Roads to Democracies - Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Politics and Culture
The Master of Arts in Roads to Democracies – Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Politics and Culture is an internationally oriented graduate program offered by the University of Siegen. Designed for students passionate about understanding how democratic systems evolve, the program integrates insights from political science, sociology, and history to examine democracy’s development, challenges, and global variations. It combines academic depth with interdisciplinary research, offering students both historical context and contemporary analysis of political and cultural transformation. Structured across four semesters, the program admits students in both the summer and winter semesters.
Located in Siegen, a dynamic research hub in Germany, this master’s program emphasizes critical inquiry and international collaboration. Through its focus on comparative perspectives, transnational approaches, and empirical research, students explore key issues such as civil society, political communication, and democratic crisis. The program prepares graduates for academic, governmental, and global careers while fostering analytical and intercultural competencies essential for understanding democracy in an increasingly interconnected world.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Standard period of study: 4 semesters
- Location: Siegen
- Study Type: Graduate (full-time, international)
- Admission semester: Summer and Winter Semester
- Area of study: Political Science, Sociology, Social Science, History
- Admission modus: Selection procedure / qualifying examination
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Democratic Studies
- Theories and History of Democracy
- Political Institutions and Processes
- Methodology of Historical and Social Research
- Cultural Dimensions of Democracy
Semester 2 – Comparative and Transnational Perspectives
- Democracy in Global and European Contexts
- Social Movements and Civil Society
- Political Communication and Media
- Research Project I
Semester 3 – Advanced Analysis and Specialization
- Democratic Transformation and Crisis
- Interdisciplinary Seminar on Politics and Culture
- Research Methods in Political and Historical Studies
- Research Project II
Semester 4 – Master’s Thesis
- Independent Research Thesis
- Thesis Presentation and Defense
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Roads to Democracies program are equipped for a broad range of international careers in academia, policy-making, and public service. Potential career paths include research and teaching positions, work in international organizations, NGOs, public administration, cultural institutions, and media. The strong analytical, methodological, and intercultural skills developed in the program also prepare students for doctoral studies and research-oriented careers in global democracy studies.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the M.A. in Roads to Democracies means joining a program that bridges history, politics, and sociology to provide a comprehensive understanding of democratic evolution and practice. Students benefit from a research-driven curriculum taught by experienced faculty in an international academic environment.
The program’s interdisciplinary design encourages critical thinking, comparative analysis, and global perspectives, preparing students to address complex political and cultural questions in today’s interconnected world. With Siegen’s collaborative academic atmosphere and opportunities for international networking, this program offers both intellectual depth and practical relevance.
Contact Information
University of Siegen – Student Advisory Service
Sandstr. 16–18
57072 Siegen, Germany
Tel: +49 271 740-2712
Email: info.studienberatung@zsb.uni-siegen.de
Program Contact
Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2
57076 Siegen, Germany
Tel: +49 271 740-2712
Email: info.studienberatung@zsb.uni-siegen.de
International Office – University of Siegen
Sandstr. 16–18
57072 Siegen, Germany
Tel: +49 271 740-3907
Email: katharina.sommer@zv.uni-siegen.de
