International Relations and European Politics

Challenge yourself to impact the world

Degree programme objectives

The bachelor degree program in the field of International Relations and European Politics aims to develop an understanding of international relations and European politics. Special emphasis is laid on the ability to analyse, assess, interpret, and understand theoretical aspects of examined issues with systematic critical reflection in expert activities. Focus is directed particularly toward modern issues, theories of conflict and cooperation, theories of European integration, and international political economy.

A progressive curriculum in soft and practical skills and research methods in social science prepares students for high-quality expert analytical work in practice and academia. Structured emphasis on the development of students’ analytical skills throughout the program prepares students for success on the global labor market or graduate study among the global academic competition.

Find out more at: https://irep.fss.muni.cz/bachelor/about

Study plans

International Relations and European Politics

full-time, single-subject

Admission Procedures
Admission Bachelor program International Relations (IREP) Fall 2024 (beginning September 2024)
Submission deadline until midnight 1/6/2024

Acceptance round information
This application is only for semester Fall 2024 (beginning September 2024). If you want to study from Spring semester 2024 (beginning in February 2024) please submit the online application for this semester (application deadline on November 15, 2023).
Information on entrance examinations designed for this degree programme
The admission procedure consists of two rounds: Round 1 Processing of documents 1. Proof of English 2. ID or Passport 3. Transcript of records (graduating grades are sufficient) 4. Cover letter A minimum of 30 (out of 40) points from the above are necessary for an invitation to the second round and an online interview. Further details are below. Round 2 Online interview A minimum of 30 (out of 40) points is necessary for admission. Further details are below. The next steps of the admission process and entrance conditions will be communicated to you through the online application and by letter/email from the university. You can track the status of your application by yourself through the online application system anytime. Recognized English certificates Tests must be within the last two years at time of submission to be considered valid. B2 Cambridge English Certificate with a total score between 160 and 179 Cambridge English Certificate: B2 First (FCE) Cambridge English Certificate: B2 First for Schools B2 IELTS Academic score 5,5–6,5 B2 IELTS General Training score 5,5–6,5 TOEIC Listening and Reading Test: Listening: 400 (B2); Reading: 385 (B2) TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test: Speaking: 160 (B2); Writing: 150 (B2) TOEFL iBT: 72 (B2): Reading: 18 (B2); Listening: 17 (B2); Speaking: 20 (B2); Writing: 17 (B2) TOEFL ITP Level 1: 543 (B2): TOEFL ITP Section Scores: Listening Comprehension: 54 (B2); Structure and Written Expression: 53 (B2); Reading Comprehension: 56 (B2) TOEFL Junior Standard: Listening Comprehension: 290–300 (B2); Language Form and Meaning: 280–300 (B2); Reading Comprehension: 280–300 (B2) ELSA – English Language Skills Assessment B2 JETSET ESOL International Qualifications B2 LanguageCert International ESOL (Listening, Reading, Writing) – Communicator B2 LanguageCert International ESOL Spoken Exam – Communicator B2 (both certificates are necessary) IESOL – Communicator B2 LanguageCert ISESOL – Communicator B2 Pearson Tests of English General (Level 3) telc English B2 Duolingo English test: score +105

Studies

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Objectives
The bachelor degree program in the field of International Relations and European Politics aims to develop an understanding of international relations and European politics. Special emphasis is laid on the ability to analyse, assess, interpret, and understand theoretical aspects of examined issues with systematic critical reflection in expert activities. Focus is directed particularly toward modern issues, theories of conflict and cooperation, theories of European integration, and international political economy.

A progressive curriculum in soft and practical skills and research methods in social science prepares students for high-quality expert analytical work in practice and academia. Structured emphasis on the development of students’ analytical skills throughout the program prepares students for success on the global labor market or graduate study among the global academic competition.

Find out more at: https://irep.fss.muni.cz/bachelor/about
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:
- analyse key dimensions of international relations and European politics
- interpret current issues in European and world politics with theoretical backing
- critically use modern theories of international relations and European politics in expert analysis
- independently specify and solve complex problems of IR and European politics using appropriate theoretical, conceptual and methodological apparatus
- creatively and analytically work in teams and participate in projects
Occupational Profiles of Graduates
The graduates may continue in master programs worldwide or find employment in a number of professional areas. Especially: in public administration and diplomatic services, in research and analytical institutes, in academic-educational work at universities, in the apparatus of political parties, as journalists a and in international organisations. Graduates are very likely to find a job in the corporate sphere, particularly in large multinational organisations.
Practical Training
The program fully accommodates and encourages internships and exchange stays to further develop practical and communication skills and networks.

Students of the field can electively participate in practical training with all types of potential employers. The department cultivates and continues to expand the existing rich offer of practical courses and training opportunities for applicants.
Goals of Theses
The word count of a bachelor thesis is set to between 8,500 and 10,000 words including footnotes, front-page, contents, index, bibliography, and annotation. The character of the bachelor thesis may follow 4 formats. 1) Research paper, 2) Literature review, 3) Policy paper, 4) Extended position paper - with specific guidelines published in the IS.
Students can work both already published works as well as primary data accessible for secondary analysis. They should prove they are able to work critically with academic texts and apply concepts and international relations and EP theories therein to find relevant answers to their research question. The objective of bachelor thesis is particularly to improve students’ abilities to employ methods of data collection and analysis taught in the program in expert activities. Generating new findings in the field is welcomed but is not a passing requirement.
Guidelines for final state exams and writing a Bachelor’s/ Master’s thesis are regulated by the Directive FSS No. 5/2024 State Final Examinations, Final Theses and their Defences.
Access to Further Studies
Students are fully eligible to continue their graduate studies in any program of the corresponding area worldwide. They may continue in the IREP Master's program which is a direct continuation of their bachelor education. They are also in a prime position for continuing in any of the 6 English language Master's programs at FSS MU.