Bachelor Degree Programme in Political Science

Political science is the study of the organization and functioning of political institutions, the agencies and processes operating between state and society, the complexion of governance as a function of state policy, and international relations. To this extent, Political Science is the designation for scholarly analysis of the “striving for a share of power or for influence on the distribution of power” (Max Weber) and the binding settlement of societal conflicts over desired values and goods in domestic policy, foreign policy, and international relations.

In Germany, Political Science was only established to any significant degree as a scholarly discipline after World War Two. However, its traditions are in part much older. Ultimately, philosophical engagement with policy and politics dates back to the theories of governance advanced by the Greek philosophers of antiquity, notably Plato and Aristoteles. But Political Science also has a younger component. As a social science, it is a modern empirical discipline initially established largely in the United States and Europe.

Career Opportunities:

Studying Political Science at Heidelberg University opens doors to diverse career paths in government, international organizations, NGOs, research institutions, journalism, and more.