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Understanding politics in a complex world

Discover how power operates in a changing world

Are you fascinated by political issues and eager to understand how power manifests itself at national, European, and international levels? Then the pre-master Political Science is your opportunity to dive deeper into these topics.

In this programme, you will explore how political dilemmas arise and how they are shaped by current developments such as the rise of populist parties and nationalist leaders like Trump, China’s emergence as a global power, new technologies and the influence of Big Tech, wars, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. You will build a solid foundation in political science theories and research methods, preparing you thoroughly for the Master’s in Political Science.

The pre-master offers a well-balanced and challenging curriculum, helping you develop both substantive and methodological knowledge and skills. Please note: the pre-master must be completed within one academic year. Re-enrolment is not possible.

VU Online Master's Event

Thursday 27 November 2025

Course Schedule

The programme starts with an introductory substantive course called State, Power and Conflict and is followed by a number of courses focused around academic skills and methods such as statistics, academic writing, and qualitative methods. The knowledge and research skills you gain will be tested at the end of the programme via an extensive research paper.
After successfully completing the Political Science pre-master’s, you are admissible to the Political Science Master’s programme in the following academic year.

  • The pre-master’s programme consists of 30 ECTS.
  • The study load is equally divided over the academic year.
  • Classes and seminars take place on Friday’s. 
  • Every credit equals 28 hours of study. This means that a 6-credit course takes 168 hours of study.
  • You have to successfully complete the pre-master’s programme within one academic year. Pre-master's results are valid until 1 September of the following academic year.
  • The tuition fee amounts to half of the regular college tariff.

Courses

  • Comparative Politics
  • Social Research Methodology
  • Tutorial Academic Writing Political Science
  • Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
  • Political Science Research

Check the Study Guide for more information. 

Want to sign up for the pre-master's Political Science?

Check the admission requirements

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