Programme description for Bachelor's Programme in Political Science (2022–2025)

Knowledge

After completing the program, the candidate must:

• have basic knowledge of central political science concepts and theories
• have broad knowledge of organizations in general, and be familiar with the structure and behavior of public, private and voluntary businesses
• have knowledge of the structure and behavior of both the Norwegian political system and the European Union
• have knowledge of the structure and behavior of public administration both at local, regional and national level
• be familiar with developments and current reforms within the Norwegian political and administrative system
• have a good insight into the basic principles for scientific analysis and processing of research data
• have knowledge of international political institutions, relations, developments and current issues
• be familiar with the historical and philosophical foundations of political science and be able to update their knowledge within the subject area

Skills

After completing the program, the candidate must:

• be able to design current issues in political science
• be able to carry out empirical studies using various social science methods, including having a good knowledge of the basic rules for honesty and academic presentation
• be able to find, evaluate and critically analyze sources and information
• be able to make assessments of challenges that can arise in different organizations and suggest changes based on theory and empirical analysis
• be able to make independent investigations of current political and administrative issues
• be able to apply political science approaches in analyzes of political and administrative matters both locally, nationally and internationally

General competence:

After completing the program, the candidate must:

• have developed analytical skills, independence and critical judgment
• have insight into key academic and ethical issues that characterize the subject of the political science
• have the ability to update themselves academically and be able to be innovative

The bachelor programme in political science provides basic competence in public politics and administration, comparative politics, international politics, political theory, organizational theory, research method and statistics. The program gives an introduction to the structures and behavior of organizations and political institutions and provides basic knowledge of political science concepts, theories, research traditions and models. The students gain knowledge, among other things, on different types of political activity and knowledge of relevant events and historical developments within the field. With a bachelor's degree in political science, the students get a solid foundation for analyzing politics and for understanding political institutions and democratic processes both locally, nationally and internationally.

The program consists of a specialization unit of 90 credits (all courses with ST code except ST-108 in the first three semesters, ORG courses and ST-302 Bachelor thesis). In addition, the students should take the scientific method, Ex. phil and an elective (all 10 ECTS) and a 30 ECTS credits unit.

Students can go abroad on exchange in their 5th semester at one of our co-operating institutions. Political science and management is an international field, and the study program reflects this. Some topics are taught in English and are open to exchange students.

We recommend that all our students use the opportunity to complete parts of the study abroad. There are several options for exchangeing, including Erasmus +.

See UiA's website on student exchange: https://www.uia.no/student/utveksling.

Political science is an area that is international, something that is reflected in the study program through international curriculum literature and through teaching about international and comparative politics, about transnational governance, international institutions and about politics in the European Union. Several courses are taught in English, and in these courses the students will meet exchange students from other co-operating universities.

We recommend students to use the opportunity to go on an exchange. An exchange stay can increase the benefits of the education, both academically and culturally. Exchange to one of our partners will provide unique experience and the opportunity to work and communicate in international contexts and to study other professional combinations than what we offer.

Students can go on an exchange in the 4th semester to the University of Konstanz, in which the department works closely. Students then take courses that replace the compulsory courses this semester.

Exchange to other study places takes place in the 5th semester, where students can take avariety of courses within the field of Political Science. In this semester, we recommend exchanges for the following study places:

 Charles University, Prague

 Trento University, Italy

 Institute of Political Science Studies in Toulouse, France

 Birmingham City University, England

 University of Nebraska, Omaha, USA

 University of Victoria, Canada

For more information about all exchange opportunites and about Erasmus + scholarships, see UiA's website about exchange: https://www.uia.no/student/utveksling.

The program provides a good foundation for further studies and for jobs in the public and private sector. Political science is a useful subject that can provide job opportunities in a number of sectors, such as public administration, media, non-governmental organizations or the business community. Relevant work areas are public administration tasks within the municipality or state, investigation or dissemination and information work. With a bachelor's degree in political science, you can apply for admission to a number of master's programs in both home and abroad. It qualifies for admission to several master's programs at the University of Agder, such as Political Science and Management, Sociology and Social Work, Global Development and Social Planning, Social Communications and Innovation and Knowledge Development.

Read more about jobs and career paths on the UiA website: https://www.uia.no/om-uia/karriereveier-for-samfundsvitere