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M.A. Governance and Public Policy

M.A. Governance and Public Policy

Degree awarded Master of Arts (M.A.)
Duration and credits 4 semesters; 120 ECTS credits
Starts in October (winter semester)
Language of instruction English (some modules also available in German)

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.

For details, please consult the Academic Advice Service's  infosheet.

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)

Career prospects

Do you have your sights on a career where your decisions can have a real impact on future developments? The Master of Arts in Governance and Public Policy gives you the ideal starting conditions for attaining a leadership position. It imparts in-depth theoretical knowledge, skills and methods in such a way as to prepare you for challenging roles which involve elements of social science, business and politics. This opens up opportunities in administrative structures in both the private and public sector, or as an independent political consultant, e.g. for advocacy groups or political parties.

Alternatively, you could pursue an academic career, e.g. at a think tank, research institute or university, as this course provides you with a solid grounding in scientific working methods.

Programme details

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.

Academic entry requirements

To apply for this degree programme, you need an undergraduate university degree in one or more social sciences or in economics or a law degree. The final grade for your degree must be 2.5 (or better) according to the German grading system. Your final grade will be converted by the University during the application process. If your degree falls short of the minimum grade requirement, you can still be admitted if you can provide an official document from your prior university stating that you were among the best 70% of your cohort (i.e. your fellow students in the same exam period).

To apply, you must provide a (final or preliminary) transcript/Transcript of Records that certifies:

  • 60 ECTS credits’ worth of modules in the social sciences and/or economics and/or law
  • social and/or economic research modules (i.e. mathematics, statistics or empirical social research or similar) in the amount of 10 ECTS credits
  • the final/preliminary result of, or equivalent to, 2.5 (or better)

Language requirements

This degree programme can be completed entirely in English. However, to be able to get by in Germany, students are nonetheless required to have German language skills at level A1 CEFR (beginner's level). If you do not meet this requirement at the time of your application, you will be offered a free beginner's German course during your first year of study. By the end of that year, you have to be able to present a German language certificate at level A1 CEFR.

English language requirements

You should provide proof of English language skills equivalent to level B2 CEFR. This must be done at the time of enrolment.

Starting your studies before completing your prior undergraduate degree

You can begin your studies before obtaining your first university degree if you have earned at least 140 ECTS credits in your first degree programme by the start of the first semester of your master's degree programme in Passau. To do so, you must be able to show that you have gained 60 ECTS credits in social sciences and/or economics and/or law as well as 10 ECTS credits in social research methods. (NB: One ECTS credit equates to 30 hours of study, including lectures and self-study.)

Please submit a transcript of records showing the number of semesters studied, the coursework and examinations completed to date and the ECTS credit points earned, as well as the provisional final grade (2.5 or better).

If you are enrolled in this manner, you will have to submit the degree certificate and final transcript for your prior undergraduate degree to the Student Registration Office by the end of your first year at the University of Passau (no later than 30 September). This deadline stands, even if you take official leave of absence during your studies.

Application periods and deadlines

Application period for the winter semester:

  • 15 April - 15 July (direct applications)
  • 1 April - 30 June (applications via uni-assist e.V.)

Please use the interactive application guide to find out which application method you should use. 

Application period for the summer semester:

This programme does not accept an intake for a summer semester start.

Master Governance and Public Policy: double degree options

What our students say

Anna Kerner

Anna Kerner

Student Governance and Public Policy

I can deepen the focus gained in my bachelor's programme and learn completely new aspects of politics, law and history.

José Antonio Borja Camacho

José Antonio Borja Camacho

Student Governance and Public Policy

I really like the fascinating course content, the international orientation and the interdisciplinarity.

MA Governance students' experiences

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