MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

Issued pursuant to Decision No. 1474/QD-XHNV dated March 19, 2026, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities

PART I. DESCRIPTION OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. Information about the training program

- Program name:

+ Vietnamese: Political Science

+English: Political Science

- Name of the training program:

+ Vietnamese: Political Science

+English: Political Science

- Training program code:8310201

- Standard training duration:2 years

- Name of the graduation certificate:

+ Vietnamese: Master's degree in Political Science

+ English: The Degree of Master in Political Science

2. Objectives of the training program

2.1 General Objectives

The program aims to train high-quality, highly skilled human resources with in-depth knowledge, research capabilities, independent thinking, and an interdisciplinary approach to Political Science in the context of international integration and the digital age. It equips students with a solid foundation of knowledge, modern methodologies combined with advanced management thinking to solve practical political problems; meeting the requirements of a research-oriented university; and actively contributing to the cause of national construction and defense in the new context.

2.2 Specific Objectives

- Specific Objective 1(O1): The training program aims to perfect in-depth knowledge of political theory, comparative political science, public policy, and state administration; enhance independent research skills, policy analysis, critical thinking, and professional communication; and develop professional ethics and high adaptability. Graduates have career prospects as policy analysts at state agencies, research institutes, and international organizations; university lecturers; and strategic advisors for businesses and social organizations.

- Specific Objective 2(O2): The training program aims to improve research, innovation, and practical problem-solving capabilities. This optimally meets the needs of employers such as the Central Propaganda Department, ministries, localities, strategic research institutes, and businesses, etc., who require personnel for political risk analysis, contributing to improving the quality of political and administrative human resources.

- Specific Objective 3(O3): The objectives are closely aligned with the training institution's mission of training high-quality political human resources, implementing the strategic vision for the development of political education; meeting social needs in the context of innovation and international integration.

3. Admission Information

3.1. Admission method:Admission is based on the regulations of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi).

3.2. Eligibility Criteria

3.2.1. Regarding qualifications

Applicants must possess a university degree (or equivalent qualification or higher) in a relevant field; a GPA of "Good" or higher, or have published scientific papers related to Political Science. If applicants require supplementary courses, these must be completed before applying.

Diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions must undergo recognition procedures in accordance with the current regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

3.2.2. Regarding foreign language proficiency

- Possess foreign language proficiency (in one of the following languages: English, Russian, Chinese, French, German) at level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam. Foreign language proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following diplomas or certificates:

+ A university degree or higher in a foreign language; or a university degree or higher where the program is primarily conducted in a foreign language;

+ A university degree or higher awarded by Vietnam National University, Hanoi, within the last two years, where the program's output meets the requirements of level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam;

+ A foreign language proficiency certificate equivalent to level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam, or equivalent, valid for 2 years from the date of the foreign language exam to the date of registration for the master's program, issued by institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The head of the training unit or the Rector of the University of Foreign Languages ​​will assess and be responsible for the authenticity of foreign language certificates issued by foreign organizations before recognizing their equivalence.

- Applicants who are foreign citizens applying to master's programs taught in Vietnamese must have a Vietnamese language proficiency level of 4 or higher according to the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for Foreigners, or have graduated from a university (or equivalent qualification or higher) where the training program was taught in Vietnamese; and meet the requirements for a second foreign language as stipulated by the training program (if any).

3.2.3. Other conditions

- Has a clean personal record and is not currently under criminal investigation.

- I am healthy enough to study.

- Meet other requirements of VNU.

3.3. List of suitable industries

- This field is in the same group as Political Science.

- The field of study is defined in the training program standards issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

- For cases where there are no established training program standards for the corresponding field or group of disciplines, the specialized unit must have a scientific and practical basis, determined by the Scientific and Training Council of the specialized unit and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, to identify the discipline with the closest professional foundation to the training program and determine the corresponding supplementary courses (if needed); report to VNU before enrollment and be responsible for this professional evaluation.

3.4. Projected enrollment size

- According to the quotas granted annually by Vietnam National University, Hanoi (expected to be 10-12 students per year).

- The detailed admission plan is implemented according to the Admission Regulations, the annual postgraduate admission guidelines of VNU, and the admission scheme of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities approved by VNU (if any).

PART II. LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. Knowledge Output Standards

PLO 1:Analyze theoretical and practical issues in the professional field based on knowledge of philosophical worldview and methodology.

PLO2:Analyze the nature of power, the state, and contemporary political schools of thought.

