International and Diplomatic Studies
The aim of the doctoral programme in International and Diplomatic Studies is to expand the knowledge, competencies and skills necessary for independent research in this field. The programme places particular emphasis on developing scholarly expertise, including a deep understanding of International Relations theories, methodology and analytical techniques. At the same time, it fosters comprehensive understanding of contemporary international relations and diplomacy, equipping students with an analytical toolkit essential for the interdisciplinary study of globalisation processes.
The programme is designed to cultivate outstanding specialists in International Relations. It enables students to acquire advanced interdisciplinary knowledge across various branches of the discipline both at theoretical and empirical levels, providing a strong foundation for their research.
Upon successful completion of the doctoral degree, graduates will possess a thorough understanding of scholarly work principles, ethics and research design, alongside familiarity with a range of research methodologies. They will gain the ability to propose innovative methodological approaches and apply them to individual research tasks. Furthermore, graduates will have developed the competencies and skills required for independent creative scholarly work, which will culminate in the completion and successful defence of their doctoral thesis.
Given the interdisciplinary nature of International Relations discipline, special attention is paid to understanding the relationship between theory and practice, as well as the development of skills necessary for interdisciplinary analysis. While the programme’s core focuses on international politics, diplomacy and economics, it also incorporates othe dimensions of contemporary international relations such as law, culture and the environment.
The programme is primarily intended for graduates in the social sciences (including economics) and humanities. It is suited for candidates who are motivated to pursue careers in academia, posses strong theoretical reasoning skills, and can approach theoretical and empirical problems comprehensively and systematically. These candidates are expected to identify gaps in the current body of knowledge, formulate new research questions, design research, and employ appropriate methodologies. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for successful completion of the programme, while advanced knowledge of other languages—particularly those relevant to the candidate’s research focus— is recommended.
The programme equips young scholars to excel in both general and applied research. Graduates are prepared for successful careers in academic and research institutions, as well as in diplomatic services. Additionally, they will be qualified to work in management roles, lead international projects or serve as experts and analysts in international organisations. Finally, graduates may pursue careers in multinational corporations or the media as specialists in international affairs.
Compulsory courses:
- SMS986 International Relations: Theoretical and Methodological Approaches
- SMS982 Academic Research in International Studies
Elective courses:
The PhD candidate selects one of the following courses on the recommendation of their supervisor:
- SMS983 Qualitative Methods in International Studies
- STP915 Statistical Methods for Scientific Research
The PhD candidate selects one of the following three courses on the recommendation of their supervisor:
- MIE911 Economics (Microeconomics – Macroeconomics)
- MAE911 Economics (Macroeconomics – Microeconomics)
- SE_907 Economic Analysis and International Comparisons
The PhD candidate selects one of the following courses on the recommendation of their supervisor:
- SMS981 Foreign Policy: Theory and Practice
- SMS984 Globalisation and Global Sociocultural Change
- SMS985 International Security in the Age of Global Terrorism and Rising Tension at the NATO’s
- astern Border
- SMS988 Scholarly Publishing in International Studies and Diplomacy
- SMS987 The International System – Structure, Evolution, Trends
- SMS989 Czech Foreign Policy: Conceptualisation and Realisation
- SMS990 Diplomacy in a Changing World: Theory and Practice
Optional and supplementary courses:
Upon agreement with their supervisor, the PhD candidate may select another one or two courses relevant to their doctoral thesis (see the list of accredited courses for doctoral programmes).
Foreign language courses for the doctoral study programme are offered by the language departments.
The PhD candidate is also required to fulfil other responsibilities in accordance with the Study and Examination Rules and their Individual Study Plan.
In line with the Study and Examination Rules, the PhD candidate must record in their Individual Study Plan the doctoral state examination (referred to as the subject 2SDZ – Doctoral State Examination in the electronic information system) and the thesis defence (referred to as the subject 2ODIS – Defence of Thesis in the electronic information system).