International and Diplomatic Studies
The aim of the doctoral programme is to extend knowledge, competencies and skills required for independent research in this area. Emphasis is given especially to the development of scholarly expertise, including in-depth knowledge of International Relations theories, methodology and research techniques. Simultaneously, comprehensive understanding of contemporary international relations and diplomacy, and an analytical toolkit for the interdisciplinary study of globalisation processes are systematically developed.
The doctoral programme in International and Diplomatic Studies aims to produce outstanding specialists in International Relations. Its design enables students to gain advanced interdisciplinary knowledge of various international relations branches (politics, economics, international law, security, culture, and the environment) at both theoretical and empirical levels as a necessary background for their research.
Upon successful completion of the doctoral degree, graduates will understand the principles of scholarly work, ethics and research design, and will be familiar with research methodology. They will gain the ability to propose new methodological approaches and to apply them when carrying out individual research tasks. Furthermore, they will gain the competencies and skills necessary for independent creative scholarly work and research upon the completion and successful defence of their doctoral thesis.
Corresponding to the character of the International Relations discipline, special attention is paid to understanding the mutual relations between theory and practice, interdisciplinarity and the development of skills required for interdisciplinary analysis. At the same time, the core of the programme is situated in international politics, diplomacy and economics. Other aspects of contemporary international relations such as law, culture and the environment are also taken into consideration.
The programme is designed primarily for graduates in social sciences (including economics) and humanities. It is suitable for candidates motivated to work in academia, capable of abstract theoretical thinking, comprehensive and systematic approach to theoretical and empirical problems, searching for gaps in the current state of knowledge, and trying to fill them by formulating new research questions, designing research, and using relevant research methodology. For the successful completion of the programme an excellent command of English is required, while advanced knowledge of other languages, especially those of specific countries which the candidate intends to research, is also recommended.
The programme educates young scholars in the fields of general and applied research. The degree prepares graduates for successful careers in academic and research institutions, as well as in foreign service. Graduates will also be qualified for careers in management or as leaders of international projects, or as experts and analysts in international institutions. Last but not least, graduates may opt to become specialists in internationalized companies or to work in the media.
Compulsory courses:
- SMS986 International Relations: Theoretical and Methodological Approaches
- SMS982 Academic Research in International Studies
Elective courses:
The PhD candidate chooses one of the following three subjects on the recommendation of a supervisor:
- MO_922 Methodology of Science
- SMS983 Qualitative Methods in International Studies
- STP915 Statistical Methods for Scientific Research
The PhD candidate chooses one of the following four subjects on the recommendation of a supervisor:
- MIE911 Economics (Microeconomics – Macroeconomics)
- MAE911 Economics (Macroeconomics – Microeconomics)
- SE_907 Economic Analysis and International Comparisons
The PhD candidate chooses one of the following seven subjects on the recommendation of a supervisor:
- SMS981 Foreign Policy: Theory and Practice
- SMS984 Globalisation and Global Sociocultural Change
- SMS985 International Security in the Age of Global Terrorism and Rising Tension at the NATO’s
- astern Border
- SMS988 Scholarly Publishing in International Studies and Diplomacy
- SMS987 The International System – Structure, Evolution, Trends
- SMS989 Czech Foreign Policy: Conceptualisation and Realisation
- SMS990 Diplomacy in a Changing World: Theory and Practice
Optional and supplementary courses:
Upon agreement with their supervisor, the PhD candidate may choose another one or two courses relevant to the doctoral thesis (see the list of accredited courses for doctoral programmes).
Foreign language courses for the doctoral study programme are delivered by the language departments.
The PhD candidate performs other duties in accordance with the Study and Examination Rules and the Individual Study Plan.
In accordance with the Study and Examination Rules, the PhD candidate also has to record in their Individual Study Plan a doctoral state examination (in the electronic information system it is referred to as the subject 2SDZ – Doctoral State Examination) as well as the defence of the thesis (in the electronic information system it is referred to as the subject 2ODIS – Defence of Thesis).