International Relations and European Politics

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.