Public Affairs & Democracy

Subjects: Public Affairs;Democracy

M.Sc. | Master of Science

Course description

Democracy faces significant challenges today. Populist parties are on the rise, misinformation spreads rapidly through social media, and trust in democratic institutions is waning. These factors threaten to halt or even reverse democratic progress. Additionally, the growing influence of authoritarian states and their economic successes cast doubt on the idea that democracy is the only legitimate form of government post-Cold War. Does democracy have a future, and what might that future look like? What is required to build a resilient democracy, and how might democracy decline or even perish? Is democracy truly desirable, especially in regions beyond the democratic “West”? Can democracy be legitimately promoted abroad? This program delves into these pressing questions, equipping students with the intellectual and methodological tools needed to understand, critique, and enhance democracy globally. By collaborating closely with scholars from the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) in Hamburg, the program uniquely focuses on democracy in both the Global North and the Global South. Through this study, students will explore subjects such as the rise of populist parties, the impact of social media on misinformation, and the dynamics of trust in democratic institutions. They will also examine the increasing power of authoritarian states and their economic models, questioning the global

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

If your native language is English, then you do not need to provide proof of English proficiency. All other applicants must provide proof in one of the following ways: by passing the internet-based TOEFL test (iBT) with a minimum score of 85 points by passing the TOEIC test with a minimum of 785 points in listening and reading by passing the TOEIC Listening & Reading test with at least 785 points by passing the IELTS (academic or general) 5.5 test by passing the Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE test Cambridge Advanced Certificate of English (Grade C or better) by passing modules at a university (at least 30 credit points according to ECTS) with English as the exclusive language of instruction and exams taken in English a successfully completed degree in the subject "English" School leaving exam of a school with English as the exclusive language of instruction, that qualifies for studying at a university in the respective country

Qualification Requirements

The admission requirements are the basis for a successful application to the Leuphana Graduate School. In order to apply for a Masters programme at Leuphana, the following admission requirements must be met: A Bachelor's degree completed to at least 81% (or equivalent) Consecutive Relevance Language skills

Document Requirements

You will need the following documents for your application: Fully completed online application via myCampus or uni-assist Bachelor's degree certificate (or equivalent) Transcript of Records Module descriptions Proof of Englisch language proficiency Completed form: Proof of English language proficiency (different document for: Psychology & Sustainability) Current certificate of study or exmatriculation showing the degree programme studied so far and the number of semesters. In addition, you will need the following documents for the listed cases: If the Bachelor's degree has not yet been completed: Document: Proof of 81% of the credit points still to be achieved according to ECTS Overview of the modules still to be completed If applying for a German-language Master's degree: Proof of German language proficiency Optional: Evidence of recognition of special achievements for the selection procedure Optional: Evidence for programme-specific achievements for the selection procedure