The English-taught PhD Programme at the Faculty of International and Political Studies (FIPS) constitutes on the one hand a response to expectations of many alumni of MA study programmes in English, and on the other is a natural continuation of the Faculty’s educational offer. A high level of internationalisation and qualified academic staff allows us to conduct the PhD programme entirely in  English, which is directed mainly at international students, but also those Polish students who are willing and able to prepare a PhD dissertation in English. The annual fee for the programme amounts to EUR 4200.

The programme lasts for 4 years and reflects the interdisciplinary character of our Faculty. FIPS is accredited to award PhD titles in the social sciences and humanities, thus completing the programme will result in a PhD either in political science or in cultural studies. This will be dependent on the chosen research track followed by PhD candidates – they may choose between the political science track (PS) and cultural studies track (CS). The two tracks will differ slightly when it comes to the catalogue of obligatory and elective courses, but the majority of classes will be common for both tracks.

 

The programme consists of three main modules:

1. Obligatory and Elective courses connected to each track, which will allow PhD candidates to deepen their knowledge either in political science or cultural studies. This module requires the completion of 2 courses: one core course within the chosen track (Theories of Politics for the PS and Theories of Culture for the CS), and one elective within the chosen track;
2. Academic skills courses aim at preparing PhD candidates to do actual research. In order to conclude this module it is necessary to complete workshops on Research Design and Academic Writing as well as a workshop on qualitative or quantitative research methods.  
3. Teaching skills courses will prepare PhD candidates with the tools to effectively teach undergraduate and graduate level courses.

Apart from the modules above, the PhD candidate is obliged to complete a foreign language course and take part in PhD seminars and consultations in which he or she would be required to confront his/her research project with opinions and suggestions of FIPS academic staff and other PhD students. The study programme also envisages a placement in the form of 30h/year teaching activities and the possibility to take part in a „writing camp”, during which students will be able to focus solely on writing a dissertation or an academic article.

The programme is structured in such a way that most of the classes will be cumulated during the first two semesters. This will allow more time for the PhD candidates to engage in actual research-based activities, including writing the dissertation. In order to successfully complete the programme one has to gain at least 39 ECTS, submit the dissertation, pass exams from the main discipline (political science or cultural studies) and supplementary discipline (philosophy or economy), as well as a foreign language. The Programme is concluded by a public defence of the dissertation, after which the PhD title in the relevant discipline is awarded.

 

Programme graduates are qualified to conduct research in political science or cultural studies (depending on the chosen track). They are able to identify significant research gaps and problems in their area of expertise and design as well as conduct research that would lead to an original analysis and results. The graduates are also able to successfully perform teaching activities and are familiar with ways to gain financial resources to fund their research. They are prepared to take up a professional career in academia, as analysts in the public sector, think-tanks, research institutes and NGOs.