Key concepts covered in a MA Political Science

A Master of Arts in Political Science is an advanced and specialized course at the postgraduate level for students interested in understanding the nuances of politics – both national and international. The course is designed to help students study the various political processes in detail and their impact on our everyday lives. This blog aims at elaborating the fundamental concepts in MA Political Science courses as well as the future scope for students upon course completion in terms of the job prospects available. 

Key subjects covered in MA Political Science

MA Political Science is a two-year program taught at the postgraduate level. The program is divided into 4 semesters with 15-20 hours of weekly learning. Students pursuing MA Political Science courses essentially gain learning in the following fundamental concepts covered during the program:

• Indian Government and Politics: A key subject covered in MA Political Science courses, it emphasizes understanding the gradual transfer of power from the British to the Indian government. Students also learn in depth the workings of the Indian government and the vital role it plays in the political system of the country.

• Major Ideas and Issues in Public Administration: Among the various political theories in MA Political Science courses, stress is laid on learning in detail the key ideologies and issues surrounding public administration. While discussing in depth the major challenges, it also highlights the effective solutions for improvement in public administration.

• International Politics: As the name suggests, this area of study focuses on better understanding the political scenario around the world (outside India). For example, learning US politics and elections is necessary to widen your understanding of political scenario in the world’s oldest democracy. International relations in MA Political Science courses are always given prime importance. While learning more about the global political situations, students are also taught the importance of peace and harmony in the political relations between different nations.

• Modern Indian Political Thought: This concept covered in MA Political Science courses revolves around analyzing the modern political ideas and thoughts in the Indian political system that have helped shape the system as we know it today. 

• Government and Public Policy in India: A thorough public policy analysis in MA Political Science courses is a common area of study. Particular emphasis is laid on the public policies designed by the Indian government in the larger common interest of the society. Students also learn the potential impact of these policies on their common everyday lives.

• International Political Economy: This subject in MA Political Science courses focuses on the close relationship between the world economy and global politics. It helps students understand the dynamics regulating the distribution of wealth and economic power around the world.

As the political strategy takes the center stage in Indian and world politics, political science students have a lot to learn from Lok Sabha elections.

MA Political Science course curriculum

We discussed above the key concepts covered in MA Political Science courses. The table below highlights the different subjects taught as part of the program curriculum per semester:

Key skills you will gain after MA in Political Science

A Master of Arts in Political Science equips you with the necessary skills and advanced learning in the world of politics. These skills can be truly handy in pursuing several lucrative career options upon graduation. The list below enumerates each of the key skills that MA Political Science courses imbibe students with:

• Effective communication: This is one of the most vital skills awarded by the program, which is particularly useful in the world of politics too. It allows you to articulate your thoughts well and talk convincingly about the pressing issues confronting the nation.

• Political research and analysis: Yet another skill that would come in handy when analyzing a given proposed policy or political decision from various angles to ensure that it is in line with the interests of the common man.

• Active listening: In the field of politics, you need to be a good listener, just as much as a good speaker or communicator. What is even more important is active or alert listening skills to ensure that you don’t end up missing out on something that was said randomly in the passing but had serious implications.

• Planning and decision-making: As a leader in the political realm, you are required to make critical decisions time and again. MA Political Science courses train you in the planning and decision-making stages, ensuring that your decisions impact the common man in the right way.

• Critical thinking: Before planning and making decisions comes the thinking stage, which needs time, devotion, and patience. The course equips you with the desired patience, thinking, and analytical abilities for rational decision-making. 

Career options with an MA in Political Science

What does an MA in Political Science finally lead to? Let us look at some of the key job roles that are up for grabs after pursuing the two-year postgraduate degree in the subject:

Conclusion

A Master of Arts in Political Science can be your perfect key to opening the doors of success in several prestigious job positions in the government, media organizations, and academia. Sikkim Manipal University offers this program in 100% online mode on the Online Manipal portal. The university is accredited by NAAC which makes the degree recognized globally by various top organizations. In addition, advanced knowledge of comparative politics in MA Political Science courses

prepares you for assuming critical job roles in the relevant global industries at significant pay scales.