Programme description

This joint Master’s degree programme 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). Programme 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. Students spend each semester at each partner university. Scholarships 'Visegrad grant' awarded by the International Visegrad Fund are awarded to the best ranked students enrolled for the programme in the respective academic year.

👉  Read more about programme in International Relations

👉  Information on Visegrad Grant

Information regarding Faculty

The programme is run by a VNDREAM Consortium composed of four universities:

• the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Faculty of International and Political Studies (project coordinator),
• the Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, Faculty of Political Science and International Relations,
• University of Pecs, Faculty of Humanities and
• Masaryk University, Faculty of Social Science.

The consortium is a network of excellence of established Visegrad countries’ universities with the aim to spur co-operation and the exchange of best practices in the academic fields of international relations and European studies as seen in the perspective of Visegrad region.

👉  Learn more about the VNDREAM consortium

The Faculty of International and Political Studies is the most international and interdisciplinary unit at the Jagiellonian University. It offers unique programmes conducted in English, many of which are delivered under agreements with foreign universities. The Faculty provides students with an opportunity to study in a nationally and culturally diverse environment, both in Polish and foreign languages. This creates the space for getting to know each other and supports students' development during their studies and in their professional careers. The Faculty’s complex structure reflects the diversity of scientific research conducted in this unit. Therefore, students have an opportunity to study among specialists dealing with matters from almost every corner of the globe. The Faculty of International and Political Studies headquarters is located in a modern building near the Jagiellonian Library, Błonia, and Jordan Parks. 

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

• Scientific category A in the main discipline of Political Science and Public Administration awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Curriculum overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

Student’s life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations operate at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences, and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls. There are many student associations at the Faculty of International and Political Studies.

Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes, such as Erasmus+, CEEPUS, Utrecht Network, bilateral exchange programmes, European university Una Europa, or the domestic mobility programme called MOST.

More than just studies

• Student associations at the Faculty of International and Political Studies
• Student Government of the Faculty of International and Political Studies

Admission to studies

Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System: irk.uj.edu.pl. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific study programme directly.

Graduates

Graduates of International Relations will acquire in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in the field of contemporary international relations in the global, European and regional dimensions with particular emphasis on the Central European perspective on key global and regional processes in the sphere of economy, security, society and culture as well as the position and role of Europe and the Visegrad region in contemporary international system. These competences will be built upon the foundation of the history, languages and culture of Central Europe. Graduates of this study program will be prepared to work in international institutions, public administration, media and non-governmental organizations. They will acquire competences necessary to conduct individual research in the framework of third degree studies.

Further education possibilities

• Doctoral School, f.e. Doctoral School of Social Sciences
• Post diploma programmes
• Second-cycle programmes

What alumni say about us

Agata Mazepus (Poland)
The idea of the programme itself is great. How otherwise to learn about the politics, societies, culture, and economy of the countries you study than experience it there? The opportunity to learn about the Central European region from the perspective of each country is uncanny. It is always better to hear the different sides of the story.

Daniela Ivankova (Slovakia)
I consider Visegrad MA Programme as a great enrichment of my student life. I appreciate that we can study under experienced and qualified experts and they use different educational methods. This program is made for people who are not afraid of changes and they can adapt quickly to new environment and new people. The biggest advantage for me is the international environment, which helps to get rid of different prejudices. I am deeply interested in what I study and this programme gives me the opportunity to obtain internationally recognized education, which will be hopefully helpful for my future career.

Contact

The study programme is conducted at the Faculty of International and Political Studies. The Faculty is located in the new building, close to the Jagiellonian Library, Jordan Park, and Błonia Park. For more information, please contact:

v4@uj.edu.pl

ul. Reymonta 4
30-059 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 663 27 80

v4.uj.edu.pl
wsmip.uj.edu.pl

Other programmes that may interest you

• International Relations and Public Diplomacy (Faculty of International and Political Studies)
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