Roads to Democracies – Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Politics and Culture

This international, interdisciplinary, research-focused Master’s programme brings together history, political science and sociology to examine how democratic institutions, political processes and their social and cultural foundations interact. Delivered full-time over two years (four semesters), the curriculum equips students with theoretical frameworks and analytical skills to trace the historical roots of democratic developments and to interpret contemporary political change from a comparative, social-scientific perspective.

Coursework emphasizes comparative research methods in history and the social sciences and addresses political, social, cultural and historical dimensions of democratic ideas, institutions and practices both within and beyond Europe. Alongside core modules, students can choose language classes (including German) through the university’s Language Centre and develop transferable skills—such as intercultural communication and academic writing—through targeted courses. A range of extracurricular services, including the House of Young Talents, Career Service and Alumni Association, supports professional development and career preparation.

International exchange and cooperation are central features: students are strongly encouraged to spend a semester abroad (Erasmus+) at partner universities and to take part in joint summer schools and guest-lecture programmes. The programme supports international research collaboration—for example by allowing professors from partner institutions to act as second supervisors for Master’s theses. Instruction and examinations are conducted in English, and the degree prepares graduates for doctoral study and for roles in international organisations, NGOs, research and higher-education institutions, cultural bodies, media and publishing, political organisations, foundations and internationally active companies.

Key facts and requirements

• Study mode: full-time; standard duration 2 years (4 semesters)
• Language of instruction and examination: English
• Strongly recommended to complete a semester abroad (Erasmus+ scholarships available)
• Access to language courses (including German) and soft-skill modules (intercultural communication, academic writing)
• International collaboration opportunities (joint summer schools, guest lectures, option to involve partner-university professors as second thesis supervisors)
• Graduates qualify for admission to doctoral/PhD programmes
• Typical career trajectories: international organisations and NGOs, aid and development agencies, research institutions and higher education, cultural heritage and cultural agencies, publishing and media, political parties, associations, foundations, and international companies

Partner universities (examples): University of the Azores; University of Bologna; University of Coimbra; Pedagogical University of Krakow; University of Lucerne; Marmara University; University of Palermo; University of Piraeus, among others.

Curriculum overview The programme is structured across four semesters and combines compulsory core modules with elective options to give an interdisciplinary understanding of democratic politics and culture. In the first semester students take an introductory module and a core course on Actors and Institutions in Historical and Contemporary Perspective. The second semester concentrates on Empirical Research on Democracy and on Political Cultures and the Public Sphere: Past and Present. In the third semester you study Global and Transnational Processes: Past and Present and Democracies in Comparative Perspective; students may also choose an optional thematic module abroad at this stage. The fourth semester is dedicated to writing and presenting the Master’s thesis (Master’s examination).

Key learning outcomes and teaching formats Graduates will be able to analyze democracies from historical, comparative, transnational and cultural perspectives, design and carry out empirical research on democratic processes, and situate contemporary political debates in broader historical and global contexts. The programme emphasizes independent research and communication skills through the master’s thesis and presentation. Teaching formats include seminars, blended-learning courses, workshops, project work, conferences and lectures. Students are expected to earn an average of 30 credit points per semester and to complete 120 credit points over the whole programme.

Requirements and programme components

• Semester 1: Introductory module; Actors and Institutions in Historical and Contemporary Perspective
• Semester 2: Empirical Research on Democracy; Political Cultures and the Public Sphere: Past and Present
• Semester 3: Global and Transnational Processes: Past and Present; Democracies in Comparative Perspective; optional thematic module abroad
• Semester 4: Master’s thesis and Master’s presentation (Master’s examination)
• Elective courses available alongside core modules to tailor the degree to your interests
• Flexible elements (can be completed in any semester): additional special studies module; master’s thesis module
• One compulsory internship (eight weeks) — substitution for modules possible only upon request and in exceptional cases
• “Studium Generale” module included as part of the programme
• Modes of teaching: seminars, blended-learning, workshops, projects, conferences, lectures
• Credit requirement: 120 credit points total (about 30 credit points per semester on average)

Graduates are prepared for research and managerial roles across a wide range of sectors. Typical career paths include positions in international organisations and NGOs, aid and development agencies, research institutes and higher-education institutions, cultural heritage and cultural agencies, publishing and media organisations focused on international and intercultural communication, and roles in political parties, foundations and internationally operating companies.

The degree also provides a solid foundation for further academic study and admission to doctoral/PhD programmes.