Program Overview
Master's Programme in Political Science 120 credits Are you interested in political attitudes and behaviour, studying political mobilisation from an international and comparative perspective, or perhaps welfare politics from a global perspective? Then the Master's Programme in Political Science is for you. This programme prepares you for a professional career as an investigator or analyst in public or private organisations in your home country or abroad. Application and entry requirements Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees. Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English Location Uppsala Pace of study 100% Teaching form On-campus Instructional time Daytime Start date 31 August 2026 Language of instruction English Entry requirements Academic requirements A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. Also required is: 90 credits in political science or corresponding knowledge; and a Bachelor's thesis or similar independent academic work with at least 8,000 words within political science or a corresponding area.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Uppsala University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Social Sciences.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 24 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Career
The Master's Programme in Political Science prepares you for a professional career as an investigator and analyst in the private and public sectors, both in your home country and abroad. The programme gives you an advanced education that leads to a broad investigative competence with specialised knowledge in politics, society and political science research. Our previous graduates work at, for example: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), World Bank Group. Job titles include: Strategic Partnership Specialist, Chief Operations Officer, Researcher, etc. You will also be well prepared for advanced studies in various specific areas within the discipline of political science as comparative politics, political theory, public administration, international relations and development studies. Career support During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.
Program Curriculum
Courses within the programme
Compulsory courses
- Methods, 15 credits
- Master's thesis, 30 credits
One of the following three courses
- International Politics, 15 credits
- Governance and The State, 15 credits
- The Politics of Development, 15 credits
Elective courses
Each spring semester, the Department of Government offers elective courses in different themes within political science and development studies.
Admission Requirements
Application and entry requirements
Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees. Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English Location Uppsala Pace of study 100% Teaching form On-campus Instructional time Daytime Start date 31 August 2026 Language of instruction English Entry requirements Academic requirements A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. Also required is: 90 credits in political science or corresponding knowledge; and a Bachelor's thesis or similar independent academic work with at least 8,000 words within political science or a corresponding area. ("Corresponding" includes studies in social sciences with extensive and distinct elements of political science. One or more essays can be included in the concept "independent academic work". The essays should be written in either English, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish or translated to one of these languages.) Language requirements Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se . Selection Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies with emphasis on the quality of the Bachelor's thesis (or equivalent project work). Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups. Fees If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees. First tuition fee instalment: SEK 57,000 Total tuition fee: SEK 228,000 Read more about fees. Application deadline 15 January 2026 Application code UU-M2460 Supporting documents In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit the following programme-specific documents: an application summary sheet your Bachelor's thesis (or equivalent). Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit. Apply now
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
EUR 21084
Fees
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees. First tuition fee instalment: SEK 57,000 Total tuition fee: SEK 228,000 Read more about fees.
Application deadline
Application code
Supporting documents
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit the following programme-specific documents: an application summary sheet your Bachelor's thesis (or equivalent). Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at Uppsala University. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: Uppsala University may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About Uppsala University
Uppsala University
Uppsala, Sweden
Uppsala University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Application Deadline 15 January 2026
- Start Date August 2026
- Language English
- Duration 24 months