Information on Theses

For the writing of final theses principles scientific research and methods apply. This work shall highlight a student's ability to successfully develop and execute a sophisticated specialised research question based on scientific standards in content and form. The Chair of Public and Nonprofit Management supervises (solely) theses for Bachelor and Master studies (with a focus on Economics and Administrative Science) with research questions in the area of public or nonprofit management.

The organisation of appointments for consultations on Bachelor's and Master's theses is carried out through Moodle.

Information sheet for theses

 The information sheet for the formal layout of theses.

Colloquium

Every semester the chair offers a colloquium for theses in the area of public management for students that write their theses with us. It is expected that all students, that write their theses (Bachelor's and Master's) at the chair, participate in our colloquium. During the colloquium students have to present their project and discuss it with their colleagues. For Bachelor students of Economics it is also possible to get this class credited as key qualification (Schlüsselqualifikation) with 3 LP. The organisation of appointments for consultations on Bachelor's and Master's theses is carried out throughMoodle.

Topic Suggestions

Theses should have a clear reference to the teaching and research profile of the Chair of Public and Nonprofit Management. This applies in particular topics related to

  • Administrative and/or management reforms in the public sector
  • Use and introduction of management instruments in the public and nonprofit sector
  • Functional aspects of management in administration and NPOs (e.g. Human Resource, financial and change management).

Accordingly a wide range of topics are possible. In consultation with us you should deduct an empirical research question that has a strong practical implication or an accorfin  in Letztlich sollten Sie in Absprache mit uns eine empirische Fragestellung, die einen nachvollziehbaren Praxisbezug bzw. entsprechende Relevanz besitzt, definieren und bearbeiten. Auch und gerade bei der Themenwahl empfiehlt sich die Kontaktaufnahme mit dem Lehrstuhlteam, wobei eine wenigstens ungefähre thematische Ausrichtung schon vorab überlegt sein sollte.

 

Topics of Master's Theses with Partners from Practice

Various organizations in the field are interested in having Master's students work on certain topics within the framework of theses. The organizations usually offer their support in the preparation of the thesis. This support normally comprises access to dialog partners and material. We are in contact with some of these organizations and will be glad to refer you when suitable topics have been chosen and are available.  We will also support you in establishing contact with a practice partner of your choice.

Application Procedure

Formal Application with the Responsible Examination Office

For the application and examination procedures your specific courses's study and examination regulations apply. On the Economics and Social Science examination offices' website you will find all further information. Additional information can be obtained from the staff of the faculty responsible for examinations.

Bachelor's Theses

Every semester, the chair conducts an application procedure for Bachelor students. If you are interested in writing your thesis at the Chair of Public and Nonprofit Management it is obligatory that you have successfully completed the lecture "Introduction to Public Management" or one of our Bachelor's seminars.
If you comply with the requirements, you can apply via email at our secretariat (sek-pumauni-potsdamde) until the end of November (for the summer semester) and the end of May (for the winter semester) respectively. This email should include the following information: sollte folgende Informationen beinhalten:

  • Name
  • Course of studies
  • Experiences in the area public and nonprofit management (university classes, internships, professional experience, ...)
  • Current class performance list from PULS
  • Indication of two subject areas of public and nonprofit management, Angabe von zwei Themengebieten des Public und Nonprofit Managements, in which you can imagine writing your theses.

The chair decides within three weeks after the end of the application deadline if a supervision is possible and will contact you thereafter.

Master's theses

The chair supervises Master's theses of students that have chosen and successfully completed at least two seminars in the master area (Economics) or key module Public Management (Administrative Science).
Every semester, the chair conducts an application procedure for Master students. The application deadlines are based on the deadline for the Master's degree in Administrative Science. If you comply with the requirements, you can apply via email at our secretariat (sek-pumauni-potsdamde) until the end of November (for the summer semester) and the end of May (for the winter semester) respectively. This email should include the following information:

  • Name
  • Course of studies
  • Experiences in the area public and nonprofit management (university classes, internships, professional experience, ...)
  • Current class performance list from PULS
  • Indication of two subject areas of public and nonprofit management, Angabe von zwei Themengebieten des Public und Nonprofit Managements, in which you can imagine writing your theses.

The chair decides within three weeks after the end of the application deadline if a supervision is possible and will contact you thereafter.

 

It is possible to attend the colloquium before we confirm a supervision of your thesis. The participation of the colloquium does not garantee for a supervision.