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Year 1
Your first year is an overview of the field of politics. You encounter key concepts such as conflict, cooperation, interests and power, as well as the big questions that political scientists ask about current societal trends and the political systems which we observe worldwide. Alongside courses on public policy, political thought, international law and contemporary history, we introduce you to active research in political science. Your year-long tutorial and lab groups train you in analytical and critical thinking, as well as in writing, debating and presentation skills.
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Year 2
In the second year, you choose your specialisation from one of the following fields: International Relations, Public Policy and Governance, Comparative Politics or Political Theory. Courses cover the major issues in contemporary politics from social inequality and justice to political economy across both democratic and authoritarian regimes. A research project of your choice brings together the academic, methodological and practical skills of the first four semesters. Your career orientation is further expanded in the third year.
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Year 3
The final year provides yet more opportunity for specialisation through your choice of electives, covering practically all issues and regions in the world. You may also choose a work placement, study abroad or complete a minor, or learn an additional language. You will round off your Bachelor’s programme by researching and writing your own thesis under the supervision of experienced senior lecturers in a small, specialised group context.
Study schedule
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History of the modern world since 1750Period 16
This course provides a historical overview of the modern world since 1750, relevant for Political Science students. It delves into the origins of modern states, democracy, industrial capitalism, and their global impact. The course covers the rise of totalitarianism, World Wars, Cold War, and concludes with the post-Cold War era's significant changes.
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Academic skills for political scientists IPeriod 1Period 26
This course is aimed at enhancing specific academic skills. You will focus on reading academic texts, understanding authors' claims, and using insights to contribute to debates through case analyses. Effective communication skills are cultivated through written assignments, presentations, and group discussions. The overall goal is to equip you with the ability to engage coherently and collaboratively in academic debates.
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Introduction to political sciencePeriod 1Period 26
This course introduces you to politics and political science. You'll learn about important concepts like 'politics,' 'power,' 'conflict,' and 'cooperation.' We explore who holds political power, how journalists and political scientists view it differently, and how factors like race, gender, and class influence politics. The course looks at formal power within and between countries, comparing ideologies, democratic institutions, and more. It also delves into how international groups like the European Union change the role of nation states.
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Public Policy and GovernancePeriod 26
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Research project IPeriod 36
Learn how research generates ideas, answers complex questions, and gathers data for your own research project. Collaborate in groups, develop academic and social skills, and experience hands-on research within our Bachelor's program.
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History of political thoughtPeriod 46
Discover core ideas of classical thinkers from ancient China, India, Greece, and more. Analyze enduring political challenges and engage with historical texts to reflect on ongoing debates. Use textbooks and primary sources to build independent reading skills.
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Academic skills for political scientists IIPeriod 4Period 53
Learn about argumentation, critical thinking, and theoretical perspectives. Practice analyzing, writing, and discussing to engage in academic debates and evaluate articles. Build upon Academic Skills I, gaining insight into argumentation structures and theoretical choices.
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Introduction to political science researchPeriod 4Period 59
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International relationsPeriod 56
Explore theoretical perspectives, analyze global developments, and delve into key issues like conflict, security, development, and ethics of globalization. Gain insights into political science and our program's specialization.
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Law and politicsPeriod 66
Explore the connection between law and politics by applying legal principles through practical assignments. Provide legal advice in cases with significant political importance, learning about citizenship, fair trials, administrative law, and human rights across different legal systems. This hands-on approach helps you understand how law shapes political processes as a tool, product, or constraint.
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Academic skills for political scientists IIIPeriod 1Period 2Period 39
Enhance your academic skills during this course. Write your first complete academic paper, develop independent literature research, and master clear and concise writing. This course prepares you for advanced studies, including peer reviews and presentations, while running parallel to related courses.
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Political economyPeriod 16
Study the close connection of politics and economic power. Explore historical and contemporary connections, such as how economic interests influence climate change and political decisions. Investigate the history of capitalism, political-economic ideas, and current events, and engage in practical discussions to develop your perspectives on political-economic debates.
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Research methodsPeriod 1Period 29
This course focuses on empirical research methods. It covers both quantitative and qualitative approaches, teaching inferential statistics and their application in political contexts. Weekly tutorial groups provide practical, real-world examples for applying research knowledge.
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Democracies, autocracies and transitionsPeriod 26
This course explores democratic regimes, their emergence, stability, and performance, along with semi-democratic and autocratic systems. It examines global trends, including democratic challenges and authoritarian forces, and analyzes factors such as economics, culture, and international influences that impact these forms of governance. Democracy, authoritarianism, and transition processes are central to this course.
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The Politics of DifferencePeriod 46
Explore the politics of difference in this course, delving into how power and institutions categorize people, leading to inequality. Gain tools to understand and critically analyze contemporary movements like Blacklivesmatter and Metoo. Connect normative justice perspectives, social scientific concepts, and political science viewpoints to explore different manifestations of difference and their intersections.
