International Relations and Energy Security

The study programme focuses on a detailed study of energy security issues in the context of international relations. Multidisciplinarity is its unique feature - it combines social studies with findings of more technical fields, economics, and law. The aim is to equip students with sufficient knowledge to analyse problems and use the acquired skills in practice. The study programme thus reflects the growing demand of the energy sector for experts in political and strategic issues who combine knowledge of international/political relations with technical, economic, and legal aspects. The instruction is based on critical approach and demanding teaching methods which develop analytical and conceptional thinking of students and their skills in communication, creativity, and team work. The students become acquainted with the terminology, concepts, and methods used in energy security and international relations regarding their application in practice.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• Graduate acquires full university education as a precondition for finding his or her position on the job market.
• Graduate understands principles of functioning of the energy sector of the Czech Republic.
• Graduate understands the energy policy of the EU and is able to discuss its basic dimensions and mechanisms.
• Graduate understands Geopolitics and is able to apply this theory on various case studies.
• Graduate commands theories, concepts, and methods of the international relations and energy security studies in an informed and creative way.

The graduates in International Relations and Energy Security study programme can pursue careers in many fields; e.g. be involved in the formation of energy legislation of the European Union, implementation of energy policies, relevant areas of state administration, analytical or foreign units of energy companies or in media. Due to the increasing importance of energy issues, positions can be found in diplomatic services or in international institutions, with special regard to the EU. Last but not least, graduates can find jobs in research or in academic sphere.

Even if practical training is supported, it is not an obligatory part of the study plan. The Department of International Relations and European Studies, however, has been actively involved in the gradual building up and development of relations with organisations that can help the students in gaining practical skills and experience. The developing system of internships and study visits (primarily through the Erasmus study programme) can be seen as the main contribution in this area.

A standard scope of a thesis is 9,000 words (+/- 10%) including footnotes and bibliography. Students should demonstrate the ability to work critically with data and relevant literature, processing them using advanced theories and methods. Instructions for Final State Examinations and elaboration of the Bachelor's/Diploma thesis are regulated by FSS Directive No. 6/2019 On Final State Examinations for Students of the Faculty of Social Studies of Masaryk University.

The graduates can progress to further studies in the doctoral degree programme.