PLO 3:Applying creatively in-depth knowledge of political science and national governance, public policy, and sustainable development management to address macro issues within the Vietnamese political system and the international context.

PLO4:To be able to apply the meaning and value of basic research approaches, theories, and methods in the social sciences and humanities.

2. Skill Output Standards

PLO 5:Possesses the skills to communicate knowledge based on research, and to discuss professional and scientific issues with colleagues and others in the same field.

PLO 6:The ability to analyze and propose scientific solutions for managing socio-political conflicts, media crises, or non-traditional security challenges.

PLO 7:Skills in organizing, administering, and managing research projects related to professional expertise.

PLO 8:Possess a foreign language proficiency equivalent to level 4/6 (B2) of the Vietnamese Foreign Language Proficiency Framework, to be able to use it in researching professional documents, writing scientific reports, presenting and discussing specialized issues.

3. Output standards regarding autonomy and responsibility.

PLO 9:They are capable of adapting, self-directing, and guiding others in using professional methods and skills to identify and participate in problem-solving.

PLO 10:They possess the ability to research, identify, and draw expert conclusions in addressing socio-political issues.

4. Job positions that students can take on after graduation.

Upon graduation, Master's degree holders in Political Science are fully capable of assuming diverse positions in Party and State agencies, media organizations, public service units, armed forces, businesses, and international organizations. Specifically:

Group 1: Research and Teaching Positions

- Job position:

+ Researchers at political theory institutions, strategic research institutes, and specialized research institutes;

+ Lecturers teaching Political Science, Party Building, International Relations, Management Science, etc., at the National Academy of Politics, provincial/city political schools, universities, colleges, and schools within the armed forces;

- Key competency requirements: Possess sharp analytical thinking; master modern political science research methods; capable of independently designing and conducting scientific research projects.

Group 2: Advisory, consulting, and managerial leadership positions

- Job position:

+ Experts, staff, and consultants in agencies responsible for formulating policies and guidelines of the Party and the State (Party Committees, National Assembly Office, Government Office, People's Councils, People's Committees at all levels);

+ Leaders and managers in the political system and socio-political organizations; officers in the armed forces units;

- Key competency requirements: Possess a modern national governance mindset; strong policy analysis and evaluation skills; ability to identify and address non-traditional security issues and social conflicts.

Group 3: Media positions (print, radio, television)

- Job position:

+ Reporters, editors, and commentators specializing in current affairs, politics, and international relations at central and local press agencies, radio stations, and television channels;

+ Political and social editor at publishing houses and specialized journals.

- Key competencies required: Strong political conviction; keen awareness of current events; skills in analyzing media power and shaping public opinion.

Group 4: Positions at domestic and foreign corporations and businesses.

- Job position:

+ Specialists in Government Relations, Public Relations, and External Affairs at domestic and foreign economic corporations and businesses;

+ Officers in charge of Party work, governance, and building corporate culture.

- Key competencies required: In-depth understanding of Vietnam's political system and legal framework; ability to forecast policy changes affecting the business environment; and skills in dialogue and policy advocacy.

Group 5: Positions at international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

+ Job positions: Project manager, analyst at non-governmental organizations, development investment funds and international organizations in Vietnam;

Key competency requirements: Understanding of international politics; knowledge of sustainable development management and international integration.

5. Opportunities for further learning and professional development after graduation.

Upon graduating from the Master's program in Political Science, with a foundation of in-depth theoretical knowledge, modern management thinking, and independent research capabilities, students will be fully capable of:

- Continue studying and researching at a higher level (PhD level) in the same and related fields at training institutions and research institutes in Vietnam and abroad;

- Lifelong self-learning and research:

+ Possesses the ability to independently update knowledge on political theory, public administration, and global political trends to serve professional work;

+ Capable of participating in training courses to enhance leadership and management skills (such as Advanced Political Theory, National Defense and Security Knowledge Training, Strategic Cadre Training, etc.) as required by the political system;

+ Capable of conducting independent research and publishing in prestigious national and international specialized scientific journals (ISI/Scopus).

PART III: TRAINING PROGRAM CONTENT

Note:One credit is equivalent to 50 hours of student-standard learning, including time spent observing lectures, guided lessons, self-study, research, experiences, and participating in tests and assessments; for classroom teaching activities, one credit requires a minimum of 15 hours of lectures or 30 hours of practical work, experiments, and discussions, with one classroom hour counted as 50 minutes.

(1): Theory

(2): Practice, Experiment, Discussion

(3): Internship, Research, Self-study with assessment