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Research project II: Practicing research skillsPeriod 3Period 66
This course offers hands-on experience in the research process related to themes from Practicing Research Skills tutorials. In groups, students develop a research design, including a research question, theory, and methods. They gather and analyze relevant data, present findings, and write an individual reflection. The course emphasises critical application of methodological tools, addressing method impact, data availability, and potential flaws. Group work enhances collaborative skills throughout the course.
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Restricted-choice electives: Core modulesPeriod 4Period 512
During the restricted-choice electives you get to choose between one of the core modules in 'Comparative politics', 'International relations', 'Political theory', and 'Public policy and governance'.
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Restricted-choice electives: Electives year 2Period 56
During the restricted-choice electives you get to choose between the elective modules 'Sustainability politics. Paradigms and debates' and 'Violence & security. Paradigms and debates'.
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Restricted-choice electives: Bachelor thesis projectPeriod 2Period 3Period 5Period 612
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Free-choice electives: Optional subjectsPeriod 1Period 2Period 3Period 4Period 5Period 630
The elective space is essentially open for your choice, both within and outside the Bachelor's program in Political Science. Outside the program, options include a semester abroad, a minor within or outside the university, or a combination of elective courses.
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Restricted-choice electives: Bachelor seminar 6 ECPeriod 1Period 46
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Restricted-choice electives: Bachelor seminar 12 ECPeriod 1Period 2Period 3Period 4Period 5Period 612
See more information in the online Course Catalogue
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Honours programme
If you are ambitious, you can choose to take part in our Honours and Talent Programme (HTP). You’ll take the HTP alongside your regular studies. You will be introduced to scientific research in an original way through a challenging package of in-depth or broadening courses. If you are up to it, then it's an opportunity not to be missed!
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Exchange
The UvA has partnerships and exchange agreements with more than 100 other universities. As part of your Bachelor’s programme you can do an exchange semester abroad. This can be a valuable learning and cultural experience, and a great addition to your study programme.
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Electives
There are various opportunities during the Bachelor’s programme for you to shape your programme to your liking. You can gain 30 elective study credits with courses that are part of the Bachelor's programme in Political Science.
Also you can choose a minor: a cohesive programme lasting half a year (30 credits) taken outside your own degree programme. You could choose a minor in Communication Science or Business Economics, for example.
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Internships
Another option is to do an internship. An internship can sharpen you intellectual attitude, knowledge and skills, obtained in the earlier study years. It may also be a good preparation for writing your Bachelor's thesis. Furthermore, it often proves to be a stepping stone to professional practice for many students.
There are possibilities to do internships in a wide range of organisations, from the UN and the EU to institutions such as foreign embassies, ministries and local authorities, as well as think tanks, banks, political parties and organisations such as Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Cordaid, the International Organization for Migration and the Red Cross. There are also in-house training opportunities; for example, to work as a junior assistant in the research of professionals and PhD candidates.
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Time distribution - hours in lectures vs. practicals
The workload is 40 hours a week.
- Lectures and tutorial groups: 12 hours per week (Project periods in your first and second year are full-time. Later on in the programme, the number of contact hours decreases.)
- Self-study: 28 hours per week
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Teaching methods at Political Science
- Lectures: During lectures, a teacher explains the subject matter, and you have the opportunity to ask questions.
- Tutorials: In tutorials, you practice with the subject matter in smaller groups, under the guidance of a teacher.
- Practical sessions/workshops: During practicals, you learn practical skills and conduct experiments.
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Tutoring during your studies
During your studies, you are not alone. You will receive personalized guidance at each stage of your study that is tailored to address specific questions or concerns at that moment.
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Can I study this programme in Dutch?
Are you a Dutch-speaking student? Then you can also participate in our Dutch Bachelor’s programme in Political Science. The Dutch taught programme is exactly the same as the English taught programme.
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What is the difference between the Dutch-English and English variant of this programme?
You have the option of following the Bachelor's program in Political Science entirely in English, or in a combination of English and Dutch (bilingual track). In the first case, the teaching and exams will be entirely in English. If you opt for the bilingual variant, you will start with Dutch taught lectures, tutorials and exams. The literature is mainly in English. During the first year you will also have lectures in English, and during the second year some tutorials will be given in English. In the third year, courses are mainly English taught. See more information on the Dutch website about the Dutch-English variant of the programme.
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How many students receive positive binding study advice (BSA)?
To receive a positive BSA at this programme, you must obtain at least 42 of the 60 credits in the first year of your enrolment. Each year, approximately 85% of students receive a positive BSA.
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What makes Political Science at the University of Amsterdam unique?
We are the largest Political Science department in the Netherlands. The advantage of this is that we can offer most specialisations, and that there are plenty of options within those specialisations as well. As a result, there are always courses that match your interests, and you often find a good connection to the Master of your choice.
The Bachelor's in Political Science is also characterised by its international character. The programme attracts students and teaching staff from all over the world. This broadens your horizon, helps you gain further insights, promotes your intercultural skills and helps you build an international network. You will therefore be well prepared for living and working in a globalising world. We recommend that you compare the study programs of the Political Science programmes at various universities to discover for yourself which programme appeals to you most.