Overview
The M.A. in Political Science with a Comparative Politics track provides students with rigorous analytical training to examine political systems, institutions, and processes across different countries and regions. Students develop deep expertise in comparing how governments function, how citizens engage in politics, and how political change unfolds in diverse settings — with particular attention to Muslim-majority societies and the Global South.
The program offers two concentrations: (1) Voting Behavior, Public Opinion and Political Management, and (2) Political Change and Development. Students gain strong methodological skills in both quantitative and qualitative research, preparing them for careers in academia, policy analysis, international organizations, and government.
Why Choose This Program
Specialized Comparative Focus
Unlike general political science programs, this track offers deep specialization in comparative methods and cross-national analysis, equipping graduates with skills highly sought after by international organizations and research institutions.
Expert Faculty with Global Research Networks
Learn from faculty members who hold PhDs from leading global universities and maintain active research agendas spanning democratization, electoral politics, political economy, and governance in Muslim societies.
Strategic Location in Indonesia
Based in Indonesia — the world's third-largest democracy and largest Muslim-majority nation — UIII offers a unique vantage point for studying comparative politics, democratic transitions, and political development.
International Academic Community
Join a diverse cohort of students from across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, fostering cross-cultural perspectives and collaborative research on pressing political challenges.
Course Details
The program requires the completion of a minimum of 42 credits, including core coursework, concentration-specific electives, research methodology, and a thesis. The curriculum is designed to be completed in 2 years (4 semesters).
Core Courses
- Comparative Political Systems
- Research Methods in Political Science
- Political Theory and Institutions
- Wasatiyyatul Islam in a Globalizing World
Concentration 1: Voting Behavior, Public Opinion and Political Management
- Electoral Systems and Voting Behavior
- Public Opinion and Political Communication
- Political Party Management and Campaign Strategy
- Survey Methods and Data Analysis
Concentration 2: Political Change and Development
- Democratization and Political Transitions
- Political Economy of Development
- State-Building and Institutional Reform
- Politics of the Global South
Thesis (6 Credits)
Students complete an original research thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Entry Requirements
All documents must be in English.
- GPA of at least 3.00 on a scale of a maximum of 4.00, proven by undergraduate academic certificate and transcript.
- A valid language proficiency certificate: TOEFL iBT 80 or ITP 525 or IELTS 6.0 (issued within the past 24 months).
- Full curriculum vitae (in tabular form).
- Provide two academic reference contacts.
- Motivation letter indicating the chosen track (Comparative Politics) and preferred concentration.
- Paid registration fee: IDR 750,000 (Indonesian nationals) / USD 50 (international applicants).