PoSIG is a highly integrated program and offers qualifications and competencies for all traditional careers in political science but has a special focus on the context of the Western Balkan and its integration in European structures. It is not a “collection” of existing modules or courses from the different partners to use them for a shared curriculum but the result of an inclusive and collaborative work on the definition of the academic identity of the curriculum. This shared understanding of the discipline was defined at the level of the curriculum and implemented in the definition of academic content and learning outcomes at the level of the five modules and more than 60(!) syllabi of courses.
Based on EQF level 7 the learning outcomes enable alumni for qualified jobs in different fields and levels of the political systems and international relations. Following a student-centred approach PoSIG-participants can decide about their qualification track, taking benefit from the fact that PoSIG is providing excellent education in all fields of political science and research.
The key elements of this curriculum are as follows:
- Out of five, two “Obligatory Elective Modules” (each with 18 ECTS credits) should be elected by each student. The five modules available are:
- Political Theory
- Comparative Politics
- Public Administration and Policy
- International Relations
- European Integration
- Besides these modules students should take:
- Obligatory Courses (incl. methods courses, the Master’s seminar, internship; 24 credits)
- Obligatory Elective Courses (6 credits)
- Additional Courses (24 credits)
- Finally, they have to work out a Master's thesis incl. Master's thesis defense (30 credits).
- During their first year all students study with a focus on theory and methodology guided courses in the two selected modules as well as in methodology. In their second year, they will study at one or two other partner universities to complete their courses and to work on their Master’s thesis.
- Exams have to be taken based on local regulations. The conversion of grades is based on a PoSIG-grading table partners have agreed upon.
- The Master’s thesis has to be written in one of the two elected modules. For each Master’s thesis there will be a team of two supervisors (one from a first-year university and one from a second-year university).
- The final exam has the form of a Master’s thesis defense. The examination board (panel) consists of examiners from all partners a student has attended during his/her PoSIG studies. Examiners must also represent the two modules the student has selected.
