Political Science

At universities, political scientists in research and teaching deal, for example, with demography and migration, poverty issues, consumer behavior or e-voting, gender-specific division of labor or the international debt crises. They also take on administrative and library tasks as well as introductory courses for first-year students.

Political scientists are also employed in other political education institutions, such as adult education centers and institutions of vocational and general (adult) education. There they are mainly responsible for the development of concepts and implementation of courses, seminars and workshops as well as their quality control and evaluation.

• Research Assistants: Fulfilment of scientific services in research and teaching, which are also conducive to the acquisition of further scientific qualifications such as a doctorate and habilitation
• Education Officer: Planning and organization of educational programs and implementation of courses

As (project-related) staff you will coordinate and develop programs and concepts for the relevant institutions. You will carry out or manage quality control and promote international cooperation.

As civil servants, employees or speakers, political scientists in public administrations implement political decisions at the federal, state or municipal level or in so-called indirect public administration (social security institutions and other public-law institutions and corporations).

Often, they take on activities to plan and organize the implementation of political guidelines.

• Specialists and employees develop and work on different topics, plan, organize and moderate conferences and events, e.g. in the context of general political education. Their activities also include lobbying and representation of interests towards parties.
• Academic advisors in political parties and government organizations are involved in the design and conception of legislative proposals. Their tasks also include the organization, planning and (co-)design of public relations work and research work.
• Political Scientist: Analyzing the political, legal, social and economic system of the Federal Republic of Germany and other countries. They examine the international relations maintained by states and deal with national and international institutions and organizations.
• Speechwriters: Writing manuscripts on behalf of speakers by translating the desired content and thoughts into a convincing text

Political scientists take on tasks as marketing and PR specialists, journalists or communication officers at a wide variety of companies, authorities and (non-profit) organizations. They identify and comment on trends and discussions in society, politics, business and science and bring political issues closer to the general public. In addition to editorial and research work, their tasks include writing their own articles, customer service and acquisition.

In the area of public relations, political scientists can take on advisory activities for publications (books, films, etc.) or in the context of PR work for companies, institutions, associations, NGOs, etc. They can find jobs in party archives, political science departments of a library, press agencies with a focus on the political sphere and specialist editorial offices for political science literature or political magazines.

• Editors: Develop information and communicate it via media, write and produce contributions for newspapers, magazines, radio, television or digital media.
• Press Spokespersons: Responsible for communication of the company / association / club / authority with the press and other media with the aim of a positive overall presentation to the public.  
• PR Professionals: Planning, development and implementation of measures that serve to promote the image of companies, public authorities, associations and other institutions
• Public Relations Managers: Are active in press and public relations work and develop suitable communication strategies and concepts for the image of companies or organizations.

Political scientists work in an advisory capacity in the public sector, clubs, associations, interest groups, foundations and in the private sector in almost all areas of society, such as economy, health, environment, politics, technology and culture.

• Political Advisers: Supporting political and social actors in communicating their interests
• Management Consultants: Analyze as external service providers the processes and structures in companies, e.g. to increase profitability or to secure and expand the economic success of the company
• Mediators: Support disputing parties in conflicts of various kinds in order to reach amicable, out-of-court solutions

Specialized opinion and market research agencies hire political scientists as permanent, temporary or project-related employees. The research activities here are strongly oriented towards everyday questions and practical application. For example, the research examines votes and elections or the media behavior of young people. The tasks also include customer care and consulting.

• Market Researchers: Conducting market and competition analyses. They use the results to advise and support organizations and institutions.
• Opinion Researchers: Design surveys of the public. They also evaluate the results of the surveys using statistical methods and present the data.

After completing your bachelor's degree, you have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge with the consecutive degree programme of Leuphana Graduate School. There you will find five superordinate programmes: Education, Governance and Law, Cultural Studies, Management, Psychology and Sustainability.