities as second supervisors of the Master's theses. The study abroad period has the aim of enhancing academic and personal exchange across borders and allowing students to experience new contents, research methods and approaches. Furthermore, the study abroad period provides students with experience in working in international groups and with the opportunity for intercultural exchange.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

A first academic degree (a Bachelor's degree from a programme with a minimum duration of three years or equivalent) in history, political science, sociology or an appropriate related subject with an overall final grade of at least 2.5 (according to the German grading system). Admission to the Master's programme requires a proof of a study-related special qualification. A study-related special qualification is ascertained when the submitted documents. In particular, the transcript of records, the letter of motivation and the exposÃ© must show that the student has the ability to conduct independent scientific work and has the relevant methodological competencies that enable him/her to successfully complete the Master's programme. The assessment of the study-related special qualification is part of the application procedure. It is based on the submitted application documents (see application documents below). Applicants must submit the following documents: CV in English Certified copies of the university entrance certificate Certified copies of university certificates, university diplomas with transcript of records and certified translations in German or English, if applicable Language certificates (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE, or certificate issued by university showing that the language of instruction during the BA studies was English) Each applicant must submit a letter of motivation (750 to 1,000 words) in English containing information on professional qualifications and personal motivation for the course of study described from a professional-scientific perspective. The letter should also elaborate on professional goals. Each applicant must also submit an exposÃ© of research ideas for his or her potential Master's thesis of 2,000 to 2,500 words in English, and this must meet scientific standards. A confirmation of authorship needs to be signed and attached to the document. One letter of recommendation from a university professor in English Applicants from PR China, Mongolia and Vietnam must include a certificate of the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS), which should be filed together with their application documents. Please check the programme's website for further information on the application process.