Practical Relationship
Politics, administration, scientific organisations and professional associations have been demanding for many years now that more practically oriented political science programmes be established. Evaluations of political science programmes as well as follow-up surveys of graduates of political science programmes regularly emphasise the necessity of providing training of political science students with a stronger practical emphasis so as to ease their transition into the labour market. With the establishment of the International programme in Policy Management a contribution ought to have been made towards the elimination of the structural deficit in the education of political scientists.The practical study semester is a compulsory, integral part of the course of study. It is firmly integrated in the curriculum and takes place in the 5th semester. This semester should in a concerted fashion consolidate an intensive contact with political science in practice. It should contribute to putting the knowledge and skills acquired in previous study to use in more in-depth, practically oriented training, to reflecting upon and evaluating the experiences gained in the process and to preparing students for their future profession.
Possible practicum positions to be considered include political institutions, public offices or administrations, public institutions, nongovernmental organisations as well as companies and consulting firms in which activities such as practical or scholarly policy consulting, practical politics, public relations, governance and human resources management or similar activities can be carried out.