Work Integrated Political Studies

Policies and political decisions – made at local and international levels – form and influence the social, economic and environmental world we live in. The focus of your programme is how to affect societal change through applied studies of political challenges. Conduct research in direct collaboration with surrounding society and hold an internship to move your career forward during your two-year master’s programme. A collaboration between University West in Sweden and University of the Western Cape in South Africa, your programme is truly international.

OPEN FOR LATE APPLICATION

Why this programme

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING MEETS POLITICAL STUDIES

University West is Sweden’s leading university for Work Integrated Learning (WIL). The university was tasked with the development of WIL by the Swedish government 15+ years ago and continues to lead the field today. WIL is the practice of moving from academic and theoretical learning to real-world applications within the duration of your programme.

No other international, interdisciplinary programme offers a master's degree in WIL with a specialisation in political studies. On graduation, you’ll be prepared for professional work across cultural and national borders to develop, implement and lead projects handling politically and economically oriented issues.

YEAR-LONG WORK PLACEMENT

Throughout the second year of your programme, you will work on real-life challenges facing nonprofits, institutions or other organisations through a research placement in Sweden or South Africa. The networks and experiences you gain will be key in your future working life.

This research project will be the foundation of your master's thesis, and you’ll conduct it under the continuous supervision of and seminars given by the programme staff.

INTERNATIONAL YET INTIMATE

In this fully English-taught programme, students and staff come from a wealth of different cultures and regions around the world, creating a rich learning environment and student life.

Delivered in close collaboration with the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa, your programme gives you the opportunity to work on research projects at organisations and institutions in Sweden and South Africa. You may also choose to search for research project placements internationally.

Additionally, University West offers an intimate campus environment without the usual barriers between academic staff and students. Here, your professors are easily accessible to answer questions, hold discussions and provide individual feedback. This, together with our close connections to organisations, institutions and companies in surrounding society, puts a wealth of experts at your fingertips.

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About the programme

Work Integrated Political Studies (WIPS) is a unique two-year international master's programme (120 credits) that leads to an MA degree in Work Integrated Learning with a focus on political studies. The work integrated applied research approach provides you with training in how to have a direct impact on societal change through your work. This programme is particularly useful for political-economic oriented professions in public administration, non-profits and private corporations.

Programme structure and content

Your programme is divided into two progressively challenging phases:

YEAR 1

(Two semesters, 20 weeks per semester)

Courses with a focus on applied political studies
Courses with a focus on Work Integrated Learning in theory and practice

YEAR 2

Internship
o Focuses entirely on applied research projects conducted in collaboration with selected hosts in surrounding society (basis for a master’s thesis)
o Can take the form of several shorter research projects integrated into a compilation thesis, providing a coherent theoretical and methodological discussion of the findings
Seminars aligned with the research work to reflect and analyse the applied research of students

COURSE OVERVIEW

The programme is 120 credits:

YEAR 1 (60 credits)

You’ll select two elective courses in political studies out of a course package including:

Peace, Conflict and Security Studies, 15 credits
International Political Economy, 15 credits
Comparative Public Policy, 15 credits
Political Perspectives of Gender and Sexuality, 15 credits
Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Freedom, 15 credits
European Politics, 15 credits
Political Communication, 15 credits
Political Violence, 15 credits

Compulsory courses:

Theory of Science and Applied Research Methods, advanced level, 15 credits
WIL in Theory and Practice, advanced level, 15 credits

YEAR 2 (60 credits)

WIL: Reflection and Portfolio I, advanced level, 7.5 credits
WIL: Reflection and Portfolio II, advanced level, 7.5 credits
Master's Degree Compilation Thesis in Work Integrated Political Studies, 45 credits

EDUCATIONAL METHODS

The programme uses a wide range of pedagogical tools, such as presentations, team work and problem-based learning to reach the overall goals of knowledge and skills. WIPS is a full-time study programme that requires your active participation in all parts. The different educational methods in the programme are distributed as follows (estimate):

Lectures (30%)
Seminars (10%)
Practical/group work (10%)
Internship/thesis work (40%)
Independent or self-study (10%)

DEGREE

Upon completion of the programme you receive a Master of Arts (MA, 120 credits) with a major in Work Integrated Learning. The programme structure also allows you to conduct a one-year master’s (honours) degree, 60 credits, that does not include the internship.

Programme syllabus

Download the programme syllabus for Work Integrated Political Studies.

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Career and further education

CAREER

With your international Master's Degree in Work Integrated Political Studies, you’ll have employment opportunities in public administration, diplomatic service, the EU or other national and international institutions, as well as non-governmental organisations. Other possibilities include careers in the internationally oriented private sector of industry and commerce, within and outside of Sweden.

Through their internship placements, numerous alumni have built careers as planners, project leaders, administrators and analysts in municipalities, regional authorities, state organisations, NGO’s, international organisations as well as banks and private companies.

FURTHER EDUCATION

The master's degree enables you to apply for PhD programmes within the subject of Political Science or related fields in Sweden or internationally. University West is the only higher education institution worldwide to offer a unique PhD programme in Work Integrated Learning with specialisation in different fields. The Master in Work Integrated Political Studies is the natural gateway to qualify to apply for PhD studies within WIL at University West.

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Admission and application

Admission requirements

You will be considered for admission to Work Integrated Political Studies if you fulfil the following entry requirements:

Bachelor’s degree of 180 credits within the field of social science or equivalent
Proof of English proficiency

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

University West uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application period, which runs from mid-October until 15 January. The application procedure basically consists of three steps:

Apply online on www.universityadmissions.se (deadline: 15 January)
Submit your documents on www.universityadmissions.se (deadline: 1 February)
Pay the application fee (if applicable) on ww.universityadmissions.se (deadline: 1 February)

The notification of selection results will be on 9 April 2021.

School starts late August 2021.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

All our programmes are open for application between 16 October 2020 and 15 January 2021. Some programmes might be open for late applications after this deadline.

The deadline for receipt of supporting documentation and application fee (if applicable) is 1 February 2021.

APPLICATION FEE

Students with citizenship in countries not within the EU/EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee in order to get their application processed. The application fee is SEK 900 (Swedish kronor).

Not sure if you need to pay the application fee? This list of questions will help you.

OPEN FOR LATE APPLICATION

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Tuition fee and scholarships

Tuition fee

For the academic year 2021/2022 the tuition fee for this programme will be SEK 115,000 per year. You will pay the tuition fee per semester (in four installments)

Students with citizenship in countries not within the EU/EEA or Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees for university studies in Sweden. For more information about tuition fees and exceptions you can check Universityadmissions.se.

University West Scholarship

Applicants for Work Integrated Political Science can also apply for a University West Scholarship if they meet certain requirements. The University West Scholarship covers 25 percent of the tuition fee.

Swedish Institute Scholarships

Students admitted to master's programmes in Sweden can apply for a scholarship to cover their tuition fee. There is a national scholarship programme administrated by the Swedish Institute (SI) towards specific countries.

For more information about these scholarships, visit www.studyinsweden.se.

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Student life and practicalities

Do you want to learn more about living costs, student accommodation, getting a residence permit and many other practical matters? Then read our section about Practicalities.

Do you want to learn more about life in Sweden and Trollhättan, the university campus and the facilities/services we offer our international students? Then read our section about Student life.