The graduate program in Political Science at Sabancı University provides integrated training at MA and PhD levels. It offers a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the major fields of Political Science and provides the students with a rigorous multi-dimensional conceptual framework, basic analytical tools and sound methodological training in the discipline, aiming to prepare students for a productive academic and professional life after graduation. The program covers the major fields of Political Science (Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory) with the focus on Turkish Politics, Middle East Politics, European Politics, as well as Normative Political Theory, Formal Analysis, and Public Policy.

Students take the MA so as to deepen and extend the work they have carried out at the undergraduate level, and develop their research and communication skills. In many cases, they use these attainments to enhance their careers in business, public administration, or other professions, for which the MA is an important self-standing qualification. In other cases, the MA is an essential prerequisite for those proceeding to enrollment for the PhD. Being in an integrated graduate program, The MA students are allowed to move to the PhD program. The admission decisions concerning MA students are made by a committee made up by the members of the graduate program in Political Science. The committee makes its decisions taking into account (a) the applicant's performance in the "PhD gateway exam", and (b) the applicant's general performance in the courses in the field.

PhD Gateway Exam

The applicants to the PhD program in Political Science at Sabancı University must pass (in their first attempt) the "gateway" exam which is offered twice during the academic year. This exam assesses the applicants' ability to write coherent and meaningful essays reflecting their grasp of the basic methodologies and debates in political science. This exam also aims at giving the applicants a chance to synthesize the disciplinary essentials they have been exposed to and articulate their own views.

The gateway exam is an anonymous written exam. The results of the exam are evaluated by a committee made up of the members of the graduate program in Political Science.

The applicants to the graduate programs in Political Science at Sabanci University must take the admission exam and come to the interview if they are invited. This applies to applications from abroad as well. Regarding applications from abroad, there may be some flexibility as to the timing of the required exam and interview.

Click here for MA Degree Requirements (Thesis)
Click here for MA Degree Requirements (Non-Thesis)
Click here for Ph.D. Requirements for holders of Bachelor's Degree
Click here for PhD Requirements for holders of Master's Degree
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