Postgraduate Programme Academic Regulations

Article 1 – Purpose of the Programme

The Postgraduate Programme (PGP) of the Department of Political Science at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) in Political Analysis, approved by the Department Assembly decision no. 142/16-01-2018, leads to the award of a Master’s Degree (MSc) with specialisation in Political Analysis.

The scientific objective of the PGP in Political Analysis is the promotion, enrichment, deepening, and expansion of research and teaching, familiarising students with the theoretical and empirical analysis of actors (individual and collective, formal and informal) participating in political competition. The programme provides high-level postgraduate studies in this specialisation.

This thematic focus is combined with the introduction of cutting-edge scientific topics, familiarisation with diverse research methods, and training students through seminar assignments. By engaging with scientific research in political analysis, students are expected to acquire new knowledge and enhance their understanding of contemporary political and socio-economic transformations from a theoretical and interpretative perspective.

The PGP aims to deepen knowledge, develop critical scientific skills, and improve professional training, specialisation, and employability of graduates in both the public and private sectors, with emphasis on contemporary needs and current theoretical and institutional debates.

Article 2 – Governing Bodies of the PGP in Political Analysis

According to Articles 31, 44, and 45 of Law 4485/2017, the competent bodies for the administration, organisation, and operation of the PGP are:

The Senate of the University, as defined by law.
The Department Assembly, with responsibilities under Article 31(3) of Law 4485/2017.
The Coordinating Committee (C.C.), composed of five faculty members (D.E.P.) of the Department engaged in postgraduate work, elected by the Department Assembly for a two-year term, responsible for monitoring and coordinating the PGP. At the end of the term, the outgoing Director submits a detailed report of the programme’s academic and research activities.
The Postgraduate Studies Committee, chaired by the Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, includes the Deans of the University and has responsibilities per Article 32(5) of Law 4485/2017.
The Director of the PGP, a member of the C.C., appointed for a two-year term, may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms and receives no additional remuneration.
The Six-member Scientific Advisory Committee (S.A.C.), responsible for external academic evaluation of the PGP.

Article 3 – Categories of Applicants

According to Article 34(1,7,8) of Law 4485/2017, eligible applicants include:

Holders of a first-cycle degree from a recognised Greek higher education institution (university or technological institute).
Holders of a first-cycle degree from a recognised foreign institution. Degrees from abroad must be recognised by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (DOATAP).
Staff members of the Department (E.E.P., E.D.I.P., E.T.E.P.) holding a relevant first-cycle degree may enrol as extra students, one per year per PGP, if their department aligns with their degree and work.

Article 4 – Admission Numbers, Criteria, and Selection Procedure

The maximum number of students per year is 20.
For quality assurance, the maximum ratio is 5 postgraduate students per instructor, and total postgraduate enrolment must not exceed 1/25 of undergraduate students.
An open call for applications is announced annually at the end of the Spring or Autumn semester. Applications must include:
a) Degree certificate
b) Transcript of records
c) Portfolio of publications
d) Research proposal (1500–2500 words)
e) Foreign language certificate (good level)

Selection procedure:

Stage A – Written Exams on “The Greek Political System after WWII (Elections, Parties, Institutions, and Competition)”. Graded 0–10 by two assessors; discrepancies over 3 points are regraded. Minimum passing average: 5/10.
Stage B – Interview with the Selection Committee, evaluating research proposal and publications. Passing minimum: 5/10 average.

Final ranking:

10% from undergraduate degree grade
10% from language proficiency
60% from written exam performance
20% from interview evaluation

The top 20 candidates are admitted.

Article 5 – Duration and Attendance Conditions

Minimum duration: 3 semesters.
Maximum duration: 2 years (4 semesters). Students failing to complete the MSc within this period are dismissed.
Suspension of studies may be granted for up to 2 consecutive semesters. Extension of up to 1 year may be allowed in exceptional cases.
Dismissal reasons include insufficient progress, failure to meet obligations, misconduct (e.g., plagiarism), or student request.
Students may retake failed courses under a three-member committee of faculty.
Students have all rights and facilities of undergraduates except free textbooks. Special arrangements are made for students with disabilities or special educational needs.

Article 6 – Curriculum and Assessment

Each three-hour course = 10 ECTS
Dissertation (third semester) = 30 ECTS
Total for MSc: 90 ECTS (60 from courses, 30 from dissertation)
Grading scale: 0–10, minimum pass = 6

Curriculum Overview:

Semester 1 – Compulsory Courses:

Methodology of Political Science, 3 hrs/week, 10 ECTS
Comparative Politics, 3 hrs/week, 10 ECTS

Elective (choose one):

International Political Economy, 3 hrs/week, 10 ECTS
State and Public Policies, 3 hrs/week, 10 ECTS
Decision Theory and Policy-Making, 3 hrs/week, 10 ECTS

Semester 2 – Compulsory Courses:

Electoral Analysis, 3 hrs/week, 10 ECTS
Electoral Sociology, 3 hrs/week, 10 ECTS
Parties and Political Forces, 3 hrs/week, 10 ECTS

Assessment: Written or oral exams, assignments, or a combination. Dissertation evaluated separately.

Dissertation submission: Electronic (PDF) + 3 printed copies. Format: conventional font, 1.5 line spacing, 2.5 cm margins, page numbering.

Final MSc grade: Weighted average of courses and dissertation.

Article 7 – Scholarships

Scholarships or awards may be granted based on academic merit or contribution, included in the approved PGP budget.

Article 8 – Teaching Staff

Eligible teaching staff include:

Department faculty (D.E.P.)
Teaching and research staff (E.E.P., E.D.I.P., E.T.E.P.) with a PhD
Appointed lecturers (P.D. 407/80)
Emeritus faculty
External faculty or visiting scholars with relevant expertise

Assignment of teaching duties is decided by the Department Assembly on the recommendation of the C.C.

Article 9 – Programme Funding

Sources include:

University and cooperating organisations’ budgets
Ministry of Education budget
Donations, sponsorships, bequests
Research projects
EU or international programmes
Special Research Account (ELKE) contributions
Other legal sources

70% of funds cover programme operating costs; 30% cover University operating costs. Annual financial reports must be published online.

Article 10 – Administrative and Technical Support

Provided by the Department, including classrooms, computer labs, and teaching equipment.

Article 11 – Graduation Ceremony

Decided by the Department Assembly.

Article 12 – MSc Diploma

Public document issued by the PGP Secretariat
Includes programme title, participating departments, emblems, student details, completion date, final grade (Pass, Merit, Distinction)
Supplement Diploma provides additional information about content and level of study

Article 13 – Plagiarism

Any use of others’ work must be properly cited.
Copying or using others’ work without attribution constitutes plagiarism.
Violations may result in dismissal by the Department Assembly.

Article 14 – Establishment of the PGP

The PGP in Political Analysis is established by the University Senate upon Department decision.

Article 15 – Transitional Provisions

Students enrolled prior to Law 4485/2017 continue under previous regulations. Any future issues not covered by the law or regulations are addressed by Department and Senate decisions.

Note: All references to “student” or “professor” are gender-neutral.