Official Master's Degree in Political Science

Ideal student profile

The master’s degree is aimed at graduates of Political Science, Sociology, Law, Economics, International Relations, and other related disciplines in the social sciences and humanities. A basic knowledge of political theory, institutions, and public policy is recommended, as are foundational skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students should have an English language level equivalent to B2 or above and demonstrate critical thinking skills, as well as an interest in research or professional practice in the fields of public policy, institutions, international organisations, or research centres.

Knowledge

• Identify the main theories and concepts developed in the different fields of political science, relating them to the rigorous analysis of political reality.

• Describe current debates on democratic quality, citizenship, political institutions, public policies, and political behavior.

• Identify the main models for the design and evaluation of public policies and their application in diverse contexts.

• Define the key elements of research design in the social sciences: problems, theoretical frameworks, operational concepts, and methodological strategies.

• Explain the main qualitative and quantitative research techniques used to answer questions in academic and professional contexts of political science, highlighting their foundations and areas of use.

• Recognize the relevance of institutional frameworks, political contexts, and structural factors in the comparative analysis of political systems.

• Compare the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of the main techniques for collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.

• Describe the ethical and social implications of political analysis, as well as the impact of public policies on equity, human rights, and sustainability.

Skills

• Formulate relevant research questions through the systematic review of scientific literature.

• Design research projects using appropriate analytical frameworks and methodological strategies.

• Apply qualitative and quantitative techniques in the study of political phenomena.

• Analyze datasets relevant to political science research, including their management and processing.

• Develop diagnoses and proposals based on empirical evidence in contexts of public or institutional decision-making.

• Report research findings clearly and rigorously to specialized and non-specialized audiences, both in writing and orally.

• Use digital tools and specialized software (such as R, Stata, Atlas.ti, etc.) for the analysis of political data.

Competences

• Integrate theoretical and methodological knowledge for the analysis of complex political situations.

• Manage research and professional practice ethically and responsibly, incorporating a gender perspective and respect for diversity.

• Work in interdisciplinary and international teams, demonstrating leadership and collaboration skills.

• Apply critical and autonomous thinking oriented toward lifelong learning.

• Apply knowledge in institutional contexts to promote ethical, efficient, and data-driven public policies.

• Implement democratic principles and values, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in the design, analysis, and implementation of policies and research projects.