Programme description for Master's Programme in Political Science and Management (2026–2028)

After completing the study program, the candidate must have the following total learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates

• has advanced knowledge in the field with focusing on political structures and processes
• has in-depth knowledge of public administration and the structure of public administration at various levels, and how this affects the design, management, implementation and evaluation of public policy
• has specialized insight into a self-selected demarcated area; either organizational and managerial structures and processes or in issues related to European integration
• have in-depth knowledge of social science research methods, and knowledge of their practical applications
• can analyze academic issues based on the subject area's history, traditions, uniqueness and place in society
• can use knowledge from different professional perspectives within the subject area to analyze and handle management and management challenges, especially in the public sector

Skills

Candidates

• can orient themselves independently and critically to professional literature and other sources within the subject area
• can use perspectives from political science and organizational science to analyze, reflect on and argue for solutions to complex societal challenges
• can analyze and work independently solving problem on the basis of professional knowledge
• can use social science methods in the analysis of empirical data
• can carry out an do independent research projects under supervision and due to methodological requirements and current ethics research norms
• can plan, lead and implement change in organizations

General competence

Candidates

• can conduct independent analysis of political structures and processes in society
• can use their knowledge and skills in new areas within the field, including carrying out advanced work tasks, research and development work
• can obtain, apply and evaluate relevant academic sources, literature and other information within the subject area
• can convey results of independent work both in writing and orally
• can communicate and discuss professional issues, analyzes and conclude, both specialized and in general
• can contribute to critical analysis, innovation and development processes in private, public and voluntary organizations

The general admission requirement is a bachelor's degree or equivalent education of at least three years' duration (180 credits).

The admission criteria must include:

Either: a specialization unit of at least 80 credits within social science subjects, of which at least 20 credits are at the advanced level.

Or: comprehensive vocational or professional education of at least 2 years' duration within social science subjects. Examples of relevant subject areas are political science, sociology, development studies or economics and administration.

Other admission requirements: Social science methods, at least 10 credits.

A weighted average grade of C or better is required.

It is not possible to obtain conditional admission if one lacks social science methods.

Otherwise, admission is made in accordance with the regulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder.

The master's program in political science and management is a two-year study programmem with a social science profile. It provides thorough knowledge of both political and organizational processes, European integration and international relations. The study programme provides the students' ability to independent analyze and combine social science research methods and empirical data.

Students can choose between two elective specializations. The field Organization and management focuses on organizational and managerial structures and processes, managing and leadership challenges, eg in public sector. Examples of key themes are organizational change, the importance of leadership in change processes and challenges related to organizational project management.

The other direction is European integration, which focuses on cooperation processes across European countries, governance, and public administration in international multilevel systems in particular. Topics covered can be European/international public administration, Europe's impact on members and partner countries (such as Norway) and Europe" "role" in international politics. The European Integration Summer School (EISS) also includes some of these electives.

Beeing admitted, students can apply for an internship in a relevant organization/company (ST-422 Internship).

The programme is relevant for students who want to deepen and strengthen their competence in the fielsd of social sciences.

The master's program in political science and management is an ordinary full-time study. The study has varied forms of work methods. This includes lectures, seminars with plenary discussions, group exercises, hand-in assignments (individually or in groups), oral student presentations, supervision and participation in research and development work. Great emphasis is placed on self-effort and the ability to work independently.

The teaching and learning methods will contribute to insight into different academic perspectives on the study of political science and management. Through lectures, students will be introduced to different academic perspectives, theories and methods. In seminars, group exercises and discussions, students receive training in communicating and discussing academic issues. Thesis writing through submission work and presentations gives students training in reflecting on and applying professional perspectives on specific problems, communicating results of their own work and collaborating with others on academic issues. Supervision gives students training in carrying out independent academic work.

Through the work on the master's thesis, students will work in an independent way scientifically and methodically with specific challenges within the subject area. Individual supervision in connection with the master's thesis will contribute to the students being able to carry out an independent and narrowed research project in line with current research ethics norms. Compulsory master's thesis seminar will help to strengthen students 'ability to assess and discuss their own and other students' work in a critical way. Through constructive feedback, the students will stimulate each other to further develop the master's thesis.

Teaching and learning methods appears in the course descriptions.

Assessmentforms in the individual courses are determined in the course description. Examples of different forms of assessment used in the study:

• individual exam (school or home exam)
• folder submission which includes several individual works
• project reports, both individually and in groups
• master's thesis as written submission

In most courses, there will be compulsory work requirements e.g. written assignments or oral presentations that must be approved in order to be able to take the exam and submit the final master's thesis. Mandatory work requirements appear from the individual course description. Through written work, students are trained to analyze, reflect and argue in relation to various academic theories, designs and methods, and will learn to use sources and references. Oral presentations and discussions provides insight into communicating and discussing academic themes. The work requirements help to support the course's learning outcome, both what the students achieve through working with the assignments and what they actually acquire due to skills and knowledge not tested during the exam itself.

The study program has an international orientation. This means that several courses are offered in English and a large part of the curriculum literature is in English. The master's program in political science and management will, among other things, contribute to increasing students' competence in understanding international conditions and perspectives on the topics covered by the program. Several of the department's employees have an international professional profile and background, and international guest lecturers are often involved in teaching. In addition, master's students also have the opportunity to both receive supervision and to write the master's thesis itself in English or Norwegian. During the study program, students will meet international exchange students.

There will be an opportunity for exchange in the second semester, as well as the opportunity to apply for a double degree at the University of Konstanz in the second year of study. Students who wish to take a double master's degree in political science and management at the University of Konstanz can apply for an exchange with Konstanz for two semesters. In this regard, good methodological skills will be an advantage. We recommend a minimum grade of B in social science methods. For further information about exchange opportunities, see the website with an overview of where you can go on exchange for the master's program in political science and management, or contact your study advisor.