Term papers and degree theses
Producing written treatments and discussions of scientific findings are a fundamental part of your studies. The Department has compiled a guide on thesis writing techniques to help students with literature research, structuring their essays, and proper citation.
Term papers
The exact requirements for term papers (word count etc.) are set by the seminar teachers. As with all examinations, students need to register for term papers.
Degree theses
In order to register for their degree thesis, Bachelor students Social Sciences must have at least 100 credits, Master students in Political Science at least 60. Please note the information provided by the examinations office. The exact topic and title of your thesis must be agreed with the professor of the Department who acts as your supervisor. Emeriti are not available to supervise degree theses.
Bachelor students wishing to write their degree thesis in political science are encouraged to contact potential supervisors at the Department directly. Please check with the professor’s secretariat for the exact procedure.
In the Master’s in Political Science, the allocation of degree thesis supervision is organised centrally by the Department. Students receive detailed information about the procedure during the summer term of their first year.
Registration process
To initiate the registration process, please complete the thesis registration form below. The following information is required: your name, student ID number, thesis title, first reader, and second reader. A registration form will be produced by Department staff for you and your thesis supervisor to sign. This signed registration form is then sent to the examination office by the Department. The completion period starts at the moment of registering with the examination office and your submission deadline will be communicated to you in writing by the examination office.
For further information, please see the guidelines for Bachelor's and Master's theses and the requirements for progress documentation for degree theses.
Declaration
Term papers and degree theses must include a signed declaration confirming that the author did not use any unauthorised help and that all literature used is properly referenced. Students from other faculties must comply with the provisions of their respective examination regulations.
Erklärung für Hausarbeiten
Hiermit versichere ich, dass ich die vorliegende Arbeit selbstständig und ohne die Benutzung anderer als der angegebenen Hilfsmittel angefertigt habe. Alle Stellen, die wörtlich oder sinngemäß aus veröffentlichten und nicht veröffentlichten fremden Quellen entnommen wurden, einschließlich mittels KI-Tools generierter Inhalte, sind als solche kenntlich gemacht.
Translation: “I hereby affirm that I have completed the present work independently and without the use of any aids other than those stated. All parts that have been taken literally or analogously from published and unpublished third-party sources, including content generated by AI tools, have been marked as such.”
Find more information here.
Declaration for degree theses
Please use this form.
Please also note the information provided by the examinations office.
Citing and declaring the use of AI
Please consult these recommendations on citing and declaring the use of AI tools.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is considered cheating. Every student should be aware of what counts as plagiarism and what the consequences are.