Department of Political Science
Being one of only three full-fledged departments in this field in Austria, Political Science at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg possesses particular strengths in the fields of comparative democracy, party politics, international trade policy, and international organization as well as the politics of the European Union. With some 80 courses annually, Political Science offers a wide range of classes in both German and English that seek to meet the highest level of academic excellence. To remain an attractive place of study, the Department of Political Science has been proactive by continually adapting its curriculum.
Being comprehensive in nature, Political Science at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg offers the full range of academic training from the BA to the PhD. The resulting programs do not only represent different academic levels but have also distinct profiles and qualities. The academic training offered reflects the department’s empirical and analytical approach to quantitative and qualitative research and is especially known for providing a thorough foundation in advanced research methods and research design. While in the BA the bulk of political science students are drawn from the wider region, especially Salzburg, Upper Austria, and Southern Germany there is also a growing number of ERASMUS and other international students. In turn, the students of Political Science have the opportunity to go to some 30 affiliated ERASMUS and other international programs amongst others. In the MA, which is taught in English, the majority of students come from outside the German-speaking world.
The department’s internationally trained faculty is especially accomplished in publishing in leading international journals and attracting third party funding both from national and European sources. Its faculty members are not only well integrated in international research collaborations but serve in a leadership capacity in multisite research initiatives.
The members of the department are also committed to public service and regularly offer their expertise to regional and national public institutions, government agencies, and the media. As such the Department of Political Science is a vital and active component of the University of Salzburg and the wider community.
Of particular importance is the department’s affiliation with the Salzburg Center of European Union Studies (SCEUS) – designated a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in 2008. Members of the department supervise doctoral students in the SCEUS doctoral programs and also teach the political science courses offered in the master’s program in European Union Studies launched in 2005. The department is also centrally integrated into the new center ATHENA – Salzburg Center for Intersectional Research.
