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Free University of Berlin Free University of Berlin Public · Berlin

Political Science, B.A.

Politikwissenschaft

Political science is concerned with the systematic and critical examination of political issues. It examines the material, ideological, and normative foundations of politics in a differentiated manner. This involves considering the diversity of political actors, processes, and structures, as well as examining the forms and functions of political systems and institutions at the societal, transnational, state, regional, and global levels. It investigates the factors that influence political processes and their outcomes. Even though political science findings and considerations can have practical significance, the stated goal of political science is not to conduct politics scientifically. Rather, it is concerned with systematic and objective reflection on politics. To this end, political science uses classic qualitative and quantitative social science methods.

German C1apply until 15.07no tuition fee
Data from the university's official pages

Programme facts

DegreeBachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Duration6 semesters, 180 ECTS
Language of instructionGerman
Required GermanC1
Study modeFull-Time, Double Degree
StartWinter semester
ApplicationVia uni-assist, winter semester until 15.07
AdmissionAdmission restriction (NC): a competition of school grades
Tuition fee€0 per semester for international students
Semester contribution€376.80 per semester
CampusCampus.Leben
What the tuition fee consists of
Tuition fee of the federal state (Berlin), international students€0
Semester contribution€376.80

Will I get in

The programme has an admission restriction: the average grade of your certificate, converted to the German scale, decides. The cut-off changes every year — last year's value shows the order of magnitude, not a promise.

C1
German
15.07
274 days left

How the selection works and how strong the competition is — we go through it against your certificate when we select programmes for you.

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What you study

Political science is represented at the FU in all its disciplinary breadth and depth, offering a diverse and comprehensive range of teaching and research options. For the basic study of political science, there is a complete bachelor's program as well as a module offering totaling 60 credits for the combined bachelor's program. As a teaching option, the department offers the Political Science degree program for teaching qualifications either as a core subject (90 ECTS credits) or as a module offering with 60 ECTS credits.

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Career

Bachelor's graduates possess academic knowledge and practical skills that qualify them for professional employment or further study.

Read more

Political scientists analyze the political, legal, social, and economic systems of the Federal Republic of Germany, the international relations of states or associations, and their respective historical foundations. This also includes the investigation of the institutions, organizations, and processes of political decision-making. They also examine political theory and philosophy in their historical context and with regard to their constitutional and economic foundations.

Political scientists with university degrees find employment opportunities at political science institutes at universities, in public administration, in specialist editorial departments of daily newspapers or publishing houses, and in radio and television broadcasters. Political institutions such as the German Bundestag and state parliaments are also among their potential employers. They also work for political parties, party-affiliated foundations, trade unions, and associations. They can also work in the field of political education, for example, at adult education centers. Other fields of activity include development cooperation organizations and PR agencies specializing in political communication. In commercial companies, political scientists are sometimes entrusted with press and public relations tasks. Non-governmental and international organizations are also potential employers.

When looking for a job – regardless of the degree sought – a high degree of initiative is necessary: ​​Contacts with potential employers should be established even during your studies. The mandatory internship is particularly suitable for this. For managerial positions or employment in research and teaching, a master's degree and, if applicable, a doctorate are required.

Cost of study

Tuition fee of the federal state (Berlin), international students€0
Semester contribution€376.80

Requirements and application

Previous educationA school certificate that gives access to university in Germany — directly or after a Studienkolleg.
LanguageGerman C1 — confirmed by a certificate when you apply
ApplicationVia uni-assist, winter semester until 15.07
Application Requirements Check
from €47

The procedure and the set of documents depend on your certificate. We check the university's requirements against your documents and give you a list: what to submit, how to certify and translate it, where and when to apply.

Check the requirements

How to get into this programme

  1. 1
    Check your certificate and its recognition
    Direct admission, a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — this decides the whole plan.
  2. 2
    German up to C1 and a certificate
    DSH or TestDaF has to be passed before you apply.
  3. 3
    Documents and translations
    Certified translations of the certificate and transcript, an APS if required. 3–4 weeks.
  4. 4
    Application via uni-assist until 15.07
    uni-assist checks documents for 4–6 weeks — send them well before the deadline.
  5. 5
    Admission, visa, moving
    Plan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account in parallel.

How to apply

You can submit the application yourself or with our help — the university decides on admission in both cases.

Apply yourself

Applications go through the university's portal or uni-assist. Typical mistakes:

  • ×incorrectly made certified copies and translations
  • ×a wrong set of documents
  • ×the application submitted the wrong way
  • ×errors or gaps in the application form
  • ×the application submitted at the wrong time — too early or too late

An incomplete or incorrectly prepared application is excluded from the selection — it can no longer be corrected after the deadline.

University application portal

StudyInFocus does not represent the university and does not influence the admission decision. We do not sell study places and do not guarantee admission — this is a service for preparing and submitting documents on the applicant's side.

If your level is not enough yet

The two most common stoppers are a language level below the requirement and a certificate without direct admission. Both can be solved, but they take months — plan them now, not after a rejection.

Questions about this programme

How much does the programme cost?
There is no tuition fee, including for international students. Every student pays the Semesterbeitrag of €376.80 per semester.
What language level do I need?
German C1, confirmed by a certificate at the time of application.
When do I need to apply?
The next deadline is 15.07.2027. Application via uni-assist.

Don't postpone the application

The deadline is 15.07.2027 (274 days left). Language, translations and the document check take months, not weeks. In 30 minutes we will build a plan backwards from the deadline and tell you honestly whether you can make it.

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Deadline15.07.2027
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