Main Content
Research
Research and Education, Democracy, Participation, Extremism, Political Parties, and Opinion Research, Criminology
All(!) fields of research in political science are of general and public interest, even if it’s hard to believe as a student. The questions posed by political science are of interest not only to researchers at universities, but also to all actors in the public sphere: parliaments, foundations, parties, trade unions, associations and federations, right down to citizen initiatives. Research can also be a profession in all of these areas. There is interest everywhere in gaining the research, analytical, and critical perspective of political scientists in order to go beyond the mere exchange of opinions. With a bachelor’s degree, the job titles are “staff member” or “assistant,” and with a master’s or above, they are more often “consultant.” The titles “expert” or “researcher,” on the other hand, are usually associated with a doctoral degree. Often, individuals are commissioned on a freelance basis to draft a position paper or draw up an agenda: if implementation or external representation comes into play, a full-time position become more likely.
Possible Tasks
-As a doctoral candidate, you conduct research and write your doctoral thesis.
-As a research associate, you are involved in research projects or research areas.
-You publish academic papers and evaluate specialist literature.
-You attend academic conferences and are actively involved in research groups both at your university and between universities.
-You write project proposals to raise external funding for your research.
-You educate students on specialist knowledge, practical skills, and social scientific methods.
-You conceptualize and conduct seminars and evaluate student assignments. You support your students during office hours.
-Your tasks in the context of (non-)university research and contract research include, in particular, the creation of research designs and the implementation of social scientific studies.Industries and Occupations
-Universities
-Political and social science research institutes and institutions
-Research and analysis departments in (non-)governmental and intergovernmental authorities and organizations (e.g. the German Bundestag, International Criminal Court, United Nations, European Union, or also at large political foundations)Job Boards and Professional Associations
