Master of Political Science (M.Sc.)
Antwerp, Belgium
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 1,181 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 1181.4€ for EEA nationals | 7800€ for non-EEA nationals (for 60 ECTS credits or one year of full-time study) (subject to yearly revision)
Key Summary
Political decisions give direction to society. But how are political decisions made? The Master of Political Science provides you with specialist, in-depth knowledge of decision-making in politics. The Master's programme is taught in English. This way you will be prepared to access the political world in which English plays an increasingly important role. The programme is open to international students and carries a workload of 60 ECTS-credits.
You will study political decision-making within and between local, national, European and international administrations from four different perspectives:
- Citizens
- Politicians
- Policy professionals
- Institutions
To understand political decision-making you should be able to adopt these four (sometimes very different) perspectives. After all, elected politicians make binding decisions for society but the participation of citizens is the bedrock of legitimate decision-making.
The Master's programme does not exclusively aim at the acquisition of theoretical and analytical insight, you will also practice some of the core skills involved in political decision-making, such as argumentation, negotiation and lobbying.
Our university is located in the city of Antwerp, in the heart of Belgium and Europe. Antwerp is not just an ancient medieval and baroque city rich in history, but also a bustling metropolis with a vibrant social scene, impressive architecture, and striking cultural contrasts. The port of Antwerp is one of the largest and most important in the world, and over 170 nationalities live here - similar to New York! This cosmopolitan vibe is also reflected at the University of Antwerp.
First-rate research and education make the University of Antwerp a wonderful place to study and work. We foster the nexus between research, education, and societal impact. Internationalisation is a key element of our mission statement. It is no coincidence that the University of Antwerp is a partner in one of the most promising European university alliances, Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE), and maintains excellent relationships with hundreds of renowned institutions around the world.
As a home away from home to over 23,000 students, the University of Antwerp is committed to sustainability and operates on a human scale. We believe in co-creation with our students, ensuring their voices are heard in our decision-making processes. Our faculty and staff will welcome you to top-notch facilities on one of our four campuses. While you’re here, immerse yourself in our lively cultural offerings, take advantage of premier sports facilities, and explore a wide array of student services and activities designed to enrich your experience.
Keen to learn more about the University of Antwerp?
Contact our International Students Office or visit
www.uantwerp.be
The Master of Political Science does not exclusively aim at the acquisition of theoretical and analytical insights. You will also practise some of the core skills involved in political decision-making, such as argumentation, negotiation and lobbying.
Besides the mandatory courses you can tailor your programme to your personal interests. The political science cluster has a variety of courses on issues in national and international politics. The interdisciplinary cluster allows you to broaden your view on politics.
The expertise you gain in this Master’s programme culminates in the Master’s thesis. A successful thesis demonstrates that you are able to explore a complex political subject independently in a scientific manner.


