When should I go?
If you wish to go on an exchange, you must do so in the second semester of your master's degree. This requires that you apply by the deadline of 15 September in the semester before, i.e. in your first semester of the master's programme.
In all other semesters, there are compulsory courses that cannot be replaced by courses taken on exchange. Students who go on exchange in these semesters risk falling behind in their degree progression.
Where should I go?
UiO has many exciting exchange agreements across all continents. The choice is yours, but the programme would particularly like to highlight the agreements listed in the overview below.
Under the respective links for each institution, you will find information on, among other things, course offerings, semester length, and housing options.
The Department of Political Science has one agreement specifically for the PECOD programme: Université Laval in Quebec, in the French speaking part of Canada.
Exchange agreements taught in English
Belgium – Katholieke Universiteit Leuven – English. The Faculty of Social Sciences covers anthropology, political science, communication, and sociology. Exchange students may choose courses from all four disciplines.
France – Institut d'Études Politiques de Bordeaux (Sciences Po Bordeaux) – English. Sciences Po Bordeaux offers courses across a wide range of social sciences. Free language courses running throughout the semester are available, and you are welcome to try attending a class in French to gauge your proficiency.
Italy – Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali – Guido Carli (LUISS) – English (Italian not required). Centrally located in Rome. Offers a wide range of courses in English. Our master students have priority in the spring semester.
Italy – Università degli Studi di Milano – English (Italian not required). In beautiful Milan, the majority of instruction is delivered in English.
USA – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – English. Located in the American South, the university offers an opportunity to study politics in an environment with a distinct political culture compared to the major US cities.
Exchange agreements taught in other languages
Canada – Université Laval – French required. This acclaimed institution in beautiful Quebec is recommended for students with a strong command of French.
France – Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po Paris) – French and English. Suitable for students with some knowledge of French who wish to develop it further. Though students with proficiency are prioritized, Sciences Po Paris also offers a wide range of courses in English.
Italy – Università di Pisa – Italian required. Founded in 1343, the university is considered one of the leading institutions in Italy.
Spain – Universidad Complutense de Madrid – Spanish test required. One of the oldest universities that are still operating, this institution requires a SIELE or DELE test in Spanish.
Germany – Universität Konstanz – German and English. Suitable for students looking to improve their German, but also offers courses in English.
Prefer a different destination?
For a complete list of all agreements, see the exchange page of the Department of Political Science. You may also browse all agreements at the Faculty of Social Sciences and its affiliated departments or all agreements at UiO more generally. Please note that not all agreements are available to students enrolled in the master's programme in political science.
For more information about exchange opportunities and relevant agreements, please contact the department's exchange coordinator.
Getting your exchange recognized as part of your degree
In order for your exchange period to be recognised towards your master's degree, the following criteria apply to your choice of courses during the exchange semester:
- Courses must be at master's level and within the field of political science respectively Peace and conflict studies.
- Courses must not overlap with other courses you have taken or will take as part of your degree.
- Courses should provide you with the necessary competence and offer a specialisation relevant to your master's thesis.
If you are uncertain that these requirements are met, please contact the department's exchange coordinator to obtain a preliminary assessment of the courses you are planning to take.
When you return from your exchange
You must submit an application for final approval in order for the credits to be recognised as part of your degree at UiO.
How to proceed
- Application deadlines and how to apply
- All exchange agreements
- Visa, approval, and other practical information