Master studies

Political science courses currently form part of the curriculum of two master’s programmes: Master in European Governance and Master in Legislative Studies.

The principal objective of the Master in European Governance is to educate experts in European public policy, providing an advanced-level training in political science complemented by a wider interdisciplinarity. Successful graduates will acquire an advanced-level knowledge of the functioning of the institutional system of the European Union, as well as of a wider range of European public policies (particularly in the areas of economic, social and environmental policy). They will also develop transferable skills (data analysis; report-writing; oral presentation, etc.) useful in a range of careers, and familiarise themselves with the working methods of the European institutions and/or private sector firms (often through internship possibilities). 

The programme is principally taught in English, with all compulsory courses available in English and a range of English-language optional courses also available, allowing students to complete all degree requirements. A range of optional courses is available in French. 

The Master in Legislative Studies aims to further the knowledge and studies in the functioning of contemporary decision-making processes at regional, national, European and international levels. The course is a blend of theoretical and practical approaches geared toward securing the employability of future graduates as they chose their career paths, in either the public or the private sector. The programme consists of lectures and seminars delivered by both academics and practitioners, specialised in public administration, law, ethics, geography, philosophy, polytechnics, political science and sociology. The programme operates under the auspices of the Chair for Research in Parliamentary Studies of the Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, at the University of Luxembourg. It is also the result of a partnership with the General Secretariat of the European Parliament, and the fruition of a unique teaching and research partnership among the University of Luxembourg, Aix-Marseille University, Babes-Bolyai University and Université Laval. The course is taught in French (75%) and English (25%).

Doctoral studies

Applications are welcomed from candidates wishing to pursue doctoral studies in Political Science. Successful candidates will work closely with their doctoral supervisor in the development and execution of their individual research project.They will also benefit from a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary training, seminar and conference opportunities offered both by the University of Luxembourg and trough our extensive international network of partners.

Entry Requirements
Candidates seeking admission to the doctoral programme must hold (or expect to hold prior to the date of commencement of their PhD studies) a good Master’s degree in Political Science or a cognate subject.

Preparing Your Application
The first stage in preparing your application should be to consult the website of the Institute of Political Science to determine whether your intended research topic corresponds to one of the areas in which the unit is able to offer supervision. You should also consult the individual web pages of the Political Science faculty members authorised to supervise PhD theses:

• Professor Josip Glaurdić

• Professor Robert Harmsen

• Professor Anna-Lena Högenauer

• Professor David Howarth

• Professor Lindsay Flynn

The subject proposed must clearly fall within one of the axes of the Institute of Political Science; supervision cannot be offered outside of these areas, regardless of the general merits of the application.

Preliminary Application Process
Having identified an appropriate research topic, you should then prepare a preliminary application in English, French or German. This should consist in: 1). A CV detailing your previous academic achievements, as well as relevant professional experience (where appropriate) and 2). An outline research proposal of approximately 5-10 pages in length. The outline proposal should: identify your research question; suggest the research methodologies/approaches which you will employ; address how your interests fit within the Institute of Political Science; and give a clear indication of the scholarly literatures which your work will seek to engage.

You will normally receive a decision on your initial application within four weeks of its submission during University terms. At this stage, you will either receive a decision that we are unable to proceed further with your application or a conditional offer of acceptance. A conditional offer is an agreement in principle by a member of faculty to supervise your PhD work, and to support your formal application both for admission to the University as a research student and, where applicable, for financial support.

Admission to the University
The general University admissions process for prospective doctoral students is detailed on the Doctoral Education pages of the University. Doctoral candidates at the University of Luxembourg may also have the opportunity, under a ‘co-tutelle’ arrangement, to register with another university or approved research institute, potentially allowing for the award of a joint degree. Once an initial acceptance has been secured, you may wish to discuss this option with your designated supervisor.

Funding
The main source of funding for doctoral students are scholarships (Aides à la formation-recherche) offered by the national research council (Fonds National de la Recherche). Details of the application process may be found at FNR. Please note that your application must be made through the University, and not sent directly to the Research Council. You should thus ensure that your application is submitted by the specified University deadline (normally the 10th of the month, prior to the FNR deadline of the 15th) so as to allow for the timely completion of all necessary procedures.

Project-based doctoral studentships and assistantships will also periodically be available. Interested candidates should reply to individual advertisements for these positions as opportunities arise. Please note that there is no provision for a general or rolling consideration of applications for such positions, and applications should thus not be submitted outside of specific competitions.

Degree Regulations
The award of doctoral degrees by the University of Luxembourg is governed by national legislation. Please click here for the full legal text: Grade de doctorat de l'Université du Luxembourg

Training
The Institute of Political Science offers its doctoral students the possibility to follow courses on theoretical and methodological issues in the framework of the Doctoral School in Humanities and Social Sciences.

Alumni
The list of PhD graduates who earned their doctorates in political science with IPS staff members at the University of Luxembourg can be found here: IPS PhD Graduates