Political Science: Global Politics, Master's Programme (Two-year)

"I felt at home right away"

Originally from the Netherlands, Elina Natobidze-Airiian moved to Sweden to study the master’s programme in political science. After graduating, she moved back to work for the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in the Netherlands. Today she lives in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Why did you choose the Political Science programme?

"After doing some online research, I came across Malmö University and this particular programme, which immediately caught my attention. I liked the fact that it is a multi-disciplinary programme which addresses aspects of international relations, human rights and peace and conflict studies. As the world is more interconnected than ever before, I think it is important to understand how social, economic and political transformations affect local, national, European and global governance. Apart from that, political science graduates can work for a wide range of employers, such as the United Nations, the European Union, multinationals and NGOs."

What did you like most about the education?

"I really liked the fact that the programme has a good balance between lectures and seminars unlike many other master’s programmes. In this way, students are encouraged to participate in group discussions and ask the teacher questions. In addition, I appreciated the informal nature of Swedish society where students are free to think creatively and choose how to approach an assignment. I liked that the examination largely relied on doing your own research and academic writing rather than sit-in exams. There was also less emphasis on grades, which made studying less stressful and more enjoyable."

Why did you choose to study a master’s programme?

"After completing my bachelor’s programme I worked full-time for approximately a year. This break from studying gave me an opportunity to reflect on my goals. I realized that I really wanted to invest in my future and to pursue my interests in more depth. Also, I believe that having extra qualifications will make you stand out in the job market. Furthermore, it is a great way to build your network and to connect with likeminded people.

"In my opinion, the importance of studying at master’s level depends primarily on your career ambitions and your interests. A master in Political Science is more an in-depth study of the broader topics that are covered in a bachelor’s programme. Personally, I found it very interesting to pursue politics at a more advanced level. In addition, a master in political science has definitely improved my research and writing skills, which are required in many job positions."

What was your impression of Malmö and Sweden?

"When I first arrived in Malmö, I felt at home right away. The flat landscape, the green areas and the many cycle routes felt pleasantly familiar to my home town in the Netherlands. Apart from that, Malmö is a very diverse and international city and you can easily communicate in English with people. Also, I was surprised by how well-organized, egalitarian and environmentally-conscious Sweden is. In addition, the public transportation works very well and can take you in less than 30 minutes to Copenhagen.  Lastly, it is often said that Sweden has a reputation for being an expensive country. However, I believe that it is totally possible to find cheaper options in Malmö as well."

Understand how global politics works, and engage in the future

Dr Michael Strange is an Associate Professor in International Relations at the Department of Global Political Studies. He believes the programme — which has an option to do an internship, go on an exchange study, or choose an elective course — will suit students interested in deepening their knowledge in global political issues.

What is the master’s programme about?

To understand what ‘Political Science: Global Politics’ implies, it helps to consider four key developments we see in our modern world. 

First, it is increasingly clear that a number of actors, other than nation-states and the institutions they create (whether international or intergovernmental organisations), impact politics that go beyond the domestic state – that is, transnational or global. 

Second, while new information technologies and surveillance legislation mean that the administrative powers of the state have never been stronger, the concept of ‘government’ has become increasingly surpassed by ‘governance’ at the transnational level. Few decisions affecting our lives are taken exclusively within the local national context. 

Third, there has been a significant change in how actors, such as NGOs and individuals, challenge existing governance and modes of power. For example, social media has radically changed the transnational political landscape to both enable new forms of protest and contestation, as well as facilitate new political identities.

Fourth, pressing issues such as climate change and terrorism, show that the kinds of problems requiring policy solutions far exceed the confines of any nation-state. That is to say, policy problems are increasingly transnational and therefore require transnational solutions.

The global pandemic seen during 2020 shows these tensions, where we have witnessed both the apparent return of the nation-state as a central political unit, but also its abject failure to protect human welfare, and the desperate need to develop new transnational institutions.

Who would benefit from this programme?

Students must have an interest in these developments, as well as be willing to engage with challenging questions as to how we can better understand our contemporary world.

In addition to the usual demands of a master’s-level course, you can also choose between a one-semester professional internship, exchange studies, or an elective course. That means our students must be able to work independently and have the initiative to make the most of these options. 

The programme should be of interest to individuals committed to a career in which knowledge of our changing world is an evident benefit, with relevance to employers including international agencies, non-governmental organisations, transnational businesses, and local or national administrative agencies.

What is the difference between the one-year, and the two-year master’s programme?

The two-year programme builds upon the one-year programme, but the additional year ensures we can provide a much more ambitious range of learning activities; these include the options of an internship, exchange studies, or an elective course.

A lengthened study programme has the additional benefit of providing a more stable academic community among the students, who are expected to engage fully with the range of extra-curricular activities available at Malmö University.