Bachelor's Programme Political Science
Faculty | Faculty of Social and Political Science |
Duration / ECTS-Credits | 6 semesters / 180 ECTS-Credits |
Academic Degree |
Bachelor of Arts (BA) |
Qualification Level |
Bachelor (First Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 6, EQF/NQF: Level 6 |
ISCED-F | 0312 Political Sciences and Civics |
Mode of Study |
Full-Time |
Study Code |
UC 033 624 |
Curriculum | Information on the Curriculum (2007W) * |
Language of Instruction | German |
Admission Requirements |
Secondary school completion certificate or equivalent and Language Certificates |
PODCAST | http://streaming.uibk.ac.at/medien/c102/c1021067/Podcasts/Studienpodcasts /Politikwissenschaft.mp3 |
Application |
* Information on the Curriculum (2007W)
The complete version of the curriculum the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.
In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
Section: Current Curriculum version.
University of Innsbruck Bulletin » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)
- English version of the curriculum (from October 1st 2020)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 3rd 2020, Issue 38, No. 393 (equvalence list)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 30th 2020, Issue 25, No. 347 (modification of the curriculum)
- English version of the curriculum (from October 1st 2017)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin May 23rd 2017, Issue 40, No. 585 (modification of the curriculum)
- English version of the curriculum (from October 1st 2016)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin May 2nd 2016, Issue 24, No. 361 (modification of the curriculum)
- English version of the curriculum (from October 1st 2014)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin September 10th 2014, Issue 46, No. 660 (equivalence list)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 17th 2014, Issue 30, No. 502 (modification of the curriculum)
- Curriculum/Consolidated version (from October 1st 2011)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 8th 2011, Issue 26, No. 441 (modification of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 23rd 2010, Issue 42, No. 334 (modification of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin September 30th 2009, Issue 113, No. 436 (amendment of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 15th 2009, Issue 65, No. 255 (modification of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin June 6th 2007, Issue 55, No. 239 (amendment of the curriculum)
- University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 23rd 2007, Issue 37, No. 201
Studies Induction and Orientation Stage (STEOP)
(1) Within the scope of the Studies and Orientation Stage, which takes place in the first semester, the following course examinations must be passed:
- VO Fundamentals of Political Science (CM 1 lit. a, 2 h, 5 ECTS-Credits),
- VO Scientific Working Skills in Political Science (CM 1 lit. b‚ 2 h, 5 ECTS-Credits).
(2) Successful passing of all exams of the Studies Induction and Orientation Stage entitles to passing all further courses and examinations as well as to writing the Bachelor’s Thesis.
(3) Before successful completion of the Studies Induction and Orientation Stage courses amounting to 20 ECTS-Credits may be passed. The requirements specified in the curriculum must be met.
Studies Induction and Orientation Stage (STEOP) until summer term 2020 »
(1) Within the scope of the Studies and Orientation Stage, which takes place in the first semester, the following course examinations must be passed:
- VO Fundamentals of Political Science (CM 1 lit. a, 4 hrs., 7.5 ECTS-Credits),
- VO Scientific Working Skills in Political Science (CM 1 lit. b‚ 2 hrs., 5 ECTS-Credits).
(2) Successful passing of all exams of the Studies Induction and Orientation Stage entitles to passing all further courses and examinations as well as to writing the Bachelor’s Thesis.
(3) Before successful completion of the Studies Induction and Orientation Stage courses amounting to 17.5 ECTS-Credits may be passed. The requirements specified in the curriculum must be met.
Recommended Course Sequence
The exemplary course sequence given below is recommended for full-time students. The table shows one possible course sequence for the bachelor's programme and is not compulsory. Delays resulting from repeated examinations are not taken into account.
The standard duration of the study programme is 6 semesters or 180 ECTS-Credits, whereby according to the Universities Act of 2002, a workload of 1,500 (real) hours per academic year must be fulfilled, corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits (one ECTS-Credit is equivalent to a workload of 25 hours).
Beginn of studies: winter semester »
10.0 ECTS-AP: Introduction to Political Science
10.0 ECTS-AP: Applied Methods of Social Science
5.0 ECTS-AP: Political Theories and Political Thinking
5.0 ECTS-AP: VO European Integration– Introductory Level or VO Political System of Austria - Introductory Level
10.0 ECTS-AP: Statistics
10.0 ECTS-AP: Introductory module (5-9)
10.0 ECTS-AP: Introductory module (5-9)
5.0 ECTS-AP: PS from an introductory module (5-9)
10.0 ECTS-AP: Introductory module (5-9)
10.0 ECTS-AP: Introductory module (5-9)
5.0 ECTS-AP: Political Theory - Enhanced Level
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Bachelor's Thesis
30.0 ECTS-AP: Elective modules
Beginn of studies: summer semester »
10.0 ECTS-AP: Introduction to Political Science
10.0 ECTS-AP: Statistics
5.0 ECTS-AP: VO European Integration– Introductory Level
5.0 ECTS-AP: VO Political System of Austria - Introductory Level
10.0 ECTS-AP: Applied Methods of Social Science
5.0 ECTS-AP: Political Theories and Political Thinking
5.0 ECTS-AP: PS from an introductory module (5-9)
10.0 ECTS-AP: Introductory module (5-9)
5.0 ECTS-AP: PS from an introductory module (5-9)
10.0 ECTS-AP: Introductory module (5-9)
10.0 ECTS-AP: Introductory module (5-9)
5.0 ECTS-AP: Political Theory - Enhanced Level
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Advanced module (10-17)
7.5 ECTS-AP: Bachelor's Thesis
30.0 ECTS-AP: Elective modules
Recommended Course Sequence until summer term 2020 »
12.5 ECTS-AP: Introduction to Political Science
10.0 ECTS-AP: Applied Methods of Social Science
5.0 ECTS-AP: Political Theories and Gender Studies » continue second semester
5.0 ECTS-AP: Political Theories and Gender Studies
10.0 ECTS-AP: Statistics
10.0 ECTS-AP: Comparative Politics - Introductory Level
7.5 ECTS-AP: Elective Module
10.0 ECTS-AP: European Integration and Political Theories - Introductory Level
10.0 ECTS-AP: Political System of Austria - Introductory Level
10.0 ECTS-AP: International Relations - Introductory Level
10.0 ECTS-AP: Political Communication and Electoral Analysis - Introductory Level
10.0 ECTS-AP: Subject-Specific Elective Module
10.0 ECTS-AP: Subject-Specific Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-AP: Political Education
10.0 ECTS-AP: Subject-Specific Elective Module
10.0 ECTS-AP: Subject-Specific Elective Module
5.0 ECTS-AP: Bachelor's Thesis » continue sixth semester
10.0 ECTS-AP: Subject-Specific Elective Module
10.0 ECTS-AP: Elective Module
10.0 ECTS-AP: Bachelor's Thesis
Qualification Profile and Skills
The Bachelor's Programme Political Science, grouped among the social and economic sciences, offers vocational preparation for the social sciences, conferring the degree of Bachelor of Arts upon completion. The goal of the bachelor's programme is to provide graduates problem-solving skills based on scientific theories and methods.
