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The study program International Relations is without specialization.

Graduates of our doctoral program in international relations are well-equipped to find work as highly qualified experts in academia (i.e. in research), analytical departments, and universities. Their qualifications enable them to apply their skills in leadership positions in government agencies, the administrative apparatus of international organizations, international NGOs, and a whole spectrum of private-sector institutions. The knowledge and skills our graduates acquire in the analysis of international politics, international economic relations, European integration, and international law are underpinned by a conversance with relevant theoretical concepts and methodologies.

clear definition and substantiation of the topic

review of the literature and the current state of the art in the area of the project

Doctoral studies at the FSS are primarily research-based. However, students are also expected to attend a certain number of graduate seminars and lectures (the exact number depends on the subject), so it is not possible for students to complete their doctorate by research alone.

Description of verification and evaluation criteria

The admission procedure follows the Study and Examination Rules of Charles University and the admission requirements published in the SIS.

The admission procedure is commenced on the basis of a research proposal for a Ph.D. dissertation. Applicants are required to send the proposal by 13th May 2022.

Applicants for the doctoral program in the field of International Relations may choose a dissertation topic from the list of priority topics provided by the Department of International Relations (IR) and the Department of Security Studies for the given academic year (these topics are published on the IR Department’s webpage by 14th February 2022 at the latest).

The applicants are strongly advised to consult a potential supervisor regarding the research proposal prior to its submission.

The admission procedure runs in two rounds.

 In the first round, the admission board evaluates the research proposal on the basis of its academic value and its compatibility with the priority topics offered by the Departments and sets the required threshold in points for the advance to the second round. The evaluation of the project by the admission board in the first round is based on individual markings of its members and is established as an arithmetic average (max. 30 points), topped up eventually by a bonus for priority topic if the project qualifies (max. 10 points). Bonus points are allotted based on the quality of the project and its compatibility with the research profile of the Department. The number of prioritized projects reflects the supervisory capacity of the Department. The threshold will be determined on the basis of the number of applicants, the quality of their projects, the representation of priority themes among the applicants, and the distribution among the proposed supervisors. Applicants who pass the threshold are invited for the second round which takes the form of an interview. 

In the first round, the applicant may receive up to 40 points

The interview aims to assess the ability of the applicant to explain:

the theoretical and methodological framework of the proposed project

feasibility of the research plan, its limits

The interview is evaluated in points as well, and the applicant may receive up to 30 points. At this point, the admission board collectively deliberates to evaluate the answers of the applicant around the fixed set of questions reflecting the aims of the interview. In the second round, it is possible to receive an eventual bonus of up to 10 points for publications (articles, essays) related to the topic of the dissertation project.

In the second round, the applicant may receive up to 40 points.

The applicant may receive up to 80 points in total.

The candidate must be a Master's degree graduate, preferably in the fields of social science and humanities.

The point limit for accepting applicants is set by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences of Charles University, taking into account the number of applicants and the capacity of the faculty.

Admission to Doctoral studies is conditioned by successful completion of a Master's study program.

Admissions Option 2

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Graduates of the doctoral program of International Relations are well-equipped to find work as highly qualified experts in academia, i.e. in research institutions, universities, as well as think-tanks. Their qualification allows them to apply their skills in managerial positions in government agencies, the administration of international organizations, international NGOs, and a whole spectrum of private-sector institutions.

PhD in International Relations Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University (FSV UK)

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