English 
Deutsch Who is the Politics (B.A.) programme suitable for?
The Bachelor's programme in Politics is aimed at those who have a strong interest in political processes, societal change, and international developments. It is particularly suitable for individuals interested in topics such as political communication, activism, sustainability, and global responsibility - regardless of whether they are already politically engaged or wish to work in NGOs, media, educational institutions, or administrations. The programme is ideal for you if you are interested in an international, practice-oriented education in English and aspire to a future career in politics, consultation, media, education, international organizations, or sustainability management.
What entry requirements must you meet?
To be admitted to the Bachelor programme in Politics at Karlshochschule, you need to have a university entrance qualification. The following proofs are typically accepted:
- General university entrance qualification (A-levels), Fachhochschulreife (higher education entrance qualification), or subject-related university entrance qualification
- An internationally or nationally recognized education, especially recognized professional development courses
- A professional qualification according to the state higher education act plus an on-site consultation and a successful aptitude test.
Since the programme is taught in English, proof of good English skills is required. Typically, at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is expected.
Earlier application deadlines apply to non-EU applicants (usually 15th of July), depending on the visa process of their home country.
Personally, you should bring the following:
- Good understanding of social and political contexts and interest in international issues
- Strong English skills (the language of instruction is English)
- Willingness to actively shape and reflect on political processes
- Analytical thinking and independent, critical judgment
- Enjoyment of intercultural collaboration and openness to a semester abroad
- Team skills, communication skills, and the motivation to contribute to practical projects
What study contents can you expect in the B.A. Politics?
In the Bachelor's degree programme Politics, you will learn to systematically analyse and critically reflect on political systems, processes, institutions, and the acting individuals and actors. The programme is structured into three possible specialisations (profiles):
- Political Communication: Provides expertise in strategic political communication, political journalism, public relations, campaign communication, online and digital communication, opinion research, as well as international comparison of communication strategies. You will acquire practical skills for planning and implementing political communication, explore psychological and media dynamics, and train for qualified participation in current debates.
- Activism and Political Change: Focuses on theories and history of social movements, strategies and tactics for successful activism, action research, digital media in activism, decision-making processes and dynamics within movements, as well as resilience of actors. You will learn to empirically analyse societal changes and professionally initiate and support your own engagement projects.
- Sustainable Development: Deals with theories and concepts of sustainable development, global justice, and political transformation. The programme is complemented by international politics, political philosophy, public policy, feminist, post-colonial, and intersectional perspectives. Through practice-oriented projects, simulations, and internships, you will enhance your analytical and practical skills in an international context.
Irrespective of the profile, the programme promotes skills in systematically capturing complex political interrelations, analysing political actors, and developing, implementing, and evaluating political programmes and projects. Communication, analytical, and methodical skills are specifically enhanced with practical modules, international and professional internships, as well as language courses.
How is the structure and process of the Politics programme designed?
The programme spans six semesters and concludes with 180 ECTS credits. It is designed as a full-time study programme and includes the following structural elements:
- Standard period of study: three years (six semesters)
- Language of instruction: English, supplemented by additional language modules
- Lecture times: Monday to Friday, including block seminars
- Practical experience: Mandatory internships, practice-oriented corporate projects, international exchange semester at a partner university
- Practice and research project modules, simulations, and elective modules for individual profile formation
Practice-oriented teaching, small seminar groups, and the mandatory semester abroad promote international and interdisciplinary competency acquisition. The combination of theory, practical projects, and academic reflection specifically prepares you for diverse requirements in political professional fields.
What career opportunities and job prospects does the Politics programme offer?
After completing the B.A. Politics, you will be qualified for diverse employment areas in politics, society, and the economy. Possible fields of work depending on the profile include:
- Political Communication: Parties, trade unions, parliaments, international organizations, NGOs, media, public relations, political consulting, campaign management, political education.
- Activism and Political Change: NGOs, civil society organizations, international organizations, political consulting, research, political education, project management, strategic planning and organization of campaigns.
- Sustainable Development: Public administration, parliaments, foundations, NGOs, associations, economic and consulting companies, market and opinion research, sustainability management, business consulting, political education.
Typical activities include research, project management, public relations, campaign and strategy consulting, data collection, analysis and evaluation, development and implementation of political concepts, member support, as well as documentation and presentation tasks. The programme also prepares you for further academic qualifications.
What are the costs involved and how can you finance your studies?
The monthly tuition fees are:
- EU students: €550 per month
- Non-EU students: €750 per month
The fees are due regularly over the course of six semesters (three years). The total price includes the lectures, practical projects, and services of the university. Additional costs for accommodation, living expenses, and possible stays abroad apply.
There are several financing options available for funding your studies:
- Payment of tuition fees in instalments (monthly)
- Applications for BAföG funding (for eligible individuals)
- Private and public scholarship programmes
- Support from employers during practical phases
- Educational loans and study funds
- Tax deduction of study costs as special expenses or business expenses under certain conditions
Another option is to combine various financing methods. Many students also use jobs as part of student activities to support their cost of living.
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