COURSE CURRICULUM

The Parties and Elections master’s specialisation focuses on the real-world challenges facing modern democracies, including political fragmentation, polarization, the rise of populism, and democratic backsliding. Students gain a deep understanding of the theories explaining the functioning of representative democracy while exploring the empirical realities of political representation today. The program examines how political parties, politicians, and governmental organisations respond to increasingly complex political environments and considers how democratic institutions can be designed to be both open and resilient. Students learn to analyse the role of ideology, financial resources, and media in shaping electoral outcomes, and evaluate how factors such as gerrymandering, voter suppression, and societal diversity impact the fairness and legitimacy of elections. The curriculum combines theoretical insights from political science with practical research methods, allowing students to analyse electoral data, assess policy interventions, and critically evaluate institutional frameworks in different national contexts. Elective seminars cover a wide range of political science subdisciplines, enabling students to tailor their education to their specific interests, while opportunities for internships provide hands-on professional experience. The program culminates in a research thesis supervised by academic staff, allowing students to pursue an independent project on a topic of their choice. Graduates acquire the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in academia, government, political consultancy, international organisations, or journalism, and can advise NGOs or companies on political strategy. By combining rigorous theory, empirical analysis, and professional development, this specialisation equips students to critically engage with contemporary democratic challenges and contribute effectively to public and political life.