Bilkent University

Overview

The M.A. in Political Science at Bilkent University is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of political science scholarship and research methodologies. This program aims to enhance students' academic research and writing skills, culminating in a Master’s Thesis as a core component of the curriculum. The typical duration of the program is 24 months, allowing for an in-depth exploration of various political science topics.

What you'll study

Programme Structure

Required core courses (complete all):

• GE 500 – Research Methods and Academic Publication Ethics
• GE 590 – Academic Practices
• Pre-Thesis Seminar
• POLS 599 – Master’s Thesis

Elective requirements (complete the following to meet the programme credit total):

• Specialisation Elective: choose 1 course from:
  • POLS 601 – Seminar in Turkish Politics
  • POLS 602 – Seminar in Comparative Politics
  • POLS 606 – Seminar in Political Theory
  • POLS 612 – Seminar in Social Theory and Cultural Studies
• Research Methods Elective: choose 1 course from:
  • GE 510 – Fundamentals of Social Research Design
  • GE 511 – Philosophy of Social Inquiry
  • GE 512 – Quantitative Data Analysis for the Social Sciences
  • GE 513 – Qualitative Research Methods
• Additional electives: complete 3 restricted electives and 3 unrestricted electives, with at least 3 credits in unrestricted electives (confirm exact credit distribution with the department/graduate school).

Credit requirement: Students must earn at least 24 credits in total to satisfy the M.A. course requirements.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A relevant bachelor’s degree. Applicants should verify eligibility with Bilkent University’s graduate school.
• Minimum GPA: 2.7.
• Standardised test: Submit either ALES or GRE (General Test).
• English proficiency: TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 87 or an accepted equivalent).
• Required documents: Official transcripts.
• Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from instructors or qualified referees.
• Language ability: Sufficient English proficiency for graduate-level coursework and thesis work (accepted tests and minimums should be confirmed on the relevant graduate school page).

Career prospects

Graduates of the M.A. in Political Science program can pursue various career paths in academia, government, non-profit organizations, international agencies, and private sector roles related to policy analysis, political consulting, and research. The advanced skills gained through this program prepare students for impactful careers in understanding and shaping political landscapes globally.