Master of Arts in Governance and Public Policy

Politics, economics and sustainability: good governance as key to positive progress The world has become more volatile, which comes with challenges and opportunities for organisations. Experts in governance and policy need to be able to react confidently to the unforeseen and, crucially, to help shape the future. That is why this Master’s programme features a multidisciplinary curriculum, preparing students for making responsible, well-considered decisions in a complex, dynamic environment. In the foundation modules, you will study political theory, governance and development or sociology as well as research and quantitative methods. Building on this, the specialisation modules focus on contemporary topics, such as power, inequality, sustainability and the transformation of global political landscapes in the digital, networked age. You'll gain a comprehensive, multi-faceted perspective that will enable you to see the big picture and shape policies effectively.  This is an accredited programme which has received the Seal of Quality of the Foundation for the Accreditation of Study Programmes in Germany. Why study governance and public policy in Passau? Governance in a changing world: specialise in contemporary and dynamic aspects of governance and policy The programme includes knowledge about communications theory, media relations and social media cultures due the close connection between governance and public communication. Unique range of courses and excellent staff-student ratio in small masterclasses Numerous partnerships with universities abroad, which are particularly useful for students on this degree programme (e.g. France, Hungary, Pakistan, Romania, the UK and the USA) One of only seven degree courses in Germany to have been accepted into the Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Double-degree options with Andrássy University Budapest (Hungary) and University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) The degree programme consists of three module groups and includes a Master's thesis: A: Foundation modules You will have to enrol on two compulsory modules from the Governance and State in Globalised Societies module group: Perspectives on Governance Political Theory and Comparative Politics ...as well as one of the two modules: International Politics and Political Aspects of Development Sociology In addition, you will take two modules covering Empirical Research Methods in the Social Sciences. B: Specialisation modules In the specialisation modules, the knowledge gained in the foundation modules is enhanced and strengthened with the involvement of other disciplines. At this stage of the programme, you will deal in particular depth with contemporary themes: Power, Authority and Democracy Conflict, Inequality and Violence Regulation and Transformation Sustainability and Values C: Transfer modules The transfer modules are intended to give students the opportunity to gain (work) experience, foreign language skills or enhanced research skills. Students choose one option from: Language course Internship Research tutorial Master's thesis As part of this Master's programme, you will write a thesis on a topic of your choice. You will accumulate 120 ECTS points throughout the programme.