MA in International Relations: Europe from the Visegrad Perspective

This joint Master’s degree program in international relations is carried out within the framework of the VNDREAM network, which consists of Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland), Masaryk University (Czech Republic), University of Pecs (Hungary) and Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica (Slovakia). This joint Master’s program offers a unique opportunity to study international relations, European politics, economy, society & culture from the perspective of the Visegrad region. Experienced faculty of the leading universities from the Visegrad region as well as visiting professors and guest lecturers from renowned international academic and diplomatic institutions provide insightful and inspiring instruction about major developments in contemporary international law, economics, politics, and culture in light of the European integration processes seen from the standpoint of the Visegrad region.

Structure

The program lasts 4 semesters. The overall workload corresponds to a total of 120 ECTS. English is the leading language of instruction. Instruction in the national languages of the partner universities is provided as well. Upon the completion of all requirements of the program, students obtain a joint degree equivalent to the title of the Master of Arts in accordance with the national nomenclature of the partner universities.

Students spend each semester at each partner university in the following order:

• Jagiellonian University in Kraków - first semester
• Masaryk University – second semester
• University of Pécs – third semester
• Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica – final semester

During the third and final semesters, students attend courses offered on a regular basis, master’s thesis seminars, and carry out individual research culminating in the submission of a Master’s thesis and a final examination. The Master's thesis is to be written during the last semester of the program.

Successful completion of an academic year is preconditioned by a student record of a minimum of 60 ECTS. Each partner university offers a number of courses corresponding to a minimum of 30 ECTS per semester.

Curriculum

Semester I - Jagiellonian University in Kraków

• History and Theory of International Relations, 30 hours*
• Current Developments in International Public Law, 30 hours*
• Political and Social History of CEE in the 20th Century: from the turn of Centuries to the end of World War II*
• Europe as Normative Power: Central European Perspective, 30 hours
• Culture and Society in Central Europe: Dilemmas of Identity and Pluralism, 30 hours
• Security and Democracy in Europe after 1989. A Central European Perspective, 30 hours
• Religion, Diversity, and Toleration in Central and Eastern Europe, 30 hours
• Academic Skills Workshop, 30 hours
• Foreign Language, 60 hours*

*Compulsory courses.

Semester II - Masaryk University

• Europe in Global Economy, 26 hours*
• European Governance and Multilevel Politics, 26 hours*
• Transformation of Central and Eastern Europe, 26 hours*
• Politics of Euroscepticism, 26 hours
• EU foreign policy toward Russia and Eastern Partnership countries, 26 hours
• How do they see us? The Czech Republic and its European Partners, 26 hours
• Comparative Politics of EU countries, 26 hours
• Theory of International Relations and European Integration, 26 hours
• Research Methods in Social Science (Optional but Highly Recommended), 26 hours

*Compulsory courses.

Semester III - University of Pécs

• Political Culture in CEEC/V4 in Comparative Perspective, 26 hours*
• V4 in Transition – Democracy in V4, 26 hours*
• International Political Economy – the V4 States and the Economic Transformation, 26 hours*
• Ecopolicy and Sustainable Development in CEE/V4, 26 hours
• Regional Integration in CEE/V4, 26 hours
• Regionalism, Local Governments, Civil Society in CEE/V4, 26 hours
• Master’s Thesis Seminar Part I, 26 hours*

*Compulsory courses. 

Semester IV - Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica

• Political System of Visegrad Countries, 26 hours*
• Post-Modern International Relations Theories, 26 hours*
• Security Environments in the Visegrad Group Countries, 26 hours*
• International Migration Policy, 26 hours
• International Economic Relations, 26 hours
• Theory and Practice of Diplomacy, 26 hours
• Master’s Thesis Seminar Part II, 13 hours*
• MA Thesis and Exam*

*Compulsory courses.

Upon the completion of this program graduates will demonstrate high competence in both the history and culture of the Visegrad and the wider Central Europe region as background for a better understanding of contemporary international relations as exemplified in the impact of European integration. More specifically they will acquire the knowledge necessary to better understand the complex nature of the interplay between global and regional phenomena affecting the functioning of international organizations, businesses, and civil society. Graduates will be prepared to work in international organizations, diplomatic services, public administration, mass media, and civil society organizations. If interested in pursuing an academic career, graduates will acquire the analytical ability to carry out individual research as prospective doctoral students.