Course categories

The Doctoral Program in Political Science offers three categories of courses to its students, some of which are elective, and some mandatory to all doctoral students or to the students of specific tracks.

These categories of courses are all relevant for students in completing the curriculum:

  • Core courses
  • Methods courses
  • Doctoral Research and Activities

Core courses

Each track of the Doctoral School has its own set of core courses, which constitute the core curriculum of the Doctoral Program. Students have to complete all core courses (8 credits) of their major track during the first academic year, prior to their comprehensive exams. 

Methods courses

Two mandatory methods courses have to be completed by all first-year PhD students of all tracks in their first academic year. These include the ‘Research Design’ course (2 credits), and the ‘Prospectus Seminar Workshop’ (2 credits).

Additionally, students choose one advanced methods course (2 credits) to be completed in the first academic year. These courses in the methods sequence are designed to develop the methodological skills of PhD candidates.

Doctoral Research and Activities

These mandatory academic and professionalization activities are designed to prepare students for the successful completion of the dissertation and for the job markets, as well as to foster academic networks, interaction and exchange.