In the Bachelor’s Programme in Political Science students get up-to-date and practical knowledge about political systems, institutions, actors and processes at national, regional, European and global level. These students deal particularly with the major challenges of our time, such as the erosion of social and political orders, the transformation of political and social participation or the effects of digital change on our world. In addition to technical skills and professional practice, the study programme also promotes universal social skills such as communication and presentation techniques, personal development, teamwork and the strengthening of rhetorical and written expression in all modules.
The Bachelor’s Programme in Political Science covers 180 ECTS-Credits, corresponding to a duration of the study programme of six semesters. During this period, the compulsory and elective modules which consist of lectures (VO), introductory seminars (PS) and lectures with practical parts (VU) must be passed. In addition to a study induction and orientation stage, during which students get an insight into the subject and get to know fundamental aspects of scientific work as well as a basic methodological education, the students get a broad insight into the subject of political science during the introductory as well as the advanced modules. The focus lies in particular on subjects such as European integration, comparison of political systems, international relations, political theory and history of ideas, gender research, the Austrian political system, political communication and electoral research and applied methods in political science. The Bachelor’s programme also offers the opportunity to pass a practical training to prepare for professional life. In addition to passing the modules, the students have to write a Bachelor’s Thesis within the scope of a seminar from one of the advanced modules. The workload of such a thesis corresponds to 7.5 ECTS-Credits.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Graduates have demonstrated knowledge of their understanding of political science and related fields. They are able to use this knowledge to develop scientifically sound solutions to practical problems, to assess and implement such solutions, and to apply their qualifications in a wide variety of occupational fields. They possess social competences, teamwork abilities, presentation and moderations skills, etc.
Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Bachelor's Programme Political Science find positions in public administration; in political institutions and organizations; in public relations; in the media; in national, international and non-governmental organizations; and in university and non-university research capacities. Have a look at some of our former students and their careers.
Postgraduate and further Studies at the University of Innsbruck
- Master's Programme Gender, Culture and Social Change
- Master's Programme Political Science: European and International Studies
- Master's Programme Sociology: Social and Political Theory
- Master's Programme Peace and Conflict Studies
Minor
As part of the Bachelor’s Programme, a Minor of 30 ECTS-Credits can be completed.
More information and a list of possible Minors can be found at:
https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/wahlpakete/
Supplementary Programme
Within the scope of the Study Programme, a Supplementary Programme corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits may be passed. Admission to the Supplementary Programme requires the admission to or the having passed of one of the selected Study Programmes. Detailed information: https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/es-informatik/
Political Science in Practice
After successful completion of the compulsory modules 1-9 students can complete the elective module “Political Science in Practice”. For this, no registration in LFU:online online is needed. Further information can be found at: https://www.uibk.ac.at/fakultaeten-servicestelle/pruefungsreferate/37/ba-politikwissenschaft.html#Praxis (currently only in German)
Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading
Examination regulations
The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.
Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »
The grade distribution table is a statistical representation of the distribution of all successfully completed examinations in a given programme of study or subject (based on all registered students for the programme or subject). The grade distribution table is updated in regular intervals.
Austrian grading scheme |
Definition |
%-age |
||
1 | EXCELLENT: Outstanding performance |
25.3 | ![]() |
= 100% |
2 |
GOOD: Generally good, but with some errors |
30.2 | ||
3 | SATISFACTORY: Generally sound work with a number of substantial errors |
25.5 | ||
4 | SUFFICIENT: Performance meets the minimum criteria |
19 | ||
5 | INSUFFICIENT: Substantial improvement necessary; requirement of further work |
December 2021
Overall classification of the qualification
Not applicable
Explanation: An overall classification (mit Auszeichnung bestanden/pass with distinction, bestanden/pass, nicht bestanden/fail) – is awarded only for examinations that conclude a programme of study and consist of more than one subject (an examination of this type is not specified in the curriculum of this programme of study).
Information about the Programme (in German only)
Forms (in German only)
- Practical Agreement
- Evidence of the Bachelor's Thesis according to the curriculum
- Examination Records
- Declaration of Academic Honesty
- Application for Admission to the third and fourth repetition of a course examination
Recognitions (in German only)
Contact and Information
Examination Office
Standort Universitätsstraße 15
Associate Dean of Studies
Dr. David Willumsen
Dean of Studies
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Dr. Petra Missomelius, MA
Information for students with disabilities