Studying at the University of Innsbruck

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Doctoral Programme Political Science

Faculty	Faculty of Social and Political Science
Duration / ECTS-Credits	6 semesters / 180 ECTS-Credits
Academic Degree	Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Qualification Level	Doctorate (Third Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 8, EQF/NQF: Level 8
ISCED-F	0312 Political Sciences and Civics
Mode of Study	Full-Time
Study Code	UC 094 xxx | UC 794 570 xxx
Curriculum	Information on the Curriculum (2009W)*
Language of Instruction	German/English
Admission Requirements	Relevant diploma or master's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates
Application	Apply ONLINE

* Information on the Curriculum (2009W)

The complete version of the curriculum reflects 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 Bulletins » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)

Requirements

Relevant master's or diploma degrees at the University of Innsbruck:

• Diploma Programme Political Science
• Master's Programme European Politics and Society
• Master's Programme Political Science: European and International Studies
  

Proof of general university entrance qualification:

With the exception of § 64 par. 5 UG 2002, the general university entrance qualification for admission to a doctoral programme shall be demonstrated by the completion of a relevant diploma programme or master's programme or another relevant programme of at least the same level of higher education at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution. To compensate for substantial subject-related differences, supplementary examinations may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the doctoral degree programme.

The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the doctoral degree programme.

Modules and Dissertation

Compulsory Modules 10 ECTS-Credits	Dissertation 150 ECTS-Credits
Dissertation Project 5 ECTS-Credits Scientific Writing and Publishing (Going Public) 2,5 ECTS-Credits Doctoral Thesis Defence 2,5 ECTS-Credits	The dissertation is a piece of scientific work which – in contrast to a diploma or master‘s thesis – serves to prove the student's ability to cope with scientific questions in an independent manner. The dissertation topic is to be chosen from the field of political science. The student has to propose a team of supervisors consisting of at least two people (dissertation committee) and to nominate one of them as the supervisor mainly responsible. It is permissible to propose supervisors (with the exception of the main supervisor) from subject‐related fields. In justifiable exceptional cases it is possible for students to propose only one supervisor. The student has to communicate the dissertation topic and the names of the supervisors in writing to the Director of Studies prior to beginning the work. Topic and supervisors are considered as accepted, if the Director of Studies does not veto them by means of a decree within one month after the receipt of the proposal.
Elective Modules 10 ECTS-Credits
Elective Modules, equal to 20 ECTS-Credits, must be completed. Research Designs and Methods I 5 ECTS-Credits Research Designs and Methods II 5 ECTS-Credits Scientific Writing and Presentation I 5 ECTS-Credits Scientific Writing and Presentation II 5 ECTS-Credits Current Discussions in Political Science I 5 ECTS-Credits Current Discussions in Political Science II 5 ECTS-Credits PhD Seminar I 5 ECTS-Credits PhD Seminar II 5 ECTS-Credits Generic Skills 5 ECTS-Credits

Qualification Profile and Skills

The core of the Doctor of Philosophy Programme Political Science is the ability to conduct theoretical and empirical political science research and to contribute this work to the national and international research process through publication. Graduates are capable of teaching political science and further developing theoretical and empirical research methods.

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy Programme Political Science possess competences and knowledge to make scientific contributions that meet international research standards and to add these to the international research process, in particular through the dissertation as an independent research project. They are capable of developing research projects independently and creatively and of realizing these projects successfully with the support of national and international research promotion organizations. They are able to communicate with the scientific community about their area of expertise and can present their results to the community as well as work and engage in discussion in interdisciplinary contexts. 

Expected Learning Outcomes for the Doctorate

Graduates are qualified junior academics. They have mastered the methods applied in research in their area and are capable of critically discussing, analyzing, and further developing theories. Junior academics possess the competence to develop and conduct substantial research projects with scientific integrity, and they are qualified to reflect on these processes scientifically and theoretically. They are also aware of issues and questions in gender research.

Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy Programme Political Science may be found in universities, research institutions and other post-secondary educational facilities. They are able to fill leadership positions in research facilities of national, transnational and international institutions, in governmental and non-governmental interest groups, in political institutions and in the media. Have a look at some of our former students and their careers.

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) »

Information about the Programme (in German only)

• Information on the PhD- and Doctoral Programmes
• Submission of the Dissertation
• Recommendation for cumulative dissertations
• Deadlines
• Guidelines about the Exposè and the Doctoral Thesis
  
• Equivalence List
  
• Guidelines for electronic submission and publication of academic theses and Instruction

Forms (in German only)

• Dissertation Project
  
• Examination Records
• Application of the Dissertation
• Cover Sheet of the dissertation
  
• Declaration of Academic Honesty 
• Submission of the Dissertation
• To block the dissertation
• Application of the Dissertation's Defense

Recognitions (in German only)

• Recognition of exams AND Supplementary Sheet
  

Contact and Information

Examination Office
Standort Universitätsstraße 15

Associate Dean of Studies
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Dr. Franz Eder

Dean of Studies
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Dr. Petra Missomelius

Information for students with disabilities