Incoming students to the Department of Comparative Politics

Incoming exchange students can also freely choose courses from other departments (or even other faculties). Courses in Comparative Politics have the abbreviation SAMPOL. Please see this page for an updated list on courses for exchange students.

Bachelor level courses (100-200)

All courses in English at the department are open to incoming exchange students. The course selection may vary from semester to semester. 

Autumn semester:

• SAMPOL115 Democracy and Democratization (15 ECTS)
• SAMPOL120 Scandinavian Politics and Government (15 ECTS)
• SAMPOL223 Democratic Transformations in Europe: Trends and Implications (10 ECTS)
• SAMPOL234 Youth and Politics (10 ECTS)
• SAMPOL235 The Politics and Global Governance of International Protection (10 ECTS)
• SAMPOL270 American Government and Politics (10 ECTS)

Spring semester:

• EUR105 European Union Institutions, Politics and Policy (15 ECTS)
• SAMPOL204 Varieties of Political Regimes: Latin America in Comparative Perspective (10 ECTS)
• SAMPOL205 Regions, Federalism and EU Integration (10 ECTS)
• SAMPOL214 Political Economy (10 ECTS)
• SAMPOL226 Populism and its Consequences for Liberal Democracy (10 ECTS)
• SAMPOL232 Russian Politics (10 ECTS)

Master level courses (300)

These courses are open to incoming master students in political science/comparative politics or equivalent programs. MA courses in English are only availible in the spring semester. The course selection will vary from semester to semester:

Spring semester:

• SAMPOL388 Political inequality in democracy (10 ECTS)
• SAMPOL351 Globalization and the Geopolitics of Forced Migration (10 ECTS)
• SAMPOL390 Contemporary debates in political economy (10 ECTS) 

Students interested in these courses may contact the exchange coordinator or notify the incoming team.

If you are a student from the Scandinavian countries you may also follow the MA-courses in Norwegian language, these courses can be found in the study plan.

PhD-courses (900)

This page display an overview of all PhD-courses at UiB.

Bergen Summer Research School offer a range of courses and sessions on a given topic each year in June/July.

Application periods

Spring semester (January to June):
1 September - 15 October

Autumn semester (August to December):
15 March - 1 May

More information on what to do before arrival

• Apply for an exchange period
• Student housing
• Recidence permit
• Students with special needs

See this page for more information

As a new student in Bergen you will have many questions. On the web pages for new students you will find more information on:

• Semester startup help desk
• Semester dates and deadlines
• Arrival and directions
• Faculty information centres
• Student organizations and campus life

 The student pages will help you manage your studies, find public services and discover whats what in the Bergen Student Life.

THE STUDENT INFORMATION CENTRE

The Information Centre at The Faculty of Social Sciences can help you with questions regarding our study programs admission, registration, exams, counselling services, Learning Agreement, Confirmations, etc.

• Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 10.00-14.00
• Address: Lauritz Meltzers Hus (The faculty building), Fosswinckels gate 6, 3rd floor
• Phone: +47 55 58 98 50
• E-mail

• Where can I get my signatures on the Learning agreement and Confirmation of Arrival/Departure?

The Information Centre at The Faculty of Social Sciences can help you with this.

• Can I change courses after arrival?

Yes, the deadline for semester registration is September 1st and February 1st.

• I will arrive after the registration deadline. What to do?

You have to notify the incoming team and SiB housing of your late arrival. Contact the information centre after coming to Bergen.

• What course level should I choose?

100: BA-level. 15 ECTS courses meant to give a broad approach to the topic. Usually not neessary with pre-requirements within the topic. Open to all students.

200: BA-level. 10 ECTS courses meant to give a more specialized approach to the topic. May be recommended to have som prior knowledge in political science, but not a condition. Open to all students.

300: MA-level. Advanced courses suitable for MA/graduate level students. You need to have a undergraduate degree in political science or equivalent to be accepted.

• I am a third year student, should I take 100-level courses?

100-level does not equal "Introduction to.....". The BA programme students may take 100-level courses in their 1-5 semester. If you have had courses within the same topic before then you should discuss it with your home institution. You can find an overview of the academic system here.

• Two of my exams are on the same day. What to do?

If you choose courses from different departments exam dates and teaching schedules may conflict. You should change one of the courses before the registration deadline.

•  I want to stay for another semester. Is it possible?

Yes, you can stay up to 2 semesters as long as this is permitted by your home university. Apply for an extention here.

• How do I order a transcript of records?

You can order this on StudentWeb to be sent by post. Remember to change your address if you have returned home.